NORTH SAILS BLOG

KEYS TO FINDING YOUR UPWIND GROOVE What To Look For How wide is your groove? Sounds like a question from the ‘60s, doesn’t it? In this story, North expert Skip Dieball explains the upwind groove and tells us what to look for. Earlier this year, as part of a story called Achieving Balance in Your Sailplan, we discussed refining your boat’s upwind angle of attack. That’s another term we use to describe your upwind groove—the point of sail in which you sail against the wind most efficiently, at a consistent angle of heel. In practice, the groove covers a range of a few degrees angle to the wind in which you are able to steer consistently at a steady speed. How your rig and sails are set will change the width of your steering groove at the start and upwind. Depending on your set-up, the groove on your boat may be narrow, with a tolerance of only a couple degrees, or wide, in which you can head up or down several degrees. If the groove is wide, you can handle gusty winds and steer around waves better, but you won’t point as close to the wind. If it’s narrow, you must maintain a precise course, which can be a challenge in variable winds but can be very fast in flat water. Sometimes I call finding the groove finding the “happy spot,” because that’s where, for a given condition, our blend of forward speed and pointing are as good or better than boats around us. The term also applies to how you’re feeling if your groove is too wide or too tight. Visual cues are also useful: if your telltales react too fast on both sides of the sail, the entry angle is super narrow; if the sail will actually luff before the telltales react, the entry angle is too wide. Adjust the forestay length If you think your groove is too wide or narrow, try changing the length of your forestay. Here’s why: All sails are cut for a certain amount of curvature, known as luff curve. The more material in the front of the sail, the deeper it will be. Your forestay needs to be long enough to match this depth, and the way to tell is by studying how your telltales react from top to bottom when you’re sailing upwind. If they react in unison—all luffing at the same time as you head up—your forestay length (and halyard tension) is about right. But if the tell-tales in the mid-section of the sail are reacting differently from those at the top and bottom, then the forestay is not set up for the way your sail is cut. The shorter your headstay relative to your luff curve, the flatter the luff or entry angle will be in the middle of the sail and the quicker the middle telltales will react on both windward and leeward sides. If the headstay is too long relative to your luff round, the telltales in the middle will tend to be slower to react than those at top and bottom. In most one-design classes, you need to set the headstay length before the race and leave it. On some boats with deck-stepped masts, you will tension up the rig at the dock, such as the Thistle, Highlander or Interlake. On these boats, the sailmaker will cut sails for a static headstay sag and you’ll need to adjust the groove by means of halyard tension. This tension is spelled out in the sailmaker’s Tuning Guide. (For more on this topic, read “Why is Headstay Sag Fast Upwind in Light Air?”) On boats like the J/70 and Tartan Ten, with swept spreaders and a wide shroud base, you’ll set the headstay and then use shroud tension and backstay to tighten the forestay underway. On boats with keel-stepped masts, you can chock the mast forward at the deck to create more headstay sag and add power to the sailplan. If your mast butt is movable (like the Etchells), then you can move it aft to induce more sag or forward to tighten the forestay. Keep in mind, however, when you adjust the mast butt, you are affecting the mast pre-bend too. You can also tighten the forestay with the permanent backstay and through rig tune. The Lightning, Etchells and Star fall in this category. Change headstay tension I think of the forestay length as the gross tune for the groove and the halyard tension on each sail as the fine tune. Once you find a nice spot for the forestay, then you can fine-tune with halyard tension. Simply put, the more tension you add with the halyard, the rounder the shape forward and the wider the groove will be. Loosen up the halyard for a softer, finer entry and the groove will get narrower. Again, on different boats, the dynamics are a bit different. Jib-halyard tension is actually a key component on boats with deck-stepped masts and some boats like the J/70 have a fine tune on the jib halyard for this purpose. When I want a finer entry, I ease the halyard until I have wrinkles at the snaps along the luff of the jib. When sails are newer with a harder finish or a more true shape, it’s easier to set them up. I find the range of halyard adjustment on a new sail may be only an inch or two (depending on purchase system), while it’s five inches on an older sail. Either way, it’s good to have marks on your halyards for quick reference; we color code them too—red for tighter and more forgiving, black for less tension and a finer entry. Leech adjustment on the main Mainsail trim changes the width of your groove, too. If you sail with an open, twisted leech, the groove will be wider and more forgiving to sail in at speed. However, you’re not likely to point as high. If you sail with a straighter, firmer leech, the groove will be narrower. You’ll be able to point higher but both helmsman and main trimmer will need to be able to react quickly to changes or you may be slow at times. Depending on the style of boat, use of the backstay or vang-sheeting can contribute to the shape of your leech as well. Tightening the permanent backstay, if you have one, will open the leech; easing will add “hook” to it. With a deck-stepped mast or on any boat that can induce mast bend through use of the boom vang, vang-sheeting can be a powerful tool to help create a more open leech. Taken together, the forestay length, halyard tension, and mainsail leech shape can have a large impact on the width of your groove when sailing upwind. If you’re sailing upwind and feeling grumpy, try making some adjustments until you find a happier spot. All these need to work in harmony to find the ideal upwind groove. Connect with North Expert Skip Dieball for more information. READ MORE

AN EVENING WITH NORTH SAILS EXPERT HUGH BEATON Join Us On November 27th at Mimico Cruising Club Learn all about sail trim techniques, the science of sailmaking and more! Local North Sails expert Hugh Beaton will delve into North 3Di technology and the latest trends at Mimico Cruising Club on November 27th at 7pm. READ MORE

GET READY FOR OPTIORANGE VALENCIA The Entry List Is Growing! Save The Date. 📸 Denis Razumovich / OptiOrange Regatta OptiOrange Valencia 2020: the first 130 entries from 16 nations are in! With less than five months before the start of the OptiOrange Valencia 2020, the entry number has been climbing with 130 young Optimist sailors representing 16 nations signed up and ready to sail! St.Petersburg Yacht Club and the Real Club Náutico de Valencia are expecting even more entries to join in the upcoming months as new event features are announced. Conceived around three main principles – competition, fun and easy access – the OptiOrange Valencia inaugurated in 2018 with 60+ entries. For the second edition in 2019, the entry list had grown dramatically, with 316 entries from 16 nations. This led to some fine-tuning of the regatta program to make this following year even more fun and competitive. 📸 Denis Razumovich / OptiOrange Regatta As announced, there will be two race courses for junior and cadet sailors, so all competitors will be racing in their designated division, according to experience level. Just as it was this year in March 2019, the clinics will be a great learning experience as world-famous coaches will be provided for those who want to be better prepared for the 2020 season. For those traveling from far away, the organizing committee will be providing charter boats. The event also has the lowest entry fee, only 90 Euros (Early bird until February 5th, 2020) and meals will be provided during the regatta. The OptiOrange Valencia Regatta will also provide a free regatta shuttle for those who are staying in downtown Valencia. There will be on the water spectating opportunities for parents and guests wishing to witness the action. Daily prizes will be given, and of course everyone gets unlimited orange juice! OptiOrange Valencia is taking place March 5th-8th, 2020. There are teams planning to come on March 1st to train ahead of the races. Get your team ready and sign up today! Event documents and the entry form are now available. Please visit the homepage for more information. 📸 Denis Razumovich / OptiOrange Regatta 📸 Denis Razumovich / OptiOrange Regatta 📸 Denis Razumovich / OptiOrange Regatta 📸 Denis Razumovich / OptiOrange Regatta READ MORE

PLANNING YOUR BEST PERFORMANCE North Sails Hosts Two Seminars To Prep for 2020 Newport Bermuda Race 120 sailors attended a two-day Performance Seminar ahead of the 2020 Newport to Bermuda Race, which starts next June. Hosted by North Sails, with special guests Peter Isler and Chris Bedford, topics included weather, sail selection, and setting up your team for both safety and success. The presentations helped sailors make a plan, set realistic goals, and start thinking about preparations for boat, sails, and crew. Two locations The seminar began in Rhode Island with our Portsmouth loft team on Friday evening and continued Saturday morning in Milford, Connecticut. Peter Isler served as master of ceremonies, sharing his own vast offshore experience and fielded questions to the North Sails experts about how to optimize a sail inventory for the 635-mile blue water classic. Historical weather Weather guru Chris Bedford ran polars for five different boats, based on eight years of weather data and 248 race simulations, for the two weeks before and after the start date (June 19). Understanding the weather helps determine what sails to take on the race, but because different boats have different polars, optimizing your boat requires a unique sail combination. Sail selection While the sail allowance for the Bermuda race is generous, optimizing performance by taking only the sails that you know you’lll need is an important aspect of the race. Historical weather and a thorough review of your current inventory will help you identify the best fit for the 2020 race, and also look at what additions you’d want to make with plenty of advance time. Besides understanding the special sail requirements for the race, the big takeaway for sailors was that a Tweener can definitely help performance because a Tweener is a more efficient sail compared to a 75% mid girth sail. What’s a Tweener? Also known as a large roach headsail, a tweener is an off the wind sail that has a mid-girth of less than 75% and fits in between a jib and a traditional 75% mid girth Code sail. Tweeners do impact ratings, though generally lightly in ORR. The latest advancement to this multi-purpose sail is the North Helix Luff structure, which relies on Load Sharing Technology and eliminates the need for a heavy anti-torsion cable. For more details, talk to your North Sails expert to learn how to optimize your boat and team. Team preparation A 635-mile race requires several overnights, and with half the crew off-watch it’s important to optimize human performance. That means making a solid plan with a watch system, as well as food and clothing. Navigation is also very important because crossing the Gulf Stream complicates the race track. What you can do right now Seven months before the start, you should already be making preparations. For sails, make sure to have them serviced before they go into storage for the winter, and also check your inventory for any possible holes. It’s also a great time to put together your sail repair kit; ask your local North Sails expert what should be included. Thanks to this Performance Seminar, over a hundred sailors are now better prepared for a race that starts next June. Let us know how we can help you get your boat, sails, and crew ready for next year’s bluewater classic. Download Presentation Download Presentation Download Button Interstitial First Name * Last Name * Email * By entering your email address, you agree to receive emails from North Sails as well as promotional offers and announcements from North Sails. Collected information will not be shared with any third party. Privacy Policy Opt-In * I have read and understand North Sails privacy policy Age Consent Opt-In * I am 16 years or older Continue READ MORE

Surf Prvenstvo Hrvatske za 2019. Na Jadriji se odjedrilo surfersko Prvenstvo Hrvatske od 2. do 3. studenog, a jedrio se slalom, foil i free style wave. Regata je organizirana u suradnji s klubom iz Podstrane, jer u terminu koji su oni imali rezerviran u službenom kalendaru, uvjeti nisu bili zadovoljavajući. Inače je praksa surferskih regata da za važnije regate imaju klizne termine, odnosno kad se vidi da je prognoza povoljna u kratkom roku se sve organizira i akcija kreće. Ovaj vikend su uvjeti bili izvrsni za svaku klasu, a kako je u subotu bilo izrazito manje vjetra nego što ga je vremenska prognoza najavila za nedjelju, foileri su svoj dio regate odradili prvi. Tu subotu je puhalo desetak čvorova, a od šest prijavljenih sudionika jedrilo je njih pet. Ukupno su odjedrili 5 plovova u kojima je dominirao Luka Mratović (JK Labud) s idealnim učinkom. S druge strane zanimljiviji dio regate, bar bodovno gledajući, bila je borba za drugo mjesto između slovenskog jedriličara Stojana Vidakoviča (JK Sidro, Maribor) i hrvatskog predstavnika Ante Berlengija (JK Podstrana). Na početku, nakon dva plova, izgledalo je da srebro odlazi u Antine ruke, ali Stojan do kraja osvaja tri druga mjesta, a Ante u posljednjem plovu knjiži DNF. I s obzirom da na surf regatama dva odbacivanja idu nakon pet odjedrenih plovova finalna matematika je vrlo jednostavna. Nedjeljno jugo s prosjekom jačim od 20 čvorova je bilo savršeno za slalom i free style wave. Na početku je najviše posla imao dio regatnog odbora koji je bio zadužen za postavljanje regatnog polja jer je vjetar išao desno i morali su nekoliko puta presidravati bove. Srećom, more ispred Jadrijske plaže je relativno plitko i presidravanje dosta brzo ide. Takva konfiguracija morskog dna je također vrlo dobar preduvjet za održavanje free style wavea. Kako je pozicija dosta otvorena na jugo i dubina mora je dosta mala stotinjak metara od plaže, na pojedinim mjestima se stvara izvrstan val za atraktivne free style figure. Na dijelu plažu rezerviranom za free style wave jedrilo je 15-20 jedriličara, ali službeno, natjecateljski njih osmero. Prvak Hrvatske je postao Mladen Belamarić Grozni, a u ukupnom, overall poretku pobijedilo je dvoje juniora iz Slovenije. Inače su to klinci, brat i sestra, od 12 i 14 godina. Oni su bili bolji od svih ostalih za 6 klasa! U subotu, koja je bila u skladu s prognozom, puhao je lagani vjetar, pa su se surferi međusobno dogovorili da se odjedri samo foil. A u nedjelju je na kraju bilo prilično jako po pitanju vjetra i od svih 15 prijavljenih u grupi A na kraju se pojavilo samo njih 8 koji su jedrili slalom. Jednostavno, ljudima je bilo previše vjetra. Puhalo je preko 30 čvorova! E sad, nije stvar u tom da oni ne bi mogli to odvoziti, već je stvar u tome da oni nose sa sobom race opremu u kojima su jedra koja su za slalom su bila u graničnoj zoni za uvjete koji su taj dan vladali na Jadriji. Tako da su svi imali velikih problema za odjedriti polje u kojem su imali četiri bove oko kojih su se morali okretati. Prva tri slaloma je po pet surfera stizalo u cilj, a kasnije poslijepodne, kad je vjetar malo pao onda je do cilja stizalo i po njih 7-8. Wind surf je sam po sebi prilično skup, a foil je još skuplji, tako da ne može baš svatko sebi priuštiti da ima tri seta slalom opreme i foil i sve ostalo. Generalno gledajući na kraju smo prezadovoljni vremenom koje je bilo taj vikend i još je bolje što smo napravili praktički dvije odvojene regate, jer foil možemo smatrati jednom totalno drugačijom disciplinom. Petar Stošić, KJD Jadrija U slalomu je flota bila podijeljena u dvije skupine. Divizija A je rezervirana za fizički najspremnije, a takvima se ovog puta smatralo njih 14, dok su juniori, masteri i djevojke u diviziji B. Prejak vjetar bio je razlogom zašto je na kraju samo 8 natjecatelja podijelilo bodove u skupini A, od čega su dvojica uspješno kontrolirala svoje kvadrate tek u posljednja dva plova. Inače je odjedreno pet jedrenja od kojih su također dva najlošija odbacivana. Subotnji uspjeh je ponovio Luka Mratović i s identičnim rezultatom ponio doma još jednu titulu Prvaka Hrvatske. Na drugom i trećem mjestu su završili Vladan Desnica iz KJD Zagreb, dok je Jadrijaš Tonko Ivić ovjenčan broncom. Divizija B je morala pokazati puno koncentriranije jedrenje, jer su na kraju imali samo tri odjedrena plova i svaki bod je bio vrlo vrijedan jer je bilo samo jedno odbacivanje. Samo Ian Anić je odjedrio sva tri jedrenja i nakon što je odbacio drugo mjesto u trećem plovu odnosi doma titulu najboljeg sa samo dva negativna boda. Na drugom mjestu, a ujedno i kao najbolja u ženskoj konkurenciji, završava Lara Bulić. Zajednička večera u subotu navečer je iskorištena za održavanje sastanka klase na kojem je jedna od tema bila i promocija jedrenja na dasci, odnosno privlačenje mladih u ovaj vrlo atraktivan vid jedrenja. Među svim prijedlozima možda se najviše ističe prijedlog da se u program nastoji što više uvrštavati i BIC, odnosno surfovi za najmlađe, poput onih koji su se mogli vidjeti na ovogodišnjem Prvenstvu Hrvatske za neolimpijske klase koje je odjedreno u Kaštelima. A da surf mogu jedriti i oni malo stariji još jednom je dokazao g.Ivica Podrug koji je jedan od doajena ovog sporta u Hrvatskoj! Fotogaleriju drugog dana PH na Jadriji možete pronaći na ovom linku. READ MORE

A POWERFUL COLLABORATION Thomas Coville On Working With North Sails 📸 © Fred Morin / Team Sodebo Four Ultim trimarans set off today in the Brest Atlantiques Race, a 14,000-mile Atlantic Ocean loop beginning and ending in Brittany, France. Amongst the fleet is Thomas Coville who is sailing on Sodebo Ultim 3. Coville, a multi-record holder who has logged more offshore mile than we can count, sat down with us in advance of this offshore challenge to chat about why he only trusts North Sails to help him bring the seemingly unimaginable to life. READ MORE

UNE BREST ATLANTIQUES DE HAUT VOL ET 100 % NORTH SAILS 📸 Alexis Courcoux / Brest Atlantiques Ils sont 4 Ultims engagés dans la première édition de la Brest Atlantiques dont le départ a été donné ce matin à 11 heures à Brest devant la Chaussée de Sein. Ils sont aussi 4 trimarans à naviguer sous voiles North (jeu complet 3Di) et à s’affronter à très grande échelle dans ce format inédit, une boucle atlantique de 14 000 milles, soit un demi-tour du monde. Actual Leader, le maxi Edmond de Rothschild, MACIF et Sodebo Ultim 3 se sont élancés à plus de 30 nœuds de vitesse dans des conditions déjà bien musclées, mer formée de 4,50 mètres et vent de nord-nord-ouest d’une trentaine de nœuds. À bord de chaque Ultim se trouve un binôme de skippers, accompagné d’un mediaman, qui tentera de franchir le premier la ligne d’arrivée d’un parcours triangulaire sans escale allant du sud au nord de l’Atlantique en passant par Rio de Janeiro et Cape Town. L’enjeu est de taille pour ces multicoques géants dont les manœuvres et les réglages des voiles comme des appendices nécessitent concentration et précision ainsi qu'un engagement physique extrême. La prudence est de rigueur. Tous savent que cette première confrontation de vol au large ne sera pas facile. Le parcours sera tactique et les conditions intenses pour ces compétiteurs talentueux et acharnés : François Gabart/Gwénolé Gahinet (MACIF), Yves Le Blevec/Alex Pella (Actual Leader), Franck Cammas/Charles Caudrelier (Edmond de Rothschild) et Thomas Coville/Jean-Luc Nélias (Sodebo Ultim 3). À ce premier rendez-vous entre Ultims, il manque à l'appel deux autres principaux acteurs : Banque Populaire dont le nouveau bateau en construction devrait être mis à l'eau début 2021, et IDEC, mené par Francis Joyon, qui s’attaque à un record en solitaire de Port Louis dans le Morbihan à Port Louis sur l’île Maurice : « La Mauricienne ». Le retour à Brest pour les concurrents de la Brest Atlantiques est prévu début décembre. 📸 Alexis Courcoux / Brest Atlantiques 📸 Alexis Courcoux / Brest Atlantiques 📸 Alexis Courcoux / Brest Atlantiques 📸 Alexis Courcoux / Brest Atlantiques READ MORE

VIANA DO CASTELO - VIGO Between Viana do Castelo and Vigo, with a fleet of over 200 Optimists, the North Sails sailors performed a brilliant rentrée. CONGRATULATIONS! Augusto Castelo-Branco (North Sails R-2) Photo Credits: Luís Fráguas Augusto Castelo-Branco, Semana do Atlântico 2019 WINNER, sailing with R-2. Francisco Uva (North Sails R-2) Photo Credits: Luís Fráguas Francisco Uva, Troféu Cidade de Viana do Castelo WINNER, sailing with R-2. Constança P. Melo (North Sails R-2) Photo Credits: Luís Fráguas Constança Pinheiro de Melo, Troféu Cidade de Viana do Castelo 2nd Place at INFANTIS fleet, sailing with R-2. Contact us to get more info for Optimist sails and have a look at Class Victory here ! Dont´forget to use our Speed Guide Sail Fast and Go Beyond! READ MORE

FROM FLOUR SACKS TO NORTH SAILS Dave Courtney's Journey To Sailing There are few men in this world who are as genuine and as hard working as Dave Courtney. From humble beginnings, Dave has never forgotten where he comes from or meaning of hard work or the importance of giving back. Growing up on Woody Island, Newfoundland, Dave was the son of a lumberjack and homemaker who believed in using everything – nothing went to waste. His mom sewed his first set of sails out of flour sacks and the rudder was a piece of wood from the forest. Dave began sailing at the young age of 4 with his earliest memory being the wooden boats hand-made by his father out of pine from the lumber yard. They were "probably 30, 35 inch models and they were generally schooner models. " Dave shares. His father hand carved each boat – nothing fancy – just enough to have some room to sit, put in a mast or a rudder. He recalls, "He would get a piece of pine and he'd carve it out, then he'd carve out the center of it and everything. He made it as light as possible, and then he'd put on deck on it, and he'd make some masts and everything." From there, they'd sail it across the pond and in the open bay. "The other kids in my generation that lived in cities, were playing with little dinky toys and building roads and cars and trucks. We didn't have any of that, so what we would play with was just a piece of wood chopped out in shape of a boat." His first boat was a punt, as they are called in Newfoundland, which he bought for $10 and was similar to a rowboat. "It was built out of just timbers, timbers and plank. Almost everybody in Newfoundland had at least two or three." He spent that entire winter in his parent's basement cleaning it up, smoothing it down and painting it. In his younger years, no one really taught tactics or strategies or general basics of sailing to Dave and his friends.; "Nobody showed us how to not tip it over or not rip the sail and the mast, and everything straight out of it, so we used to put the sail up and kind of drift downwind." Many people assumed they were just kids on the beach having fun, it wasn't like today when it comes to teaching kids sailing. He recalls, "I had an outboard motor, I had a boat, I had sails. So I would motor upwind, and sail downwind....I didn't know I could sail upwind." © Parker Media Management After moving to Toronto in 1979, Dave still had a desire to be on the water and explore. Not one to sit around or stay still for long, Dave has always been one to seek adventure and grow his skills. He was driving down Steeles Ave. one morning and saw people windsurfing, thinking to himself he can’t afford a sailboat, but he can afford that Dave stopped by on his way to work the next morning. He took lessons, which were around $5 at the time and took to it like it was second nature; he was a natural. That entire summer he spent going up to Wasaga beach and windsurfing. From there, every chance Dave could get on the water he did. Renting boats and windsurfers at cottages up North to exploring the local sailing scene in the city, he was always seeking a way to be on the water. Fast forward a couple years, Dave and his wife Kristin got married and his mindset shifted to owning some form of a boat, "I was willing to buy a 16-foot anything, just to get out on the water." They met neighbours Herb and Beth who were members of Mississauga Sailing Club and took them out sailing. From there, they kept sailing with Herb and Beth who moved up to a 26ft C&C and after Kristin gave birth to their youngest, they decided they could make a family thing out of sailing. Enter the C&C 27, Dave's first real keelboat. After about three or four years, they moved up to the Elite sailboat, Better Still, which is how Dave got into solo sailing. "The kids would want to go over to Port Dalhousie, and they'd want to go over Saturday morning and I wanted to go over Friday night, so I would stay over on Friday night by myself." His first solo race was out of Lakeshore Yacht Club years ago with Better Still. It was 22 miles to the middle of the lake and back, requiring him to use navigation skills, of which he'd never taken any formal lessons for. Dave shares "We didn't have any electronics, there was no chart plotters or any of that stuff, so I had to learn how to read... All the chart stuff, I kind of figured that out by myself." His first Lake Ontario 300 and Susan Hood Trophy Race wasn't until 2004 with his Wednesday night crew; " My Wednesday night crew started to get pretty good and we were starting to win some races, and we were flying the spinnaker and we were getting good at that." They learned how to rig a spinnaker at the dock by fellow LSYC member Sharon Nielsen. The crew honed their skills and put them to the test on their first Lake Ontario 300, where they flew the spinnaker all night because they didn't know any better to take it down. the dumb luck paid off for their first race and they finished top of the pack behind veteran racers. Fast forward to 2008 and Dave discovered the Halifax to Saint-Pierre race and applied to enter. He spent the better part of 2009 better it ready to pass safety regulations and then took the boat out there to race. Once there, he found a new love affair: the Archambault 40. © Parker Media Management It needed some TLC however Dave being Dave was up for the task. With some wise words from his wife – “Just buy the boat Dave”, he purchased the twin wheel boat and thus began the long road home for Aarrow. I remember being a committee meeting with Dave hearing how he had just bought the boat – he said it so casually like he was picking up the morning paper. My mind was blown, thinking he was one-part crazy and one-part genius, all I could think was “Only Dave”. I had no goal that I was going to be 60 years old sailing an Archer boat, it was nothing like that, I just wanted to go sailing. When Dave arrived with the sail inventory that came with Aarrow at the loft, Hugh and Joel began a thorough inspection of what was usable and what needed some TLC. From this, Hugh and Dave began working on the sail plan for the boat – what were his goals, where he want to sail, etc... The North Sails mainsail that came with the boat was well loved however we a good face lift from Kid and Joel, she was good to go for another season. This lead to a new Profurl furler and 3Di Raw furling jib with battens. Dave had an amazing season on the water with the new jib, finishing 4th in the single handed division for the Lake Ontario 300 and 2nd in the LOSHRS series to name a few. Reflecting on how he got into sailing Dave shares, "In hindsight, I didn't know it then when it was happening, but in hindsight, I made efforts and did things and went places to look at boats and to stick myself in a place where I could go sailing even when I didn't know what sailing was going to do for me." Now a 15 year participant of the Lake Ontario 300, Susan Hood Trophy Race and LOSHRS series, Dave has given back to sailing in a way most people couldn't imagine. He focuses on the Great lakes Single Handed Society which helps solo sailors on the lake, his company Access Abilities sponsors the sail give-away for the LOSHRS series every year, which the North Sails Toronto teamed up with them to do this year; not to mention the countless hours he puts in to helping those on the dock or race committee. Here’s what I, along with most of the people who know Dave, love about him: his spirit. One who is always laughing, sharing the latest story from sailing that weekend, seeing how you’re doing and inquiring how your latest boat project is going. He’s the first to offer his help and the last to leave an event. His mind is always tinkering, thinking of ways to bring more people into sailing, to give back to the community or gain that extra knot of speed. His desire for adventure and to be better is infectious. © Parker Media Management © Parker Media Management READ MORE

EINLADUNG ZUM 30 JÄHRIGEN JUBILÄUM VON NORTH SAILS SCHWEIZ Einladung 30 Jahre Segelmacher Daniel Schroff Gerne laden wir Sie an unseren Jubiläums-Apéro ein: Samstag, 09. November 2019 ab 14.00h Ort: Promenadenstrasse 39, 8280 Kreuzlingen (SVK Clubhaus am Hafen Kreuzlingen) Im Laufe des Nachmittags werden auch die Sieger unseres Wettbewerbs gezogen. Kommen Sie vorbei und stossen Sie mit uns an! READ MORE

NORTH SAILS SIEG AN TAG UND NACHT ALTNAU Bericht von Patrick Sievi, Eigner der 'princip-esse' Das Siegerschiff 'Falcon', eine Psaros 33 von Stefan Süss Na ja,....mit dieser Veranstaltung haben wir ja noch eine (...oder besser gesagt: einige!!!) Rechnung offen. Gelang es uns doch bei unserer aller ersten Teilnahme vor 11 Jahren (schon damals mit Markus in der Crew), damals noch mit der Esse 850, bei Starkwind bei den Sportbooten zu gewinnen..... Doch danach....nichts mehr....nur noch Pleiten, Pech und Pannen und diverse frustrierte (kein Wind!!!) Aufgaben. Nachtsegeln ist zwar stimmungsmässig (.....für Romantiker??) cool, aber Regatten in der Nacht??? Nachdem wir einmal sogar nicht teilgenommen hatten, hat sich Dani im letzten Jahr anerboten, den beiden nachtblinden Oldies (....Markus ist zwar auch nachtblind...aber noch kein Oldie...) zu helfen, die princip-esse endlich mal wieder vernünftig durch das Dunkle zu steuern. Der dabei resultierende 4. Rang (2 ½ Minuten fehlten zum Sieg!!!) sollte in diesem Jahr klar übertroffen werden....na ja, eigentlich wäre nach 10 mageren Jahren wieder einmal ein Sieg schon fast Pflicht!!!!.....zumal wir jetzt ja ein Jahr Erfahrung mit unserer neuen Wunderwaffe, einem Code 0 mit 53 m2 Segelfläche, haben. Am Start die Rekordzahl von 21 Booten in der ORC 1 Klasse und praktisch gar kein Wind. Dani manövriert (noch mit Hilfe des Motors!!!) die princip-esse in die Nähe der landseitigen Startboje. Motor aus.....ein Häuchchen (höchstens 0.5 Knoten) Südwind. Code 0 ausrollen und ganz langsam Fahrt aufnehmen. 1 Min vor dem Startschuss irgendwie halsen und auf Steuerbordbug (zum Glück stehen alle anderen Boote ganz still!!!) sich ganz langsam der Linie annähern.... Beim Startschuss sind wir noch 1 Meter hinter der Linie und 1 Meter vor der auf Backborbug herankriechenden Ballyhoo.......also alles perfekt!!!!...mehr braucht es ja nicht und so überqueren wir wohl mit dem besten Start des Feldes die Startlinie. Aehnlich gut kommt nur unser Lieblingsgegner (...die Falcon...) am anderen Ende der Linie weg.... Mit Code 0 geht’s nun Richtung Altnauer Ufer. Nachdem wir ca. 50 m Vorsprung auf die umliegenden Boote herausgefahren haben möchte Dani den Geni haben....der ist aber auf der falschen Bootsseite!!!...na ja, ...irgendwie bringen wir ihn hoch....und irgendwann steht er auch (...schon bemerkenswert wie gut ein neuer Geni auch bei absolutem Leichtwind noch stehen kann...irgendwie fast magisch????.....Dani erklärt uns etwas von besonderer Beschichtung????) und wir können Richtung See heraushalsen. Nur die Falcon (ganz weit draussen) und die Nanook (in der Mitte)...also zwei Boote mit viel schnellerem Rating sind vor uns!!!......nicht schlecht!!! So langsam (etwa Höhe Landschlacht) verstärkt sich der Südwind ein wenig (2-3 Koten) und wir können uns weiter vom Feld absetzten.....nur die Falcon zieht unwiderstehlich davon!!! Ab Münsterlingen (...es ist mittlerweile schon fast Nacht!!!) beginnen wir die Boje vor dem Eichhorn zu suchen.....Irgendwie täuscht der Kurs der vorausfahrenden Katamarane???.....und auch die Falcon scheint Richtung Kreuzlingen abzubiegen???....wo ist die Boje???...seht ihr die Boje????.....ist die neue, selbstfahrende Boje etwa eins Konstanzer Seebecken abgetrieben???.....Dani verzweifelt fast!!! Der Skipper rät ihm dorthin zu halten, wo die Boje früher immer war ...... Etwas später schläft der Wind dann ganz ein und dreht....also Geni runter (natürlich auf der falschen Seite!!!) und Code 0 wieder rauf. Kurz vor der Boje (...sie war wirklich dort wo sie immer war....also alles nur optische Täuschung!!!!...Nachtsegeln halt!!!!) überholt uns leider die Svenja!!!!......und die hat nun einen ähnlichen Rennwert wie wir....somit sollten wir sie schlagen, wenn wir gewinnen wollen!!! Auf dem Weg Richtung Hagnau frischt es wieder ein bisschen auf und die Windrichtung passt so perfekt für unseren Code 0, dass selbst die eigentlich viel schnellere Ballyhoo nicht vorbeikommt!!! Kurz vor Hagnau dreht es wieder einmal (...wie hier eigentlich immer!!!)....also wieder Code0 runter und Geni rauf...nochmals Halsen und ein kurzer Schlag in den See hinaus (...Dani will so spät wie möglich unter Land in Hagnau....“da ist immer Flaute!!!!“). Nach einem weiteren Winddreher (...natürlich verbunden mit Segelwechsel....also wieder auf Code0!!!) nähern wir uns Hagnau und freuen uns über die vielen Boote, die Nahe unter Land stehen (...Dani hatte Recht behalten mit seiner Flautenprognose!!!) Nach der Bojenrundung frischt es langsam wieder auf...zuerst wieder perfekter Code0 Wind (....so oft hatten wir dieses Segel noch nie im Einsatz!!!) später nach einem weiteren Dreher, dann wieder den Geni. Zur Ueberraschung (...und Freude!!!) Aller, hält der Wind bis Güttingen durch!!! Nach der letzten Bojenrundung geht’s nun Amwind (und mit der Genua....damit dieses Segel auch noch zum Einsatz kommt???....ob das am Segelmacher an Bord lag, dass wir so oft Segel wechseln mussten???) bei schönen 8 Knoten nach Altnau ins Ziel. Um uns herum (...soweit man es in der Nacht sehen konnte???) nur vom Rennwert her viel schnellere Boote....doch wo ist die Svenja???? Etwa 5 Minuten nach uns überquert auch sie die Ziellinie (...musste wohl bei Hagnau unter Land hängen geblieben sein???).Somit dürften wir ein wirklich gutes Resultat erreicht haben. Beim Einlaufen in den Altnauer Hafen sehen wir Stefan (von der Falcon) mit breitestem Grinsen im Gesicht!!!!....schon wieder auslaufbereit zu seinem Heimathafen (wie lange ist der wohl schon hier.....hatte der wohl kein Flautenloch in Hagnau???). Leider sehen wir auch die Lisbeth (...das Boot mit dem tiefsten Rennwert!!!) gerade einlaufen....... Na ja, mit dem Sieg (...es fehlten 4 ½ Minuten!!!) müssen wir uns wohl auf das nächste Jahr vertrösten...Trotzdem, Rang 3 ist OK und Stefan gratulieren wir gerne!!!! Rangliste READ MORE

WINNER’S DEBRIEF: KEITH WHITTEMORE Skipper Interview With North Expert Mike Ingham 📸 Chris Howell North Sails Expert Mike Ingham spoke with the 2019 J/24 World Champion skipper about what it took to win. Team Furio had an impressive win at the J/24 Worlds. The class is going strong, and with 79 boats from 20 countries, they averaged 5.5 points! I trained with Keith’s team leading up to the Worlds, and we were both pretty quick, so a few days after his win I called to ask him how they posted such a consistently impressive scoreline over conditions that ranged from go-below light air to sailing with the small jib. He called out three key factors: team (the right balance of skill and attitude); preparation (a well prepared boat, and a solid training plan); and speed (he is a fanatic about sails, rig tune, and trim). Winning Team Keith spoke highly of his team’s skills and attitude, beginning with tactician Brian Thomas. “Brian and I have been sailing together for 40 years. We get along great, and I totally trust him.” Trimmer Willem van Waay is a newer addition to the team, and Keith says he brought some big regatta winning experience and a great attitude. Shelby Milne is on mast. “She has been with the team for two years and is great at her job, reliable, hardworking, and a ton of fun.” Mark Rodgers mans the bow; “He is damn fun to be with, 100% reliable up there, and salt of the earth.” Winning Speed Here’s what Team Furio used for sails: Fat Head Main SD/TH Genoa (San Diego) Super Rocket Blade + Jib FR-2 Spinnaker Keith has high confidence in the consistency of materials and workmanship of his North sails. “Perfect out of the bag—every time.” Curious why he chose the San Diego genoa instead of the Newport model (DX-7TT), I asked him for his thoughts. He feels there is no speed difference between the two genoas and advises picking one and getting to know it well; “don’t switch between the two.” One of the models has won every single Worlds since 2013 when the designs were refined, so his advice seems sound. Genoa Details While training with Keith, we spent a lot of time looking at the genoa. As the driving factor on the J/24, getting it set up and trimmed just right is huge. The San Diego Genoa is a little flatter, so you have to be spot-on powering it up. The Newport is a little fuller, so at the top end you have to focus on getting that power out and make sure not to over-trim. Keith Whittemore and Team Furio, 2019 World Champions 📸Chris Howell Keith offered a few additional speed tips: New Genoa for Major Events “Unroll a brand new genoa for the first race of the first day of racing. It’s good to break in the main, jib, spin for a day or so, but there is nothing like a nice crisp genny for race one!” Set Up for the Lulls “If you tune up with your rig at 24/21 and you are always off on your backstay, wishing you had a bit more power, ease off your rig. Even with a front row start, the wind goes over that picket fence of 80 boats and we start in lighter wind, always—so err on powering up.” Live Through the Puffs “In the bigger puffs, or if the wind increases during the race, you need to get good at depowering the boat. The idea of setting up the rig for the lulls is to excel in the lulls (big gains), But that means you have to learn to hang in there for the puffs with a soft rig. Play backstay, cunningham, boom vang, genoa halyard, and pinch as much as you can (less in waves). Last resort is to ease the genny sheet. No matter what, keep the boat mostly flat and the helm balanced.” Jib Luff Tension “To help make the genny work from 1 to 20 knots through flat water and waves, be super aggressive with the halyard and jib cunningham. If it is light, sail with scallops between the hanks. But if you make the halyard too loose, the scallops bunch in the middle -that is not good. As the wind increases, the halyard gets tighter and tighter and eventually at the top end it is stretched. The halyard has to be right for the trends, then fine-tune with the jib cunningham.” Jib Leads “In flat water, we set the leads to touch-touch“ (when over-trimmed, the genoa touches the chain plate and the spreader simultaneously). “In the chop we moved it forward a hole to round out the bottom and power it up. That may not seem like a lot, but since the lead is so close to the clew, it makes a big difference. When the waves were on the side on one tack and on the bow for the other, we would only power up on one tack.” Team Furio have been sailing the J/24 for a long time, and they plan to keep it up. They have a 25-boat local fleet in Seattle, and they’ve made friends all over the world. “That is something really special about the class,” Keith points out. “There’s a sense of community and friendship. Of course we want to do well, but really we do this because we sail with people we like to spend time with.” Congratulations Team Furio! For more info about the J/24, visit the class page. Mike Ingham, 4th place at the 2019 J/24 Worlds. 📸Chris Howell READ MORE

Overall race winner Elusive 2 leads the fleet out of the harbor. 📸 Kurt Arrigo / Rolex The annual Middle Sea Race starts and ends in Malta, and this year 23 nations were represented by 113 yachts. North clients took home first place trophies in nine classes and swept the podium in two (IRC Class 2 and ORC Overall). Perhaps most impressive was George David and the team on Rambler, the first monohull to cross the finish line, taking just 2 days 19 hours and 43 minutes to sail 606 nautical miles. It was the fifth time they’ve received line honours for this race. On Thursday October 24th, just five days after the race start, the Beneteau First 45 Elusive 2 representing Royal Malta Yacht Club was announced as the overall winner. Siblings Maya, Aaron, and Christoph Podesta have been part of this race since it began in 1968, when their father Arthur and six crew won the inaugural event. In the 51-year history of Middle Sea Race, a Maltese yacht has won overall eight times, and Arthur Podesta was onboard for three of those wins. It’s great to see our client not only win their division, but win overall—while continuing the legacy of their father. “2019 is for Elusive and Arthur ,” said RMYC Commodore Godwin Zammit at the awards ceremony, calling the 40th edition a success for all involved. Elusive 2, Overall winners of the 40th edition. 📸 Kurt Arrigo / ROLEX Skipper Chris Podesta was elated about the family victory on a boat that has been part of the clan for ten years. Modifications have focused on improving offshore racing capabilities and minimizing light air weaknesses, and new 3Di North sails definitely helped. “Over the past four years we have put a lot of energy into developing and optimizing the boat and sails,” Chris explains. “Our North sails are key to our performance. We have felt strong improvements with our downwind sails and also feel our J4 (2018) and J3 (2019) give the boat a powerful forward drive. We wanted to be so well prepared for this year’s race that we also built both a new trysail and a windseeker!” 2019 marks the eighteenth year Chris Podesta has sailed the RMSR, and he says the downwind start this year was not favorable for Elusive 2. “We had to work very hard to keep up with the lighter boats. Our goal was to hold onto the pack until Fabignana, northwest of Sicily. This took a serious amount of concentration and hard work from the crew.” The first night was the hardest part of the race—and the most important, because “that’s when you need to be going fast so you can extend. The fickle breeze made it hard for us. Getting past Etna and through Messina was also difficult, because any type of tactical error can cost many miles.” 📸 Rolex Middle Sea Race 2019 The tides and localized winds in Messina are always exciting, he continues. “Sicily is highly influential on the breeze, making local knowledge an asset. Having two active volcanoes as marks of your course is also a special sight. The RMSR is far from straightforward–and possibly a tactical nightmare!” Once they rounded the islands of Levanzo and Favignana at the western end of Sicily, the breeze began to build into the high teens– and then into the mid 20s, mostly on the nose. “Apart from being tough with very uncomfortable seas, this breeze suited us well,” Christoph says. “The race is a 4-5 day sprint and you’ve got to give your everything until the finish.” The Podesta family loves the challenge of such a unique course, Christoph adds. “October can be dicey in terms of weather here in the Med, so you know it will be a variety of conditions, and it will be extreme.” Winning overall was fantastic, Chris admits, but for this family team the results have never been their primary motivation. “For me the most special part is enjoying time with my family and the crew, who are all great friends. Thank you to my crew, and all involved.” His brother Aaron helped helm the boat. Sister Maya was the team strategist, and her boyfriend David Anastasi assisted with navigation. Cousin Ben Pace did mast, Gareth Grech was in the pit, Tom Zammit Tabona and Andrea Crocela trimmed, Adrian Stone was on the bow, and Magnus Everskog helped forward of the mast. “After our father passed away in 2015,” says Chris, “there was no question we’d keep doing this. We love it and want to keep our family tradition alive. We used to think it was all about the race, but we know now that it was our father’s purpose to bring our family together to share experiences and great adventures.” “This race will continue to be a special experience for our family,” adds Maya. “Since 1968 there has been a Podesta on the starting line of the Middle Sea Race, and we intend to keep it that way!” She also agrees that their father’s spirit was onboard with them once again. “What we’ve done this year– it’s all thanks to him.” READ MORE

J/24 WORLDS: EXPERTS TAKEAWAYS North Sails Experts Share Key Tips Keith Whittemore and Team Furio, 2019 World Champions 📸Chris Howell An incredible and talented fleet of 79 teams competed in the 2019 J/24 World Championship held in Miami, Florida for the first time ever. Such a bucket list venue attracted teams from nineteen different countries, and Miami delivered a variety of conditions. After the windy days, the sail care team from North Sails Fort Lauderdale jumped right on repairs to make sure no team was held back. North Sails clients swept the podium, and eight out of the top ten boats used full North inventories. Congratulations to 2019 World champions Keith Whittemore, Shelby Milne, Willem Van Waay, Mark Rodgers and Brian Thomas on Team Furio, powered by the North Fat Head mainsail, SD-TH genoa, SRB jib and the FR-2 spinnaker. North Sails experts raced on several boats. Here are some of their takeaways. Find the Favored End and Start There Sailing in a large fleet, the starting line is much longer than it would be with a typical 20-40 boat fleet. That means starting at the favored end gives you a big head start against boats that start at the non-favored end. In a smaller fleet there’s less leverage on the starting line, so giving up the favored end in exchange for low density can be a smart play. But Miami featured two distinct starting lines connected by a mid-line boat, and it was imperative to know which end of the line was favored and then try to start near it. There are several ways to check which end of the line is favored, but the simplest is to use your compass. North expert Zeke Horowitz walks us through his approach: Compare the wind direction the RC has posted to your own head-to-wind shots and make sure they are similar. Start at one end of the line with your boat right on the line, and sail straight at the other end of the line. Triple check to make sure you are perfectly parallel with the line, then note your compass heading. On starboard, your compass heading should be 90 degrees less than the course axis. (On port, this heading should be 90 degrees more than the course axis.) On starboard tack, if your line heading is only 80 degrees less than the course axis, the pin end is 10 degrees favored. That might not sound like much, but when the starting line is almost a quarter of a mile long, that head start is often insurmountable. 80-boat starting line at the 2019 J/24 Worlds in Miami. 📸Chris Howell Work to a Side In an 80-boat fleet, it is next to impossible to get clear air if you have a bad start or end up on the wrong side of the course. So when that happens, how do you get clear as fast as possible? Mike Marshall, who helped Velocidad finish 3rd overall, advises staying out of the middle and letting your boat speed work for you. “With such a huge fleet of boats there is little to no wind in the middle of the course, so you have to get yourself out to a side (without ending up in the corner). If you are in the top group on your side, chances are you will be in the top 20 at the first mark. From there, you can pass boats on the next four legs.” Too Much Backstay The J/24 likes a very tightly sheeted main to balance the lee helm from the genoa. If you use too much backstay in big breeze, you can’t get the leech of the main tight enough because the main is too flat. The boat goes faster forward, but loses height in the process. Unfortunately, once up to speed, the J24 doesn’t gain by going faster—all the gains are with height. “We paid particular attention to backstay tension and how flat it was making the main,” Mike explains. “We were aiming to have just the start of overbend wrinkles coming off the mast, going back to the clew. By doing this, we were able to hold our lane while maintaining speed. We found that easing or trimming the backstay just an inch made a huge difference in the mode that the boat was in.” 2nd place Rossi Milev and Team Clean Air 📸Chris Howell Push the Tiller Bonus tip from Mike: “I can’t say this one enough—the J/24 genoa wants to pull the bow down all the time, especially when the main is eased in a puff. That means the driver must push the bow up with the tiller. Bow-down mode isn’t any faster, it’s just a loss in height. Push the boat upwind, all the time.” For lots more expert tips, visit the J/24 Class page. Tight competition, race day 5. 📸Chris Howell Congratulations World Champs 📸Chris Howell READ MORE

NORTH SAILS POWERS ZER°EMISSION PROJECT Proud Supporters Of A Team Set On Protecting Our Planet Baltic Offshore Week 2019 North Sails are proud supporters of the Zer°emission project; a project aiming to use the sailing world to influence the cleanliness of the Earth with a particular focus on sea pollution. The Finnish team began marketing this project in 2018, spurred into action by the realization that we need to start making real actions if we want the next generation to be able to enjoy the planet and climate. Making up the team is a combination of World Champion one design keelboat sailors and those who sailed onboard the 100ft Maxi Leopard which set the new ARC Atlantic Crossing Record in 2014. In November 2018, the group acquired a modern TP52 which had a complete refit to become ready for the 2019 racing season. The sailing world is a relevant way to push their sustainable message, not only because everyone in the team is an avid sailor, but because communicating climate and marine emissions through a sport that is powered naturally by the wind seems fitting. As explained by C.E.O. Samuli Leisti, the project chose to partner with North Sails because “it is one of the world’s strongest companies in sailing and we need strong partners to be able to deliver the message and create actions against emissions globally. It soon became clear that we shared the same ideology as North Sails, helped by the fact we have friends at North Sails Finland and Sweden.’’ Working with a diverse range of host cities including Palma, Sydney and St Tropez, Samuli explains that being involved with the biggest events and regattas in the world enhances their visibility: “It was very natural to start from our ‘home’ sea which also happens to be one of the most polluted seas in the world, The Baltic. Working with these cities, we clean up trash onshore and use the Seabin to clean the harbor. These actions alone are not enough, but they are enough to get people’s attention. This year we have met a huge number of people through events, as well as reaching millions through various media channels.’’ The Seabin is a hugely effective way of capturing debris, in fact, the team’s Seabin captures a mind blowing 1.4 tons of trash per year! This is facilitated by the catch bag which can hold up to 20kg before it needs to be emptied. Made from recyclable materials, the bin has a running cost of three dollars per day. When asked what the highlight of their season was, it could not be whittled down to just one. A very memorable moment for the team was meeting Greta Thunberg who stopped to take a photo with the boat during the ÅF Runt race in Stockholm. Another highlight was after the Hanko Regatta in Finland when the team left the harbour the cleanest they had ever seen it. But their best sailing achievement of the season was finishing second at the ORC Europeans in August. “We arrived a week before the regatta started and worked for over ten hours each day on the boat refit which made the performance of our sails even more crucial. After so many hours of getting the boat in shape, using worn sails just doesn’t make sense. Our North sails have kept us competitive, and we will invest in new North sails to prepare us for next season.’’ Baltic Offshore Week 2019 The team sail with a full North inventory including four mainsails, J0, J4, and storm jib, an A0 and A4 kite and staysail. Their most recent purchase was a 3Di offshore mainsail which fueled them through 50 knots at the ÅF Runt in Sweden where the team finished with an impressive third place. Sail designer Dave Lenz explains how the design of this offshore mainsail was developed using knowledge from North Sails’ involvement in the TP52 fleet around the world: “Because the boat is an older generation hull racing under the ORC handicap rule, we ran various in-depth size configurations through our TP52 velocity prediction program (VPP) model to stimulate performance in different wind speeds. Using our experience of the TP52 fleet in which we are very developed, we tailored this knowledge to the needs of the Zer°emission project.’’ The boat will move to storage for maintenance over the winter and in February she goes to the Helsinki Boat Show, the biggest show in the Nordics. After this, the 2020 season begins. “Next year,” says Samuli, “we are aiming for even bigger and look forward to racing in the biggest regattas in the Mediterranean, finishing the year sailing the legendary Sydney – Hobart Race in 2020.’’ Karvalakki 2019 Light downwind sailing during Baltic Offshore Week Bowman, Janne Westerlund READ MORE

LA JOB-LISTE DE PRÉ-DÉPART Partir dans les meilleures conditions pour les marins nécessite une inspection méticuleuse de leurs équipements, voiles incluses. © Amory Ross / 11th Hour Racing Être en mode régate pour les équipes est souvent synonyme de concentration, rythme effréné et vérifications minutieuses. Pour la dernière ligne droite avant le départ d’une compétition et afin de partir dans les meilleures conditions possibles, les navigants se focalisent sur l’aspect technique, inspectent leur bateau, passent au peigne fin tous les équipements dont les voiles qui peuvent faire l’objet de modifications, de réparations ou d’une maintenance. Après cet inventaire, ils passent à la météo, un aspect crucial d’une bonne préparation afin d’anticiper le choix des voiles et d’options tactiques judicieuses dans l'espoir de figurer parmi les meilleurs au classement final. Enfin, si le temps le permet, ils profitent d’un peu de repos avant le jour J. Dans le cadre d’une grande course comme la Transat Jacques Vabre, la pression peut donc être au maximum au sein des teams, elle l’est aussi sur le plancher de la voilerie North Sails à Vannes où tout le personnel s’organise pour assister au mieux les navigants. Sur les 60 duos engagés dans cette 14e édition de la Transat Jacques Vabre, partis dimanche 27 octobre du Havre - direction Salvador de Bahia au Brésil, 31 bateaux sont munis de voiles North (jeu complet ou partiel) dont 20 Imoca, 8 Class 40 et 3 Multi 50, les Ultims faisant course à part dans un tout nouveau format : la Brest Atlantiques dont le départ est prévu début novembre. 4 350 milles, soit 7 000 km, est la distance à parcourir sur cette route du café, et c’est aussi la plus longue pour une transatlantique. Une inspection minutieuse des voiles s’impose. « Nous assurons toujours un service sur place au moins une semaine avant le départ afin de répondre aux besoins de chaque équipe, commente Alan Pennaneach, technico-commercial à North Sails Vannes. Nous procédons à une visite de tous nos clients et vérifions les voiles sous toutes les coutures en présence des skippers ou de l’équipe technique, inspectons le kit de réparation et expliquons également comment réparer les voiles en cas d’avarie lors de la compétition. « Nous avons fait de nombreux allers-retours entre Le Havre et Vannes pour des retouches et finitions de dernière minute », poursuit Alan. Dans les locaux de la volerie North Sails à Vannes « Il arrive que certaines équipes nous renvoient leurs voiles quelques jours seulement avant le départ, et même la veille, ce dernier cas restant assez rare, ajoute Thibaut Agaugue, responsable service chez North Sails. La période de pré-départ est toujours très intense pour nous. Le timing peut donc être très serré. » Au préalable, le travail de préparation des voiles consiste à engranger un maximum de milles pour les tester dans tous les ranges possibles. Les marins passent ainsi de nombreuses heures à naviguer avec les dessinateurs dans le but d’optimiser leurs voiles. « Il y a donc deux démarches en fonction de l’objectif, précise Thibaut. Les équipes dont le budget est conséquent vont prendre le temps de fignoler, miser sur l’optimisation et même s’attaquer à de grosses modifications peu de temps avant le départ si elles sont convaincues que ces initiatives contribueront à grapiller des milles. Leur objectif est de gagner. La plupart du temps, les voiles sont en très bon état, voire neuves. « Pour d’autres, il s’agit surtout de finir la course en raison d’un budget restreint ou parce que celui-ci a été bouclé à la dernière minute, poursuit Thibaut. Peu de temps avant le départ, ils récupèrent des voiles d’occasion ou réutilisent d’anciennes voiles à bout de souffle. Leur objectif est de franchir la ligne d’arrivée avec les voiles en un seul morceau. Nous prenons toujours le temps d’inspecter les voiles et de les réparer au mieux pour qu’elles tiennent la course jusqu’au bout. Et si on estime que l’état est préoccupant, on en fait part aux marins. Cela n’empêche pas les aléas de la course au large et les impondérables. Nous restons en contact avec les équipes pour les assister en cas de besoin. « Cette année, la particularité est que nous avons beaucoup de bateaux neufs récemment mis à l’eau comme Apivia, 11th Hour, DMG Mori, Advens, Banque du Leman, et par conséquent un jeu de voiles neuves, explique Thibaut. On a dû effectuer le service de voiles plus anciennes en même temps que le développement pour ces nouveaux voiliers, d’où une charge de travail importante. C’était le cas par exemple fin septembre au moment du Trophée Azimut, première confrontation entre les IMOCA.» « Ces visites sur place, conclut Alan, sont aussi l’occasion d’anticiper l’après course. Nos réunions avec les teams concernent également la performance des voiles pendant la course, l’état des lieux en fin de parcours, les réparations et ou les nouvelles modifications en vue de préparer la prochaine régate. » Les premiers bateaux sont attendus à Salvador de Bahia au Brésil vers le 7 novembre 2019. READ MORE

J/24 WORLDS: SEABAGS WOMEN’S SAILING TEAM REPORT Making Each Experience Count 📸 Chris Howell The J/24 Worlds was the ultimate test for our team, an all-women’s group of six led by Erica Spencer and sponsored by Sea Bags Maine. We worked hard all season long to prepare for this week long adventure, knowing it would be harder than any other regatta we’ve been to, but also knowing that we’d gain invaluable experience and become better sailors- regardless of the outcome. Meet the team The majority of the team is based in Maine, while the rest of us reside in Rhode Island and New York. I’ve been sailing with this team for four years, and I am so proud of all the amazing things we’ve been able to do together. On the helm is Erica Beck Spencer, who is an educator and also has two amazing kids. Upwind trimmer Katie Drake is a finance professional in her regular life, and enjoys cruising her J/24 on the coast of Maine. Emily Carville, marketing guru for LLBean, is our trimmer/mast and sails with her husband and kids when she’s not racing with us. Joy Martin is a retired teacher and devoted Thistle sailor, and our downwind trimmer. Karen Renzulli Fallon, therapist, super-mom, and talented match racer, commands the bow. Jessica Harris, co-captain, who didn’t race this event, but was with us in sprit. Jess has made our team possible. We wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for her. : Hillary Noble, Katie Drake, Emily Carville, Karen Fallon, Erica Spencer, and Joy Martin. Thanks to #Waterlust for creating a product we wanted to test out, leggings made from recycled plastic water bottles to support our commitment to the environment. FYI they are also SPF 50! Key takeaways from our experience: Starting at the end of the line with lower density doesn’t always work. There may be less traffic, but starting farther from the favored end will make it hard to catch a break or get to the favored side of the course. Sometimes having a good start and not being able to tack is almost worse than having a 2nd or 3rd row start and being able to tack and duck immediately. Boat speed upwind has to be good. J/24s all go the same speed, and when everyone is sailing fast, you have to match that or you get left in the dust. Constant communication with the trimmer and skipper is key to making sure each puff is accounted for. Should we duck or tack? If you duck, you’ve just let a boat get by. If you tack and lead them back, you might catch them on the next shift. Each crossing situation meant a big decision had to be made, and it all came down to thinking ahead to the next move. Sometimes the ‘wrong’ gate was the best choice. Less boats to deal with in the rounding, and once you round you will be on the lifted tack and able to get out of there quick. Cross when you can. In shifty conditions, its important to get ahead of any boats each opportunity. The edges paid off big- but ideally you were on the correct side! By working one side and staying in phase, you’d probably end up OK at the top mark. The middle was full of bad air and chop that killed your boat speed. Hopefully you’d end up on the favored side though because an 80-boat fleet is unforgiving. Clear lanes are limited. Don’t pass up any clear lanes, especially one that will take you where you want to go! Getting to the line too early was costly. A few times, we had to stop inside 30 seconds to avoid being over early. That’s when we needed to be building speed! One out of two team goals, met. We were the top finishing all-women’s team, the second time we were crowned as women’s world champions. But because we did not accomplish our other goal of finishing in the top 30 it’s a bittersweet victory that makes us even hungrier to keep improving. Despite our overall result, the positive energy that radiated from each of my teammates was something I’ll never forget. Although during our worst finishes we were all glad when those races were over, right now I am missing last week and this team, and so excited to sail with them again. Sea Bags Maine has been incredibly supportive and we look forward to working with them next year. I also want to give a big thanks to North Sails, not only for engineering the best sails for the J/24, but also for their support and expertise both on and off the water. See you in 2020! 📸 Chris Howell https://www.northsails.com/sailing/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/seabags_WEB.mp4 READ MORE

HYLAS YACHTS PARTNERS WITH NORTH SAILS AS A PREFERRED SUPPLIER Luxury Cruising Yacht Builder Picks Industry-Leading Sails to Come as Standard Hylas Yachts has been building award-winning luxury cruising yachts since 1985. And in a unique new partnership, North Sails will now be the first choice sail supplier for the innovative company. From today, all new Hylas yachts will be marketed with state-of-the-art North sails as part of their base pricing, giving owners the chance to experience best-in-market products for their cruising needs. The world’s leading sailmaker has long been associated with the best builders, regattas and yachts in the world, and after more than 60 years of pushing boundaries, the company has refined the art of producing market-leading cruising sails. The Hylas 57 and Hylas 60 will be launched in December 2019 and will offer North Sails product line, NPL TOUR as standard. NPL TOUR is an easy-to-handle radial cruising sail, delivering low stretch and a smooth, long-lasting shape that has set the standard as the premium paneled sail for performance-minded coastal & bluewater cruisers. And any client may also choose the option of an additional performance upgrade to a 3Di product. The family-owned company Hylas Yachts prides itself on ensuring reliable equipment and expert engineering, blended with comfort and style to suit every type of cruising. In a natural step, the partnership with North Sails will help Hylas enhance their customer experience, as no other sailmaker can offer the same range and quality of sail, combined with an unparalleled loft network around the world. Andy Huang, C.E.O. of Hylas Yachts said: “As our clients have become increasingly knowledgeable and sophisticated we try to align Hylas with those vendors that are best able to meet our demanding business needs as well as the very personal needs of our yacht owners. North Sails have won our trust based on values we hold dear – extraordinary quality, innovation, design and a global reach. What has impressed us most is that North is probably the world’s largest, and arguably best, sail manufacturer yet their dedication to the personalized service our clients receive truly enhances the Hylas ownership experience. We are looking forward to partnering with North Sails as we launch the new Hylas H57 and H60 yachts in 2020.” Peter Grimm, North Sails Hylas Project Manager, commented: “I have worked with Hylas Yachts for 20 years, and formalizing this partnership with North Sails makes perfect sense. With our familiarity with the Hylas Yachts and owners, expert team of designers and material engineers, combined with our technology and production capabilities, I am confident that North Sails offers the best possible products for every type of cruising needs.” “The North Sails attention to detail, from design through finishing, gives us the confidence to say our product cannot be matched. And because of the way our sails constructed, each sail we build is meticulous, allowing us to offer ongoing product development over time, as well as make repairs in a way no other sailmaker can. And you don’t have to go back home to do it – any one of our team throughout the North Sails worldwide loft network can make any repairs needed due to the breadth and depth of our global understanding of sails.   Learn More about NPL TOUR     READ MORE

WHICH MAINSAIL IS BEST FOR YOUR J/70 TEAM? A Complete Guide Considering Rig Tendencies and Batten Choices Team Rimette at the North Americans powered by North F-1 mainsail. 📸 Chris Howell/J70 Class Association Trying to stay up to date with all the latest testing and sail development in a highly competitive class like the J/70 can be quite daunting. How do I pick the right sails? Does crew weight matter? Does the venue matter? What about my mast? How do I know how much pre-bend I have? What do I do with all these battens?! There is a lot to think about for sure, but in this article I will try to simplify some of these elements to help you make the right choice for you and your boat. Choosing the right mainsail for your team is imperative. One of the major factors in designing a mainsail is the bend characteristics of the mast. With over 1,500 J/70s built, there is bound to be a bit of variance in bend characteristics – especially now that there are two different brands of spar out there – the Southern and the Selden. Not only are there inherent differences in stiffness, but where you carry your rake (more rake = more bend) and how swept your spreaders are will also greatly impact the bend tendencies. North Sails offers two brilliantly designed maisails, both of which are garnering tremendous results around the globe. By getting to know your mast, and learning how to use your battens and rig tune, you will be able to have success with either sail. But you may find that one sail will fit your rig better than the other. Let’s keep it simple to start out – there are two choices – the XCS-2 and F-1. The XCS-2 is fuller than the F-1 and was therefore designed to fit perfectly with masts that tend to carry more bend. A bendier mast requires a fuller sail shape so that it won’t invert too quickly when the breeze comes up and the mast starts bending. The F-1 is a flatter overall sail designed to accommodate stiffer masts. If the mast doesn’t bend very much, you need a flatter sail to avoid extra drag – especially in light air when there is not enough pressure to bend the rig and it’s too light to use backstay. How Can You Tell Which Sail is Best For Your Mast? The first thing you’d want to check is your pre-bend at “base”. You will need the mast up with the upper shrouds set to a tension of 16 on the PT2 Loos gauge. For the lower shrouds, set them so they have a tension of 10 on the gauge with the mast looking straight, and then take another 2 turns off each lower shroud so they are loose. You’ll want to find a pre-bend checker which is essentially a ruler that can be hoisted up the mast track (see photo below). Hoist the bend checker up the sail track on the spinnaker halyard (don’t forget to tie a line to the bottom of the checker so you can pull it back down!). You want to get it just above the spreaders where the max bend is. Now you will pull the main halyard up against the gooseneck (pinch it right into the bottom of the sail track). As you look up the mast, you’ll see the main halyard coming in contact with the bend checker. Read the bend checker to determine how much pre-bend you have at “base.” We’ve found that the range can be anywhere from 1.25” to just over 2”. Quite a range!! If your mast shows less than 1.75” of pre-bend, it’s likely that the F1 will fit your rig better and if you’re over 1.75”, then it’s more likely a good fit for the XCS-2. What if your mast is right at 1.75”?? Perfect! Try both! (Kidding but probably not a bad idea!). Another test you can do to learn about your mast stiffness is to wind the rig all the way up to the our tightest recommended rig tune setting which would have both your upper shrouds and lower shrouds reading 29 on the gauge. The number of turns it takes for you to get to this setting will tell you a lot about your mast. Again, we have found quite a bit of variance here from rig to rig. If it only takes you about 7 turns on the uppers and 5 turns on the lowers to achieve these tensions, that is a sign that your mast is quite stiff and probably better suited for the F-1. If it takes you closer to 11 turns on the uppers and 8 on the lowers, that is a sign that your mast is bendy and probably better suited for the XCS-2. Nine turns on the uppers and 7 on the lowers would be somewhere in the middle. One more telltale sign you can use to determine your mast stiffness is by observing the overbend wrinkles on the main while sailing upwind. There needs to be enough wind so that you’re using 70-100% of your backstay. So your rig tune should be tight. While sailing, play through your range of backstay and observe where your main is showing the biggest overbend wrinkles. They should be all below the window in the luff of the main (to see the jib leech) until you’re at the point of full inversion. If you see a very large “hinge” in the main that goes from the forward end of the bottom batten, up to a point above that luff window – that is a sign that your mast is on the bendy side and probably better suited for the XCS-2. If you never get to the point of the full “hinge” and all of the overbend wrinkles stay below the luff window, that is a sign that your mast is on the stiff side and probably a better fit with the F-1. No matter which mainsail, you end up choosing, you have a lot of range depending on which battens you put in. Using stiffer battens will give you a flatter sail shape while softer battens let the sail become fuller. This is extremely useful when trying to make your sail shape fit the mast in a given condition. If you decide to use the F-1 main but are sailing in a venue where you know you will want a little bit of extra power (say it’s overly lumpy compared to wind strength), you can error on using the softer battens in the Main to help give the sail extra depth for more power. Conversely, if you have the XCS-2 main but want the option to keep it flatter (say it’s blowing 14 knots but dead flat water) you can go to heavier battens to get rid of some depth in the main. The key takeaway here is that is very important to learn your rig tendencies so you can make the best decision possible for your team whether you’re looking for your all purpose sail, or for a venue specific sail choice. Combining this knowledge with the correct batten choice will give you peace of mind in knowing that you can achieve the perfect sail shape for any condition. As always, consult your favorite North Sails J/70 expert for more information or any questions about your sail choice! READ MORE

PURSUING PERFORMANCE: PART TWO Palm Beach SORC Seminar Recap Aimed at boat owners considering one of the SORC races for the first time, or after years away, this last seminar walked us through each race and described the key factors needed to know to get there efficiently. At our final seminar, over two dozen local sailors attended to learn more about the challenges of ocean racing in and around South Florida. Held at the Palm Beach Sailing Club on October 23, this event examined each of the component SORC races and discussed strategies for planning and racing for each. "It was great to see so many new sailors," reported Bob Meagher of North Sails, who along with Peter Grimm led the presentation and discussion after a round of light snacks. "People are looking for the next step beyond simple coastal races. The SORC races offer it all, and even more ambitious race opportunities for racers and cruisers alike.""The seminar represents a greater outreach by SORC and North Sails to assist cruiser-racers enjoy shorter offshore races more. Racing to Palm Beach isn't much more complicated than what local sailors do now," said Grimm. "Racing to Key West is even more fun – just keep the land on the other side!" "People are looking for the next step beyond simple coastal races. The SORC races offer it all, and even more ambitious race opportunities for racers and cruisers alike." The first race of the SORC 2019-20 season kicks off with the Nassau Cup Ocean Race, followed by races to Wirth Monroe Palm Beach in December, Ft. Lauderdale to Key West in January, and for the first time, and The Eleuthera Race in March. North Sails partnered with the SORC to help sailors of all types improve their confidence and performance in these storied races. We look forward to assisting old and new clients with free sail inspections and the finest certified sail service we can guarantee so you can enjoy the important part, offshore racing. Have questions? Contact us today. We are looking forward to helping you achieve your offshore racing goals. The SORC mission is to lead the expansion of offshore competitive sailing in South Florida by providing the highest level of race organization, management and promotions for those that enjoy the sport of ocean sailing. The SORC is a Florida non-profit organization driven by a select group of volunteers that bring professional event management, sailing, racing and other skills to the organization. Learn more on each event and sign up today at www.sorcsailing.org. READ MORE

PHOTO JOURNAL: DOCKSIDE IN LE HAVRE Setting the Scene for the Start of the 2019 Transat Jacque Vabre Sailing content creator James Tomlinson is onsite for North Sails to capture what it’s like to be in Le Havre for the start of the Transat Jacque Vabre. In the final day before the fleet leaves for Brazil, teams are making final preparations and double-checking their offshore packing lists. Follow @north_sails stories on Instagram for more behind-the-scene content before the boats set off on a 4,350 trip across the Atlantic. READ MORE

TRANSAT JACQUES VABRE: HOW TO WATCH Tune In With North Sails Sunday October 27th 📸 James Tomlinson Tomorrow, Sunday October 27th, 27 Class40s, three Multi50s and 30 IMOCAs will set off on a 4,350-mile ride from Le Havre, France across the Atlantic to Salvador de Bahia in Brazil. Initiated in 1993, the Transat Jacques Vabre is held every two years and has become a major landmark event for double-handed sailors. This regatta has finished in a variety of destinations since its initiation, which includes Salvador de Bahia, Brazil, Puerto Limon, Costa Rica, and Itajai, Brazil. The 2019 edition has returned to Salvador and in just one day clients will set off from La Havre to battle for a new race record and first place trophy. Le Havre is located on the Atlantic ocean and is the largest town in Normandy. It has a deep-water marina that can be accessed 24-hours a day, no matter the tide, and the sailing area itself serves up excellent conditions with thermals that can challenge sailors to the best of their abilities. Teams are patiently waiting dockside, and are chomping at the bit to get on the water for the ultimate battle of the fall season. Follow us on Facebook for front row seats to all the action. All of us at North Sails are looking forward to seeing this race unfold over the next two weeks. Get your front row tickets with us this Sunday, as North Sails has teamed up with sailing photographer James Tomlinson to give you a unique point of view on the ground in Le Havre. Watch our Instagram Stories @north_sails for the start of this much-anticipated Atlantic double-handed race. See you there! Want to know more about the race? Other ways to catch the action on official race channels: facebook.com/TransatJacquesVabre @transatjacquesvabre on Instagram @north_sails on Instagram @NorthSailsWorldwide on Facebook Live Race Tracking Full Race Schedule Race Photos Skippers 📸 Jean-Marie Liot/Alea READ MORE

THE TRANSAT JACQUES VABRE: A CRITICAL MILESTONE IN THE VENDEE GLOBE CYCLE North Sails Continues to Offer Personalized Cutting-Edge Design Service in the Rapidly Evolving IMOCA Class 📸 MxHorlaville /disobey /Apivia The newest generation of foiling IMOCAs are heading for the start line of the Transat Jacques Vabre – a crucial part of the four year Vendée Globe cycle. The 4,350 mile two-handed race from France to Brazil is the first opportunity for everyone to get a clear look at how both boats and skippers are progressing, one year before the start of the non-stop round the world race that is considered the pinnacle of solo offshore racing. Vendée Globe Dreams: Four Years in the Making North Sails has been deeply involved in helping six new IMOCAs, as well as a number of older boats, prepare for both the 2020 Vendée Globe and the TJV. There is no doubt the awe-inspiring foilers will wow sailing fans, but how will they perform when racing under pressure day after day? There is so much at stake and all to play for… Design First: Unique Tools and Expertise Head of North Sails France and 3Di expert Gautier Sergent leads the team that has been working closely with so many IMOCA skippers. “This has been a very exciting time in the IMOCA class. We have recently seen the launch of several brand new boats for the Vendée Globe, and the TJV is going to be a rigorous testing ground for 2020.” North Sails is unique because sailors consult with the company very early on in their design process, Gautier explains. “After the last Vendée Globe in 2016, we had a full debrief on what we had seen, learnt, and where things were heading: where was the innovation going to be coming from, and what was driving it? It’s important after a big race like that to look at what happens at the end, and the decisions that were made. That put us in a really strong position for this next edition of the race, and to be a trusted partner as foiling takes center stage.” The IMOCA class is constantly striving to push boundaries, and thanks to the elite team at North Design Services and the ever-evolving North Design Suite (NDS), North Sails is able to provide critical input to the continuous loop of information between designers, structural engineers, and skippers. NDS makes it possible to virtually test and optimize any part of a sailboat in any sailing environment, even before the boat is built, allowing skippers to find the very best solutions for their new boat. ”No one else has their own tools like we do,” says Gautier. “NDS allows us not only to do all the simulation in-house, but we are also continuing to develop our tools so we can be really responsive and reactive to needs and changing trends. We make sure we can provide useful data to the experts in other fields, such as hydro, structure, ergonomics, etc.” In such a fast-moving environment, old methods of on-the-water experimental learning no longer keep up. “That is why our Design Services offering has been such a game changer for finding what works for any given team,” Gautier says. “The VPP has been really useful in understanding the whole boat; not just the sail, but how is the sail affecting the full design, and vice versa?” But tools are not reality, he adds. “So you also need designers with enough expertise to interpret the results, integrate sailors’ feedback, and suggest directions to investigate. It’s the only way to keep up with the pace and work out a sail package that reflects the input from everyone. Objective information is what we are after, because pre-conceived ideas will hold you back. It is a brave new world.” Personal Service: Tailored Solutions for Skippers Each skipper brings a different level of experience to the campaign, so each boat requires a customized sail package. Gautier says his team has enjoyed the challenge of finding the right combination for each boat and sailor. “No team has been the same, and as a result no solution has been the same either. For each brand new boat, we have an almost dedicated North Sails expert. All have different ways to go about solving an issue, so it has really enabled us to broaden our thinking. We work really hard to find that sweet spot.” Time to Race: Vendée Globe Countdown As the clock ticks down to the start, Gautier is eager to see all this hard work line up on the race track. “I can’t wait to see the results of the work the team put into these boats, and how decisions play out in real terms. I am confident that we have given our skippers the best opportunity to achieve their potential. It has been a privilege, and we have all greatly enjoyed the process.” Looking ahead, he adds, “We have already set a plan of action to use the feedback from the TJV to keep moving forward from here. Much more to come before the Vendee Globe!” READ MORE

NEW MNR SERIES OPTIMIST BI-RADIAL MAINSAIL Tested and Approved 📸 Patrick Lelay 48 French Optimist sailors took to Kerguelen Beach to race and qualify for a spot at the 2020 Cap d’Agde. 13- year old Gabin Baly came out with the win overall after four races and two bullets powered by his new North Sails Optimist Bi-Radial Mainsail. Using this new model for the first time, Gabin was pleased with the performance gain he got from using his new sail. “Before I used the MZX4 and R2, and now I just tried the new model, the Bi-Radial for the first time for this regatta. I am very surprised about the abilities I had when it came to pointing, especially off the starting line. The new North Bi-Radial is great too downwind for speed and surfing waves.” When it comes to what conditions it worked best? Gabin replied; “I used the same rake I had with my R2 (2,80m) for this regatta with winds ranging from 15-25 knots.” “I am very happy with my new sail. It’s an easy decision when it comes to what I will be using for the French qualifiers, the Europeans, and the Worlds.” North clients finished 1,2,4,9. For more information on the fastest sail designs for the Optimist, contact your local expert today. 📸Patrick Lelay 📸Patrick Lelay 📸Patrick Lelay 📸Patrick Lelay 📸Patrick Lelay READ MORE

Nouveautés et développements pour 2020 Chez North Sails, nous avons à cœur de développer sans cesse nos voiles, afin que la vitesse et la simplicité des réglages soient à la portée de tous nos clients. Notre équipe travaille au quotidien sur des améliorations, jusqu'aux moindres détails, et nous sommes heureux d'avoir vu nos voiles monter sur tous les podiums cette année. En avant-première, nous avons le plaisir de vous annoncer qu'à partir de 2020, en plus de notre incontournable 3Di 360, vos voiles pourront être fabriquées avec un nouveau tissu, le Xi V2. Ce nouveau matériau confère à la voile une meilleure isotropie et une meilleure distribution en trame grâce à son film innovant. Ce film est issu d'une évolution de sa base en polyester. Son coloris est foncé mat pour une meilleure lecture de la forme de la voile, notamment en termes de contrastes avec les bandes de visualisations. Retour sur la saison 2019 Avec Nelson Mettraux du CER « Pour 2019, je me souviendrai de la fois où tout un équipage est passé à l'eau, à l'exception du barreur, parce que les filières ont cassé. Soit ils ont tiré vraiment fort dans les sangles...soit le matériel avait un peu trop vécu! En attendant, ils ont été récupères et le bateau a fini sa manche... Plus sérieusement et après 8 épreuves, notre Surprise CER 1 Sofies monte sur la 3e marche du podium de la saison. Au vu des nombreux changements d'équipage et de la prise en main du bateau entièrement par des jeunes sur certaines courses, nous sommes satisfaits et continuons notre travail dans l'esprit du Centre d'Entraînement à la Régate. En regroupant nos forces et en commençant les entrainements assez tôt mars, nous visons la 1ère place en 2020! Avec deux belles échéances qui seront le championnat d'Europe à Thonon et le championnat Suisse à Morges, les deux tombant hors des dates du Tour Voile. Julien (Monnier) nous a parlé du nouveau tissu Xi V2, on se réjouit déjà de l'essayer la saison prochaine. Le Surprise est idéal pour apprendre et progresser. Le niveau est élevé, la classe est active, il y a plein de participants sur les épreuves et les courses ne sont pas faciles à gagner. Vivement 2020. Hivernage de vos voiles La fin de saison approche, il est temps de prendre contact auprès de nos experts afin de faire un bilan de votre inventaire de voiles et dresser la liste des travaux d'hiver à effectuer. Appelez-nous au 022 782 32 22 pour avoir plus d'infos ou prendre rendez-vous. Nos services hivernaux à la carte sont à votre disposition pour prendre soin de vos voiles et augmenter leur longévité. Pour toutes les marques de voiles, nous vous proposons un contrôle complet « Certified Services » : Service d'enlèvement des voiles sur le bateau, service de stockage pendant la saison hivernale, lavage et contrôle, expertise de vos voiles, réparations éventuelles. Le Salon Nautique du Léman du 8 au 10 novembre à Palexpo Notre équipe se réjouit de vous accueillir sur le stand SN358 du vendredi 10 au dimanche 12 novembre à Palexpo et sera à votre entière disposition pour répondre à vos questions, programmer un essai, ou vous faire découvrir nos nouveautés. Cliquez ici pour imprimer votre invitation gratuite et venez découvrir nos offres « spéciales salons ». READ MORE

Surprise: Nouveauté 2020, retours sur la saison 2019, hivernage et salon nautique du Léman NOUVEAUTÉS ET DÉVELOPPEMENTS POUR 2020 Chez North Sails, nous avons à cœur de développer sans cesse nos voiles, afin que la vitesse et la simplicité des réglages soient à la portée de tous nos clients. Notre équipe travaille au quotidien sur des améliorations, jusqu'aux moindres détails, et nous sommes heureux d'avoir vu nos voiles monter sur tous les podiums cette année. En avant-première, nous avons le plaisir de vous annoncer qu'à partir de 2020, en plus de notre incontournable 3Di 360, vos voiles pourront être fabriquées avec un nouveau tissu, le Xi V2. Ce nouveau matériau confère à la voile une meilleure isotropie et une meilleure distribution en trame grâce à son film innovant. Ce film est issu d'une évolution de sa base en polyester. Son coloris est foncé mat pour une meilleure lecture de la forme de la voile, notamment en termes de contrastes avec les bandes de visualisations. Retour sur la saison 2019 Avec Nelson Mettraux du CER « Pour 2019, je me souviendrai de la fois où tout un équipage est passé à l'eau, à l'exception du barreur, parce que les filières ont cassé. Soit ils ont tiré vraiment fort dans les sangles...soit le matériel avait un peu trop vécu! En attendant, ils ont été récupérés et le bateau a fini sa manche... Plus sérieusement et après 8 épreuves, notre Surprise CER 1 Sofies monte sur la 3e marche du podium de la saison. Au vu des nombreux changements d'équipage et de la prise en main du bateau entièrement par des jeunes sur certaines courses, nous sommes satisfaits et continuons notre travail dans l'esprit du Centre d'Entraînement à la Régate. En regroupant nos forces et en commençant les entrainements assez tôt mars, nous visons la 1ère place en 2020! Avec deux belles échéances qui seront le championnat d'Europe à Thonon et le championnat Suisse à Morges, les deux tombant hors des dates du Tour Voile. Julien (Monnier) nous a parlé du nouveau tissu Xi V2, on se réjouit déjà de l'essayer la saison prochaine. Le Surprise est idéal pour apprendre et progresser. Le niveau est élevé, la classe est active, il y a plein de participants sur les épreuves et les courses ne sont pas faciles à gagner. Vivement 2020. Hivernage de vos voiles La fin de saison approche, il est temps de prendre contact auprès de nos experts afin de faire un bilan de votre inventaire de voiles et dresser la liste des travaux d'hiver à effectuer. Appelez-nous au 022 782 32 22 pour avoir plus d'infos ou prendre rendez-vous. Nos services hivernaux à la carte sont à votre disposition pour prendre soin de vos voiles et augmenter leur longévité. Pour toutes les marques de voiles, nous vous proposons un contrôle complet « Certified Services » : Service d'enlèvement des voiles sur le bateau, service de stockage pendant la saison hivernale, lavage et contrôle, expertise de vos voiles, réparations éventuelles. Le Salon Nautique du Léman du 8 au 10 novembre à Palexpo Notre équipe se réjouit de vous accueillir sur le stand SN358 du vendredi 10 au dimanche 12 novembre à Palexpo et sera à votre entière disposition pour répondre à vos questions, programmer un essai, ou vous faire découvrir nos nouveautés. Cliquez ici pour imprimer votre invitation gratuite et venez découvrir nos offres « spéciales salons ». READ MORE

Esse 850: nouveauté 2020, retours sur le championnat Suisse, hivernage et salon nautique du Léman NOUVEAUTÉ ET DÉVELOPPEMENTS POUR 2020 Chez North Sails, nous avons à cœur de développer sans cesse nos voiles, afin que la vitesse et la simplicité des réglages soient à la portée de tous nos clients. Notre équipe travaille au quotidien sur des améliorations, jusqu'aux moindres détails, et nous sommes heureux d'avoir vu nos voiles monter sur tous les podiums cette année. En avant-première, nous avons le plaisir de vous annoncer qu'à partir de 2020, vos voiles seront fabriquées avec un nouveau tissu, le Xi V2. Ce nouveau matériau confère à la voile une meilleure isotropie et une meilleure distribution en trame grâce à son film innovant. Ce film est issu d'une évolution de sa base en polyester. Son coloris est foncé mat pour une meilleure lecture de la forme de la voile, notamment en termes de contrastes avec les bandes de visualisations. Retours sur le championnat Suisse avec les champions suisses Avec Paul-Ambroise Sevestre, à bord de Zebra Box, équipé par Yvan Staub, Philippe Gaillard et Pierre Jully "C'est une épreuve dont je me souviendrai ! C'est même pour moi la régate en Esse courue avec le vent le plus fort depuis que j'ai découvert cette classe. Le comité avait du mal à tenir, c'est pour dire... Après deux jours de baston, un jour de medium et un jour de petit temps, on l'emporte avec quelques points d'avance mais j'ai pris plaisir à trouver de l'adversité sur l'eau et à découvrir l'équipage allemand de Martin Buck qui termine 2e. Ils nous ont donné du fil à retordre, tout en restant fair play. Ils nous ont déjà proposé une revanche! Comme d'habitude nous embarquons un jeune pour compléter l'équipe et là, je dois avouer que Pierre Jully (Optimist) m'a impressionné par son sérieux et son approche de la régate. Hyper motivé, il trouvait même que l'on blaguait trop à bord !" Crédit: Angela Trawoeger Hivernage de vos voiles La fin de saison approche, il est temps de prendre contact auprès de nos experts afin de faire un bilan de votre inventaire de voiles et dresser la liste des travaux d'hiver à effectuer. Appelez-nous au 022 782 32 22 pour avoir plus d'infos ou prendre rendez-vous. Nos services hivernaux à la carte sont à votre disposition pour prendre soin de vos voiles et augmenter leur longévité. Pour toutes les marques de voiles, nous vous proposons un contrôle complet « Certified Services » : Service d'enlèvement des voiles sur le bateau, service de stockage pendant la saison hivernale, lavage et contrôle, expertise de vos voiles, réparations éventuelles. Le Salon Nautique du Léman du 8 au 10 novembre à Palexpo Notre équipe se réjouit de vous accueillir sur le stand SN358 du vendredi 10 au dimanche 12 novembre à Palexpo et sera à votre entière disposition pour répondre à vos questions, programmer un essai, ou vous faire découvrir nos nouveautés. Cliquez ici pour imprimer votre invitation gratuite et venez découvrir nos offres « spéciales salons ». READ MORE

NORTH VICTORY AT THE J/70 ITALIAN CHAMPIONSHIP L’elagain Finishes The J/70 Season On A High L’elagain (ITA 629), Italian National Champions 📸 Zerogradinord Confirming that consistent results are the key to success, Italian team L’elagain celebrated victory at the J/70 Italian Cup after finishing with all but one result within the top 10 and the best discard in the fleet. With a competitive fleet of 52 boats from 11 countries racing at Yacht Club Sanremo, the regatta marked the end of a jam packed J/70 season. We caught up with J/70 Class Expert, Giulio Desiderato to hear how L’elagain made their victory possible. Sailing as part of L’elagain for one day of the regatta in replacement of Daniele Cassinari who sailed the remaining days, Giulio felt honoured: “I am very proud to have replaced Daniele who I consider one of the top Italian sailors. I was a little worried because this was my first time with the team, but sailing with them was amazing with a great atmosphere onboard and together we conquered the title!’’ The regatta could not have brought more varied conditions to test the teams; the first two days were light-medium wind conditions with choppy waves whilst the third and final day presented the sailors with an epic 20-22 knots of wind from the south and big waves. Talking about the team’s boatspeed, Giulio said “We felt really fast in the water in both sets of conditions and were able to recover well from race two and three where we didn’t get a good start.’’ With North Sails teams winning an impressive eight out of a possible nine races sailed in such a mixed bag of conditions, L’elagain adapted the shape of the sail through simple mast tuning. Daniele explains: “The XCS-2 Mainsail is a very good choice for my team since we are in the heavy side as crew weight. It gives us power in light/medium conditions while we can flat it enough with strong breeze. As usual, both the J-2 HC Jib and AP-1 Spinnaker have proven to be fast in all conditions, but it will be very interesting to also test the new F-1 Mainsail and J-6 HC Jib.’’ Browse our full J/70 Shop Inventory. “As usual, both the J-2 HC Jib and AP-1 Spinnaker have proven to be fast in all conditions, but it will be very interesting to also test the new F-1 Mainsail and J-6 HC Jib.” Sailing with a team he normally competes against brought an unusual opportunity to see what they do differently. Giulio explains “After sailing a lot of races against them, now I realise why they are such a strong team. I have to thank Franco Solerio and Daniele for the opportunity to sail at the event, as well as Nicolas, Simone and Manuel for the work done.’’ It is now time for Giulio to go back the team onboard Petite Terrible as they prepare for the South American Championships in December, hosted by Yacht Club Punta del Este. After conquering the 2019 European Championships, the Petite Terrible team are now setting their focus on retaining their title at the 2020 Europeans Championships in Denmark. The spectacular backdrop of Sanremo 📸 Zerogradinord Alice fully powered up downwind (ITA 1046) Intense concentration onboard Jcurve (ITA 1090) in the light winds of Day One 📸 Zerogradinord Notaro Team (ITA 725) and Amaiz Sailing Team (CYP 1401) battling it out downwind 📸 Zerogradinord 📸 Zerogradinord Breeze on and weight back onboard WHYNOT#SLAM (ITA 1187) 📸 Zerogradinord READ MORE

ANMELDUNG Einladung zum Jubiläums-Apéro Samstag, 09. November 2019 ab 14.00h Ort: Promenadenstrasse 39, 8280 Kreuzlingen (SVK Clubhaus am Hafen Kreuzlingen) READ MORE

M2: Nouveauté 2020, retours sur la saison 2019, hivernage et salon nautique du Léman © M2 Speed Tour Nouveauté et développements pour 2020 Chez North Sails, nous avons à cœur de développer sans cesse nos voiles, afin que la vitesse et la simplicité des réglages soient à la portée de tous nos clients. Notre équipe travaille au quotidien sur des améliorations, jusqu'aux moindres détails, et nous sommes heureux d'avoir vu nos voiles monter sur tous les podiums cette année. En avant-première, nous avons le plaisir de vous annoncer qu'à partir de 2020, en plus de notre incontournable 3Di Code 50, vos voiles de portant pourront être fabriquées avec un nouveau tissu, le Xi V2. Ce nouveau matériau confère à la voile une meilleure isotropie et une meilleure distribution en trame grâce à son film innovant. Ce film est issu d'une évolution de sa base en polyester. Son coloris est foncé mat pour une meilleure lecture de la forme de la voile, notamment en termes de contrastes avec les bandes de visualisations. Retours sur la saison 2019 Avec Didier Pfister, vainqueur du classement général avec Swiss Medical Network Les clés du succès pour enchainer deux victoires de championnat ? « Un bon équipage est essentiel, il faut que les manœuvres tournent. Avoir un bateau bien préparé et qui va vite reste fondamental également. Depuis trois saisons maintenant, j'ai souhaité naviguer avec des jeunes...ils ont la moitié de mon âge! Les jeunes sont performants de nos jours. Ils naviguent régulièrement sur d'autres supports et gèrent très bien les manœuvres. C'est vraiment plaisant de naviguer avec eux. Mario Pfister et Mathieu Ravussin constituent une base et ils s'organisent pour compléter l'équipage. Et moi je fais le chef d'orchestre à l'arrière ☺ En 2019, 14 personnes ont régaté sur Swiss Medical Network! Je me souviendrai de notre début de saison tonitruant avec des victoires alignées sur les trois premiers Grand Prix grâce à notre bonne équipe et à une super speed. On allait comme des fusées à Versoix avec notre GV et le gennak' polyvalent. Il est assez plat je trouve et j'avais des suspicions pour le portant. En fait on allait comme les autres, voire parfois mieux au portant, et on avançait super bien au près. Notre dernier Grand Prix restera gravé aussi. Tout se jouait encore pour la saison et on a failli ne pas pouvoir courir! Avant le départ de la 1ère manche, Patrimonium ne parvient pas à abattre derrière nous. Il nous perfore le flotteur en plein milieu, le bateau prend l'eau et c'est de justesse qu'on le ramène à terre. En bons marins, ils nous proposent leur monture. Le jury accepte, on gagne l'épreuve et la saison! » Hivernage de vos voiles La fin de saison approche, il est temps de prendre contact auprès de nos experts afin de faire un bilan de votre inventaire de voiles et dresser la liste des travaux d'hiver à effectuer. Appelez-nous au 022 782 32 22 pour avoir plus d'infos ou prendre rendez-vous. Nos services hivernaux à la carte sont à votre disposition pour prendre soin de vos voiles et augmenter leur longévité. Pour toutes les marques de voiles, nous vous proposons un contrôle complet « Certified Services » : Service d'enlèvement des voiles sur le bateau, service de stockage pendant la saison hivernale, lavage et contrôle, expertise de vos voiles, réparations éventuelles. Le Salon Nautique du Léman du 8 au 10 novembre à Palexpo Notre équipe se réjouit de vous accueillir sur le stand SN358 du vendredi 10 au dimanche 12 novembre à Palexpo et sera à votre entière disposition pour répondre à vos questions, programmer un essai, ou vous faire découvrir nos nouveautés. Cliquez ici pour imprimer votre invitation gratuite et venez découvrir nos offres « spéciales salons ». READ MORE

Dijamantna Viška regata FOTO: JK LABUD - JADRAN BABIĆ Viška regata - fenomen o kojem je do sada napisano i ispričano toliko mnogo riječi da je vrlo teško dodati nešto novo. Ove godine je posebna po tome što je dosegnula dijamantni status. Status koji su jedriličari proslavili s rekordnim odzivom i 179 jedrilica na startnoj listi. Ruta regate i aktivnosti oko nje su i ove godine bile nepromijenjene. Jedrile su se dvije etape uz jednu revijalnu regatu u Viškoj luci. Prva zbog bonace nije odjedrena cijelom dužinom, već je start izmaknut pred Splitska vrata, odnosno ispred punte Livke od kuda se prema Visu krenulo u 11:50. Vladali su uvjeti laganog vjetra i taktički je trebalo dobro procijeniti situaciju, pogotovo posade jedrilica s nižim jarbolima, dok je nekolicina ekstra visokih imalo bar malo laganiji zadatak. Naravno da je ove zahtjeve zadovoljavala uvijek ista skupina jedrilica koje nastupaju na Jadranskim regatama, pa je i rasplet u cilju uvijek temeljen na fondu od desetak istih imena. JK Labud je odavno odabrao za obje svoje regate koje se jedre na potezu između Splita i otoka Visa da je generalni pobjednik regate onaj koji pobijedi po ORC-u, sustavu koji nastoji sve jedrilice izjednačiti matematičkim putem. Na 75. Viškoj se u tu kategoriju prijavilo 28 posada, a formula po kojoj su se obračunavali rezultati je Time on time (ToT). Razloga zašto nije bilo većeg odziva po ORC-u vjerojatno ima nekoliko. Jedan od njih je vjerojatno revijalni pristup velikog broja posada kojima je Viška regata izgovor za odlazak na jedan izvrstan vikend kombiniran s jedrenjem u jednoj od najvećih organiziranih skupina na Jadranu, a drugi je ukomponiran u famu koja prati ORC odavno da je riječ o nečem što je skupo i rezervirano za najbolje. Istina, najbolji često i investiraju najviše u svoje jedrilice, pa tako i u optimizaciju po ORC-u, ali Viška regata se jedri po verziji ORC Club. Riječ je o jednostavnijoj varijanti ORC-a, a za izradu odgovarajućeg certifikata potrebno je u ORC prijaviti samo manju količinu mjera po nadgrađu jedrilice i na jedrima. Ta mjerenja može napraviti i sam vlasnik, dok za situaciju kad se želi izbjeći suparničke provokacije o krivom mjerenju može izabrati mogućnost da službeni premjerači obave taj posao. Da to nije nikakav veliki problem pokazuje i primjer Lige Orsan u kojoj je ORC Club službeni sustav po kojem se računaju rezultati i svi krstaši s regatnim ambicijama u Orsanovoj domeni utjecaja imaju ORC Club certifikat. Ali vratimo se Viškoj. Već u najavnoj fazi i pripremama za regatu očekivao se rekordan broj sudionika. To je pred organizatore stavilo i posebne logističke zahtjeve kojima su ove godine pristupili mnogo ozbiljnije i organiziranije nego ranijih godina, a više o tome je ispričao g.Toni Mlikota, predsjednik JK Labud: Regata je ekspandirala, dosta i naglo. Učinilo nam se da je došlo vrijeme da se napravi jedan iskorak, prije svega da se unese malo reda jer ovo je prvenstveno regata. Regata koja je postala popularna i kao biznis regata i jedan vid hedonizma, a i posljednja regata u sezoni za mnoge charteraše. I konzumenata ove regate je svake godine sve više. Primijetili smo jedan trend paljenja motora odmah nakon prolaska Splitskih vrata. Svi žure i hoće se vezati za rivu, pa smo imali dosta pritužbi jedriličara, a i meni samom se to dešavalo par puta da jedrim cijeli dan, dođem u Vis i nemam se gdje vezati, a ovi što su išli motor su već siti i u opuštaju se uz čašicu. I jednostavno smo odlučili tome stati na kraj, pogotovo jer smo ove godine dobili vrlo jake promotore. Zato ja ove godine nisam jedrio prvu dionicu i otišao sam dan ranije sve pripremiti. Tako da je pred dolazak regate cijela riva bila čista, kako sama riva, tako i u Kutu. Gumenjacima smo prihvaćali ove koji su dolazili na jedra, a i na sastanku kormilara sam kazao da neće biti nitko toleriran. Svi su dobrodošli, da ne bi bilo zabune, ali oni koji su upalili motor idu na bove. Za katamarane smo pripremili jednu "fun zonu", za ljude koji su došli prvenstveno radi pjevanja, zabave, mladi su... sve ja to shvaćam, ali ima ih koji žele spavati, spremit se za sutrašnju regatu u luci, za drugu etapu... mislim, ne možete smetati tim ljudima! Spomenuta fun zona je bila ispred "Bejbija" i tu su bili uglavnom mladi ljudi, a bilo nam je i dosta muzičara ove godine. Bilo je dosta pjesme i muzike, ali na način da se u gradu ne smeta Višanima i jedriličarima. I sve dok su u luku stizali oni koji su došli sa sportskim namjerama bili su vezivani na rivu. Tek nakon što svi takvi pristanu na rivu i ako je ostalo još mjesta onda smiju na nju pristati i ostali. Od sada će prednost imati ljudi koji jedre! Osim toga pojačali smo i transfer s bova na kraj. Vozila su četiri gumenjaka. Gratis je bio prijevoz cijeli dan do ponoći. Od ponoći su se svi koji su ostali vani i htjeli se vratiti na svoje brodove mogli javiti na kanal 71 ili na mobitele momaka koji su vozili, a uz doslovno simboličku naknadu koja nije smjela prijeći deset kuna po osobi. Tako da uz tu logističku podršku i vremenske uvjete ta dva dana, bova čak nije bila niti lošije rješenje. Službeno smo imali 180 prijavljenih, ali vjerujem da je bilo i oko 200 jedrilica. Razlog je što jedan dio natjecatelja ne prati objave na internetu, već su napravili gužvu u uredu Regatnog odbora u četvrtak navečer na prijavama. Za vrijeme popunjavanja papirnatih formulara nastala je gužva, neugodne situacije, stvorila se nervoza... tako da danas imamo jedan radni sastanak, dok smo još vrući, i raspravit ćemo neke stvari. Jedna od njih je da dogodine možda zatvorimo ured već u srijedu, ako ništa drugo da spriječimo te neugodne situacije. Čak razmišljamo o nekim drugim promjenama u rasporedu događanja, ali o njima ćemo u javnost izaći dogodine. Npr. ove godine smo se srećom već nakon par sati vratili u Split i imali smo vremena obraditi rezultate za sve jedrilice, ali da smo imali bonacu kao u prvo etapi pitanje je bi li stigli napraviti proglašenje pobjednika u vrijeme koje je bilo najavljeno. Moram reći da sam uživao u toj drugoj etapi. Bilo je dvadesetak čvorova i jedrenje je bilo čisti užitak. Zaista sam se guštao vraćati. Također ćemo i ubuduće inzistirati na tome da što više jedrilica dojedri i do Visa. Ove godine smo vidjeli da će mali broj sudionika proći kroz Splitska vrata, a da će većina ostati, pa smo odmah prebacili startnu liniju pred Šoltu. Nije nam cilj da se kompletna ruta odjedri pod svaku cijenu i da to uspije samo nekolicini. Ja kao kapetan uvijek gledam koja je najslabija karika. A to je u ovom slučaju većina flote. Zato treba i onima koji nemaju Full Pelt-ove, TP-ove... da završe regatu. Regata je za sviju! Toni Mlikota, JK Labud Start prve etape je signaliziran po laganom maestralu koji je tijekom poslijepodneva treba prijeći u laganu tramontanu. Brzine koje su prvi ostvarivali su uglavnom bile između 4 i 5 čvorova i ovisno o brzinama ostvarenim nakon otvaranja regate i mjestu gdje su se nalazili nakon par sati, neki novi refuli su činili preokrete. Startna linija je bila postavljena tako da je malo favoriziranija strana bila na pinu, ali s obzirom na veliku gužvu i koncentraciju dvjestotinjak jedrilica na relativno malom mjestu za tako lagan vjetar, bilo je važnije pronaći što čišću zonu da se što brže izdvoji ispred ostatka flote. Kao i uvijek taj zadatak je bio lakši velikim i laganim nego težim i sporijim. Najbrže do Visa je jedrio Polet Furioso. Posadi Nikole Deškovića je trebalo 3 sata, 25 minuta i 45 sekundi. Pet minuta i šest sekundi iza njega stiže David među hrpom Golijata, Fatamorgana Mate Arapova. Na trećem mjestu završava najveća jedrilica na regati, VOR60, Clean Sport One Marjana Kočile. Zatim sa sve kraćim razlikama stižu u Vis i ostali regatijeri. Što se tiče rezultata po ORC-u tu je situacija dosta drugačija. Prva jedrilica koja je jedrila i po "premjeru" je bio Polet Furioso, pa tek Dubrovnik koji je u cilj ušao osmi po redu. Lagani vjetar nije išao na ruku velikom Poletu koji je za bolji rezultat po ORC-u morao u Vis stići petnaestak minuta ranije, pa po korekciji završava na 10. mjestu. Najbrži po računalu su bili Orion II i Mareus II. Njih dvoje su u cilj ušli kao 20. i 27. u realnom poretku, više od 20 minuta iza Dubrovnika i više od 35 minuta iza Poleta. Na kraju je Orion bio 5 i pol korigiranih minuta, a Mareus dvije i pol ispred Dubrovnika. Kako je posada Dubrovnika jedrila ta tri dana ispričao je kormilar Denis Vukas: Prošle godine smo isto pobijedili i mislili smo da je to nemoguće ponoviti. Bili smo prvi po OR-u, u grupi i drugi po Openu i po NHP-u. Računali smo da je to maksimum i da ne može bolje od toga. Ali ove godine smo to nadmašili! Jedino nam je ostala apsolutna pobjeda, ali teško ćemo to osvojiti (smijeh). A što da kažem, prva etapa je bila naporna, bar za mene. Mislim da je i inače svakom jedriličaru jedrenje po bonaci ili po vjetru do 5 čvorova napornije nego po 20 čvorova. Uglavnom, startali smo s Livke. Računali smo da će probiti W - NW, ali za vrijeme starta je držali malo više s juga. Glavna strategija nam je bila držati se više Hvara i Paklinskih otoka i kad izađemo između Paklenih i Visa da se lagano penjemo po tom maestralu, sjeverozapadnjaku, već što dođe. Na startu mi je želja bila startati tamo gdje je najmanje gužva, da nam što manje smetaju. Tako smo startali sa sredine linije u čistom vjetru. Start je bio odličan i idućih par repiketa je bilo kako nas je vjetar okretao. Išli smo prema zapadu, pa nas je vjetar vraćao dva puta prema Hvaru, dok nismo odlučili da je to zadnji repiket i da idemo napraviti donju parabolu. Ispalo je super do Paklenjaka. Mate (Fatamorgana op.a.) je bio ispred nas možda pola milje, a mi smo mu bili točno po krmi. Po boku, poviše nas, je bio Overload, pa poviše njega Ful Pelta, pa negdje tamo daleko smo jedva vidjeli Niku Kmetovića (anima op.a.) i Poleta. Jedrili smo s drifterom cijelo vrijeme. Kako smo ga odrolali na startu nismo ga skidali do cilja. Vjetra je bilo 5 čvorova, a mi smo jedrili i malo brže od vjetra, kut idealan... i izgledalo je dobro dok nismo prošli Paklenjake. Tada je vjetar malo više jačao sa zapada i oni su svi prošli s jačim vjetrom i većom brivom. Ispalo je skoro kao što sam zamislio, samo što je izgleda kasnije vjetar jačao dovoljno da su nas po ORC-u uspjeli uhvatiti i Orion i Mareus. Tako da smo mi bili treći nakon prvog dana. Moram reći da je Ivan Kuret (Orion op.a.) imao dobar plan. On je iz svjedodžbe izvadio spinakere i genakere, ne znam što je sve imao. Ostavio je samo flokove, jedro i drifter. Zato je imao vrlo dobro razvrstanje. Kasnije smo gledali kako nas je uspio proći, što se dešava, pa kad smo prostudirali svjedodžbu vidjeli smo da mu je plan bio super. Vjerojatno je pratio prognozu i išao na kalkulirani rizik i isplatilo mu se. Drugi dan je bio standardna regata u Visu. Po mojoj procjeni najveći konkurent nam je bila Anima (ex. Stradivaria). Prvi plov smo izletjeli odmah na startu i kontrolirali smo regatu sve do cilja. Jedrio se trapez po nekakvom široku koji je probijao iz Kuta. Puhalo je 10-12 čvorova i uglavnom nakon starta s jednom bordadom može se doći do prve bove. Druga bova je bila malo laškija i vozili smo s jedrom i Code 0, malo je davalo s prove, malo u bok, kako dođe reful iz koje ulice. Bova je bila ispred Češke vile, pa onda smo išli na drugi kraj vale. Tu nam je isto davalo s boka, isto smo jedrili s Code 0, a od te bove do cilja je bila uglavnom mezzonava, pa smo malo koristili flok, malo Code 0. Ali najvažnije je bilo dobro odraditi start, dalje je bila samo kontrola. Zato je drugi plov bio malo zanimljiviji. Ponovno smo vodili, ali kod Češke vile je reful bio loš, pa smo stali u bonaci. S krme je onda počeo probijati novi reful s kojim je stizao Niko Kmetović, doletio je do nas, a mi smo bili unutarnji na bovi. On je računao na tu veću brivu i da će nas s njom proći, ali i mi smo krenuli. Bili smo preblizu i u jednom trenutku smo se skoro taknuli, ja sam morao zapojati. Tada smo dignuli protest na njega. Ali na idućoj bovi mi smo uhvatili bolji reful i proći ispred njega, tako da na kraju je ispalo super. Ta regata je ispala malo dosadna, ali posada je rekla "ajme što je ovo, stalno neke manovre", stalno smo mijenjali jedra i stvarno nije bilo pauze. Ono, jedino što se moglo napraviti je bilo otići na neku stranu s nadom da će tamo reful doći brže, kao i to što se nama desilo, bili smo naprijed i stajali na mjestu a kad nam je došao reful došao je i Niko... A povratak natrag u Split... Po prognozi je bilo neko jugo u pojačanju. stalno oko 20 s udarima do 22 čvora. Dosta sam studirao brojne prognoze i onda smo odlučili ići malo donjom stranom, jer sam očekivao da će prije Vrata vjetar pasti i dati više s juga umjesto jugoistoka, tako da sam htio biti donji brod. Startali smo bliže bovi. Kusta je stavio liniju dosta favoriziranu, mislim da je donja bova bila bliže Vratima za 300-400 metara, da malo rastegne cijelu grupu. Nama je ispalo dobro jer na bovi nije bilo gužve, a i malo smo zakasnili s dolaskom na liniju starta. Ostali su se držali sredine linije, razlog ne znam. Krenuli smo s jednim kratom i najmanjim flokom i još smo otvorili i Code 0. S Code o smo vozili pojanije, prema sredini Šolte, možda čak i prema Maslinici, od starta, pa sve do pola kanala prema Paklenjacima. U tom dijelu regate smo stvarno letjeli. Mislim da nam se brzina nije spuštala ispod 15 čvorova. Tako da osim što je ta donja bova bila favoriziranija i mi smo s tom brzinom napravili dosta veliku distancu prema naprijed, ali smo dosta padali i u jednom trenutku sam odlučio da je dovoljno i da ne smijemo više padati, skinuli smo Code 0 i nastavili natrag prema Vratima s jedrom i flokom. Tu nam je vjetar bio više u bok i brzine su nam stalno bile između 10 i 12 čvorova. Sve to je bilo uglavnom onako kako sam planirao da će biti, jedino što je u Hvarskom kanalu, prije ulaska u Vrata, vjetar davao više od levanta. Tu nam je bilo malo oštrije, pa nismo baš profitirali u tom zadnjem dijelu jedrenja do Vrata. Tako da je par brodova koji su bili visočiji... Marina Kaštela, Bare, Paola... jednostavno doletjeli i pregazili nas. Ostali brodovi koji su nam bili bitni za ORC nisu bili na vidiku jer smo napravili veliku razliku, a i trebali smo tako da bi po korekciji bili prvi. Mislim da smo trebali ući ispred ostalih 25 minuta ranije. U Vratima nismo znali što se događa, uglavnom je lagano probijalo preko Milne, s boka, pa smo nastavili s Code 0. Kako bi došao reful malo bi se spustili, dizali kad padne, uglavnom u Brački kanal smo ušli dok smo još bili dosta blizu samog Brača. Tu nas je vjetar dočekao više iz smjera Omiša, pa smo nastavili s flokom. Tu smo nastavili jedriti malo visočije jer sam planirao iskoristiti Code 0 ako bude moguće i na samom kraju ako ukrmi. Tako se i dogodilo, oko milju i pol prije okreta smo otvorili Code 0 i napravili dobar potez i uspjeli prijeći Baru V i sustići Paolu na bavi. Tako da smo praktički preklopljeni jedrili od Sustipana do cilja i uspjeli za par metara prije njih ući u cilj, 7. realno. Jednom riječju stvarno brza regata, "brza pruga". Denis Vukas, Dubrovnik - JK Orsan Uspoređujući vremenske uvjete, druga etapa je bila dijametralno suprotna prvoj. Ako su mnogi očekivali da će napraviti dobar rezultat do Visa, samo najspremniji su mogli očekivati da će ga napraviti na povratku. Puno vjetra iz smjerova laške orce, pa do pola krme obećavali su vrlo velike brzine. Da bi se taj vjetar mogao iskoristiti do maksimuma i ako ništa drugo uživati u glisiranju po velikom valu koji je dolazio s juga, morala su se dizati i "leteća" prednja jedra. Kako je izgledalo na palubi Dubrovnika ispričao je Denis Vukas, a slično je bilo i na ostalima. Prvi su u cilj ušli slovenci s VOR-om. To su bili uvjeti koje su oni vjerojatno s lakoćom podnijeli. Njima je od starta do cilja trebalo 2:23:01. Najbliži su im bili sunarodnjaci na Generaliju (TP52). Oni su kasnili za pobjednicima malo više od 6 minuta, ali zato su bili brži od drugog TP-a, Polet Furiosa, za 17 sekundi! Generali je jedrio i po ORC-u, ali je Dubrovnik ipak bio brži nakon matematičke korekcije. Generali završava na još jednom drugom mjestu, a između njega i realno trećeplasiranog Poleta, koji je po ORC-u završio na četvrtom mjestu, ubacio se pobjednik prve etape Orion II. Četvrti je završio Splitski kralj bonace, Tonči Antunović koji je još jednom dokazao da njegov Full Pelt vrlo dobro podnosi i uvjete jakog vjetra i mora. Još jedan dokaz koliko je uz dobar i kvalitetan brod nužna i posada koja će znati iz njega izvući maksimum. Sličnu kombinaciju imamo već i na petom mjestu. Ponovno David u društvu Golijata, odnosno Fatamorgana, jedrilica kraća od 10 metara puna vrhunskih jedriličara. Za duplo duljim Clean Sport Oneom su zakasnili malo više od 19 minuta, dok je prva iduća jedrilica približno jednake duljine, Magnum x3 završio na 17. mjestu pola sata iza Mate Arapova i društva. Osim po ovom izvrsnom rezultatu ekipa s Fatamorgane će ovu regatu zapamtiti i po uvjetima koji su omogućili njihovim foilovima da dođu do maksimalnog izražaja. Naime, već nekoliko godina Mate Arapov koristi foilove na svojoj jedrilici i trenutno je jedini krstaš s tim upgradeom, a kako stvari stoje takav će biti još jedno kratko vrijeme, dok ne stigne flotila Swanova 36 Club koji će uskoro činiti ACI-jevu sportsku monotip flotu. U svakom slučaju, kako je bilo na Fatamorgani ispričao nam je njen vlasnik i kormilar: Što da kažem, opća ludnica, samo smo imali djecu na brodu i na početku me bio strah hoće li sve izdržat jer je novi timun i nova kolomba, pa dok sam još uhvatio mot kako da to vozim. Ali je bilo fenomenalno! Najbolje nam je bilo kasnije u Vratima kad je bilo lišo more i nije bilo puno vjetra. Puhalo je oko 14, a mi smo vozili blizu 20 čvorova! Kad smo krenuli s Visa imali smo dignut Olympic i doslovno smo letjeli, bili smo brži od sviju. Tu smo još jedrili i malo niže, nisam se htio dizati, jer smo još uvijek išli prema Vratima. Tu je onda pao vjetar i počeo nam dolaziti s prove. Tada je bilo preoštro i nismo više mogli "poludit" skroz. Falilo nam je 5° da i tu uzletimo. Kasnije smo skužili da smo u zoni pred Vratima, gdje smo pali prenisko, da smo ostavili prednji dagger pola metra u moru dobili bi lift s kojim bi se mogli penjati. Tako da zglob kojeg imamo u toj situaciji nije uopće dizao i imao nikakvu funkciju u tom pogledu. Onda smo se kasnije u Vratima opet razletili i stigli Antunoviću (Full Pelt op.a.) na krmu. Kad smo izašli iz Vrata ispred nas je bila neka crna crta i izgledalo je da dolazi svježe jugo i da ćemo se sjuriti u cilj, ali na kraju nije bilo ništa od toga. Nakon jednog refula sve je palo i onda smo dignuli Code 0, ali se sve zamrsilo, pa smo ga spustili. Onda smo dignuli drifter i kasnije opet uhvatili 16 milja u dosta oštrom kursu po 13-14 čvorova vjetra. Taj drifter smo dignuli stvarno na brzinu, nismo imali jedara naprijed, nismo ga ni kacali po gindacu do kraja, ali svejedno smo se uspjeli zaletjeti. Tada smo prošli pored Marine Kaštela kao da stoji. Ono što je najbolje u tome je da nam ne treba previše vjetra. Brod sve to podnosi lijepo, mekano, stvarno je gušt tako jedriti! Sad to još treba naučiti kako to iskoristiti još više. Mate Arapov, Fatamorgana - JK Mornar Sva ova ispreplitanja i rošade na rezultatskim ljestvicama dovele su do toga da je na kraju titulu najbrže jedrilice po realnom vremenu odnio predstavnik domaćina, Polet Furioso! FOTO: JK LABUD - JADRAN BABIĆ Ali ipak, pravu žetvu trofeja imao je Dubrovnik koji je regatu pobijedio po ORC-u, drugom premjeru - NHP-u i bili su najbolji u svojim skupinama i po ORC-u i po Openu! Jedino nisu odnijeli pokal za najbržeg po realnom vremenu. Ne treba posebno isticati da je Dubrovnik svoje fantastične rezultate ostvario uz pomoć pogona koji mu je osigurao North Sails. Jednako tako i drugi naši klijenti ostvarili su vrlo dobre rezultate u svojim skupinama, i s osmjehom se vratili doma. Posebno bi istaknuli Kobru, X35 koji je osvojio skupinu C3 s 12 godina starim sivim North Sails jedrima! Paula, FW40, je jedrila u skupini R0 zajedno s Poletom i završila je regatu odmah iza njega u skupini i kao 6. u generalnom plasmanu. Gringo, Archamabult 40 iz JK Uskok na Viškoj je jedrio s 3Di Nordac jedrima starim nekoliko sezona. Unatoč tome završava na izvrsnom 3. mjestu skupine R2, iste u kojoj je jedrio pobjednik regate Dubrovnik i kao 13. na zajedničkoj ljestvici svih 180 sudionika. Bili smo prisutni i na malenim jedrilicama, istaknut ćemo SSC 27, El Orada, pobjednike skupine R6. A ne smijemo zaboraviti ni Farabuta, Rast Wave-a 30, koji je bio 3. u skupini R4 i 31. u generalnom plasmanu, a sve to je ostvario s davno kupljenim Nort Sails setom. Konačne rezultate za Open možete pronaći na ovom linku, dok su konačni rezultati za ORC na ovom linku. Open skupine se nalaze ovdje, dok su ORC skupine ovdje. A oni koje zanimaju rezultati po NHP-u mogu ih pročitati ovdje. READ MORE

NORTH SAILS GRAND SURPRISE CHALLENGE Un grand bravo à tous les participants pour cette nouvelle édition du Challenge Vous avez été nombreux à participer à presque toutes les régates de la saison, une jolie performance que nous espérons voir perdurer encore de nombreuses années. Nous avons le plaisir de vous convier à la remise des prix du Challenge, le samedi 9 novembre à 18h30 sur le stand SN358 de North Sails.à Palexpo. Un prix sera également tiré au sort ce soir-là et parmi les présents qui ont participé à au moins 4 de ces 5 régates (Championnat de Série, Thonon, Morges, la Double, X de Sciex). Retours sur la saison 2019 Avec Bernard Borter, à bord de Little Nemo: « La saison s'est très bien passée pour nous ! Nous sommes ravis des régates qui ont été courues, ainsi que de nos résultats. Le vent était au rendez-vous toute la saison, ce qui a permis à la classe de disputer de belles régates. Même un peu trop pour le Bol d'Or :-) Mais malgré ça, nos voiles ont très bien tenu, à peine quelques déchirures. On continue même à naviguer avec certaines d'entre elles... Il y a une excellente ambiance dans la classe, ce qui aide aussi beaucoup à passer de bonnes saisons. Lorsqu'il y a de la casse, tout le monde s'entraide afin que toutes les équipes puissent terminer la saison dans les meilleures conditions possibles. Et le niveau augmente également d'année en année : c'est stimulant, on se pousse les uns les autres pour s'améliorer. A nous de maintenir le niveau pour les années à venir ! » Hivernage de vos voiles La fin de saison approche, il est temps de prendre contact auprès de nos experts afin de faire un bilan de votre inventaire de voiles et dresser la liste des travaux d'hiver à effectuer. Appelez-nous au 022 782 32 22 pour avoir plus d'infos ou prendre rendez-vous. Nos services hivernaux à la carte sont à votre disposition pour prendre soin de vos voiles et augmenter leur longévité. Pour toutes les marques de voiles, nous vous proposons un contrôle complet « Certified Services » : Service d'enlèvement des voiles sur le bateau, service de stockage pendant la saison hivernale, lavage et contrôle, expertise de vos voiles, réparations éventuelles. Le Salon Nautique du Léman du 8 au 10 novembre à Palexpo Notre équipe se réjouit de vous accueillir sur le stand SN358 du vendredi 10 au dimanche 12 novembre à Palexpo et sera à votre entière disposition pour répondre à vos questions, programmer un essai, ou vous faire découvrir nos nouveautés. Cliquez ici pour imprimer votre invitation gratuite et venez découvrir nos offres « spéciales salons ». READ MORE

GIV DINE SEJL DEN BEDST MULIGE PLEJE MED ET GRATIS EFTERSYN HOS NORTH SAILS Vi tilbyder service til alle slags kunder, fra den lille Optimist til de allerstørste yachts. En ting har de alle til fælles - de har brug for sejl i den bedste kvalitet, vedligeholdt i den bedste stand. North Sails Certified Service tilbyder dig den bedste sejlpleje og uanset om du er til kapsejlads eller tursejlads, er der ingen mere kvalificeret til at hjælpe dig med at forlænge levetiden på dine sejl og opretholde deres maksimale ydeevne. Sejlmagerens 10 råd til at forlænge levetiden på dine sejl: Undgå at sejlene blafrer langvarigt, da det kan nedbringe sejlets levetid betragteligt. Undgå så vidt muligt at sejle for motor med blafrende sejl i vinden. Brug dine sejl i deres dertil designede vind område. Hvis du ikke kender de anbefalede vind områder for dine sejl, skal du kontakte North Sails. Når du forlader båden, skal du lette fald spænding og udhal for at forhindre at sejlet bliver overstrukket. Undgå at folde sejlet på de samme foldelinjer for at forhindre at små folder ikke bliver permanente. Beskyt dine sejl mod sollys med en presenning og lad dem blive i posen så længe som muligt. Skyl dine sejl med ferskvand og tør dem grundigt inden opbevaring for at undgå mug. Skyl fittings i ferskvand for at forhindre korrosion. Opbevar tørre sejl på et godt ventileret sted. Gerne mørkt og afkølet. Gå jævnligt sejlet efter for slidtage. Send dit sejl til eftersyn og service hos North Sails efter hver sæson! Kontakt os på 3920 4090 for mere information eller send os en email på DEN@northsails.com Se her, hvor du kan indlevere din sejl til gratis vintereftersyn. READ MORE

VERDENS BEDSTE SERVICE Hos North Sails er vores målsætning at give dine sejl det bedste mulige service eftersyn, hurtigt og effektivt. Vi ved, at uanset om du kapsejler eller cruiser, er sejlene en stor investering og vi sætter en ære i at hjælpe dig med at maksimere sejlets performance og levetid. Vores verdensomspændende netværk gør, at du får den samme service, uanset om du er hjemme eller på den anden side af jorden. Og vores sejlmagere kan håndtere ethvert behov for service og vedligehold. North Sails tilbyder 1 års Fri Service* Ved køb af et nyt Cruising-, Racing- eller One Design sejl. Dette program er gældende overalt i North Sails verdensomspændende netværk af salgs- og servicelofter. Ethvert sejl, der bliver serviceret hos North Sails, gennemgår en grundig inspektion, der identificerer eventuelle problemer tidligt, så de ikke bliver store problemer senere. En årlig gennemgang af din sejlgarderobe bidrager væsentligt til at forlænge sejlets levetid og performance. "North Sails "Certified Service" tilbyder dig den allerbedste service af dine sejl. Uanset om du sejler kapsejlads eller cruiser, er der ingen anden sejlmager som er mere kvalificeret til at hjælpe dig med at forlænge dine sejls liv og opretholde facon og performance i hele sejlets levetid. Vores globale salgs- og servicenetværk består af 7 produktionssteder, 159 salgs- og servicelofter og over 1.500 medarbejdere på verdensplan. North Sails Certified Service leverer kvalitet og håndværk i verdensklasse, uanset hvor du er i verden." Se også Sejlmagerens 10 råd til at forlænge levetiden på dine sejl REGATTA SERVICE North Sails “Certified Service” Sejlmager får dine sejl repareret og fixet over natten. Vores Service Bil er på stedet til alle de store kapsejladser, hvor vi tilbyder afhentning og levering af dine sejl. Skader kan ske, men det betyder ikke, at du skal være uden dit bedst sejl resten af kapsejladsen. ÅRLIG VINTER SERVICE En årlig service af din sejlgarderobe betyder forlænges af sejlets levetid og hjælper med at opretholde den rigtige dybde og facon. Ethvert sejl, der bliver serviceret af North Sails, gennemgår en grundig inspektion, der er designet til at identificere eventuelle problemer tidligt, så de ikke bliver store problemer senere. 1 ÅRS GRATIS SERVICE Ved køb af et nyt cruising sejl, racing sejl eller One Design sejl tilbyder North Sails 1 års gratis sejlservice og reparation efter den første sæson. Dette er gældende overalt i North Sails verdensomspændende netværk af salgs- og servicelokaler. READ MORE

EVENT SPOTLIGHT: CUSTOMER APPRECIATION Thank You For Your Support, Toronto! This past Saturday we came together to celebrate one thing: YOU. Our Toronto team held a customer appreciation event to say THANK YOU to our loyal customers for all the support we've received over the years. It was fantastic to see so many faces and smiles on a sunny Saturday; we know it's a busy time with haul-out so we appreciate everyone taking the time to come by. In addition to saying thank you, we kicked off our fall hours. We're committed to helping you maximize the performance and lifespan of your sails which means we're open Saturday's from 9am to 1pm to accommodate all your sail care needs throughout the fall. Our Certified Service team is around to help provide a proper inspection for your sails before you storm them for the season. We also provide sail washing, in house, and winter storage if you're tight on space. We offer free winter storage with sail washing as well. Our 10 Point Inspection includes: Inspect head, tack, clew and reef attachments. Inspect webbing & hardware for chafe and UV damage. Inspect hand stitching. Inspect luff tapes and luff attachments. Inspect for chafe at external hardware contact points at spreaders, shrouds, stanchions etc. Inspect leech line, foot line and attachment system. Inspect sail for UV damage and proper furling side (if applicable). Inspect batten pocket ends, attachments and fit (if applicable). Inspect sail body for condition of cloth, seams, sail numbers, draft stripes and windows. Replace or add telltales (complimentary). Inspect miscellaneous gear: Spinnaker Snuffer line and hoop, mainsail external flaking system, headsail vertical battens, UV covers, etc. Inspect sailbag draw string, zippers, web straps, and label properly. Sail report, 10 checkpoints, comments. Fall Hours October 19th - November 23rd Weekdays: 8:30am - 5pm Saturday: 9am - 1pm READ MORE

Mildew, chafing, UV cover tears and corner webbing and stitching degradation are common issues we are looking for when a sail come in for sail care. We can then assess and make repairs. READ MORE

END OF SEASON TLC Your Sails. Our 10 Point Inspection. Quality Guaranteed. We hope everyone had a great summer filled with sailing! As the sailing season comes to a close, we would like to remind everyone that now is the time to get your sails in for an annual winter inspection. There are many advantages of getting your sails into us for our coveted 10-point inspection including an earlier start to next season, longevity of sails, and preventing minor issues from becoming larger problems. With our 10-point inspection, we will cover: All of your stitching, edges and reef points Review of your luff hardware, batten pockets, leech and foot cords UV cover inspection Replace tell tails During the 10-point inspection our service team will also check if there are any adjustments such as re-cuts, or luff adjustments to help your sail perform better. While our 10 point inspections are excellent insurance for next season, we also offer major re cuts/cut downs, luff curve adjustments, sail washing, canvas waterproofing, UV covers, canvas and more. If you would like to get a hold of our service team, feel free to connect with Bill Lesnek or Mike Stark. READ MORE

SSL - Nations Gold Cup FOTO: GILLES MORELLE Star Sailors League je otišao korak dalje! Njen osnivač i vlasnik, Michel Niklaus, nastavlja u smjeru čiji je konačni cilj osnivanje jedriličarske lige po uzoru na ATP Tour koji se organizira u svijetu tenisa, a trenutna faza je formiranje timova/posada koje bi nastupale na dijelu natjecanja, koji da ponovimo analogiju s tenisom, ima format kao Davis Cup. Naravno, natjecanje ovakvog ranga mora imati i zvučan naziv... Nations Gold Cup. Drugim riječima, na osnovu ljestvica koje ekipa is SSL vodi, pa može se reći na dnevnoj bazi, oformljeni su nacionalni timovi koji bi za oko dvije godine trebali krenuti s izlučnim regatama koje će se jedriti u Švicarskoj na modificiranim jedrilicama klase RC44. Trenutno na stranicama Gold Cup-a možemo vidjeti da je na popisu 19 posada iz Europe i obje Amerike, a među njima ima i vrlo zvučnih imena poput Robert Scheidta, Vasca Vascotta, Vasilija Žbogara, Paula Cayarda i naravno, naših jedriličara među kojima je trenutno najeksponiraniji Šime Fantela. Taj broj nije konačan jer je trenutno prijavljeno 48 nacija i samo treba malo pričekati dok se web stranica popuni sa svim aktualnim podacima. Pravilima je određeno da će ekipe biti sastavljene od po 11 članova, od čega će na jedrilicama biti po njih 9, a jedriličarima će na raspolaganju biti čak 12 jedrilica. Sad se dolazi do zanimljivog dijela, a to je po kojem kriteriju su se formirale posade. S obzirom da je ovo projekt SSL-a, neovisan o nacionalnim jedriličarskim savezima i olimpijskim odborima, glavni kriterij izbora sudionika, odnosno izbora kapetana tima je spomenuta SSL ljestvica. Po tom kriteriju našeg najbolje plasiranog jedriličara, Šimu Fantelu, SSL je postavio za kapetana ekipe, dok je on u dogovoru s Tončem Stipanovićem ulogu kormilara prepustio njemu. U skladu s tim ekipe nemaju status jedriličarskih reprezentacija, već npr, kao naša ekipa, imaju naziv SSL Team Croatia. Po pravilima svi članovi tima moraju biti iz iste nacije. Od toga njih sedam mora biti sa SSL rang ljestvice, dok četiri člana tima to ne moraju. U principu to su jedriličari koji nisu u malim klasama, a samim tim i na SSL ljestvici, ali zbog njihovih kvaliteta i iskustva kapetan želi da budu dio tima. Jedriličari koji su pozvani u hrvatski tim kao specijalisti van malih klasa su Antonio Arapović, Pave Pleslić i Marko Sorić. S druge strane u SSL ranking dijelu ekipe su uz Šimu Fantelu i Tonča Stpanovića još Filip Jurišić, Josip Olujić, Igor Marenić i Mihovil Fantela. To su jedriličari koji su odjedrili prvi trening ciklus u Švicarskoj prije dva tjedna, dok su dva mjesta još uvijek slobodna. FOTO: GILLES MORELLE Želja g.Niklausa je da sa sustavom koji organizira pokrene novu eru u jedrenju, u smislu da i jedriličari mogu ostvarivati profesionalne karijere kakve trenutno imaju tenisači, golferi, nogometaši te da posljedično dobiju cjenjeniji status u sportskom svijetu nego što ga sad imaju. Trenutno se cijela priča definira, a u nastavku bi jedriličari trebali dati svoj doprinos razvoju ideje i sistema natjecanja. Sustav natjecanja i priča koju je do sada razvijao s klasom Zvijezda je došla do svog maksimuma i kao slijedeći korak se nametnula ova nova priča. Za klasu u kojoj će se jedriti izabrao je jedrilice koje su trenutno RC44, ali do početka natjecanja napravit će se neke izmjene što na trupu što na podvodnim dijelovima jedrilice. Natjecanje počinje 2021. i jedrit će se svake 4 godine. Sad smo se vratili s pripremnog jedrenja na jezeru Neuchâtel u Švicarskoj. Tamo smo boravili u trening centru u malom mjestu Grandson u velikoj kući čiji je vlasnik g.Niklaus i koji je praktički cijeli svoj život podredio ovom projektu. Osim što nam je osigurao skoro pa idealne uvjete za treniranje ovaj put nam je pokrio i sve troškove da nam olakša ulazak u ovu priču. Šime Fantela, kapetan ekipe i taktičar Da bi sve ekipe imale jednake uvjete u ovom pripremnom razdoblju napravljen je raspored po kojem će se moći trenirati. Tako će naši momci i iduće godine imati ovu jedrilicu deset dana na raspolaganju. Broj dana za treninge nije svim posadama jednak, te se određuje po rankingu koji imaju pojedine nacije. Hrvatska je trenutno u sredini ljestvice, pa u skladu s tim definiran taj broj... slabije rangirani dobivaju više treninga, dok bolji imaju na raspolaganju jedrilice na kraći vremenski period. I na taj način se pokušava sve ekipe dovesti u jednak početni položaj, a kruna svega će biti ta fizička preinaka jedrilica, pa da se poništi prednost ekipama koje imaju priliku jedriti na RC-ovima i kad nisu u Švicarskoj na službenim treninzima. Da bi sve skupa bilo još više standardizirano na jedrilicama se neće moći mijenjati trimovi i sve jedrilice će ih morat imati jednake. SSL Team Croatia je u Grandsonu jedrio pet dana u ovoom pripremnom ciklusu i moram reći da me je g.Niklaus istinski oduševio. On je skoro svaki dan provodio s nama na treninzima, bio u gumenjaku, vodio računa o hrani, opremi... stvarno čovjek koji je u projekt ušao s cijelim srcem! Također me je impresionirala i sve što se nalazi u pozadini ovog projekta. Što na dijelu koji se bavi isključivo Star Sailor League-om, što s Gold Cup-om, stalno je zaposleno oko 130 ljudi! Od toga se svakodnevno rang ljestvicama bavi njih petorica. Stvarno jedan izniman trud, a ono što je jednako važno su temelji na koje je Michel postavio priču. Da bi osigurao dug vijek trajanja i neprekinutost, osnovao je fondaciju koja se brine isključivo o organizaciji ovih regata, jednako kao i s prikupljanjem financijskih sredstava za novčane nagrade natjecateljima. Filip Jurišić, floater Pozicije u kokpitu ovih jedrilica na kojima naši momci jedre nisu bile odmah definirane, već su se mijenjale i tražio se optimum. Posljednja kombinacija je bila slijedeća: kormilar: Tonči Stipanović taktičar: Šime Fantela trimer glavnog jedra: Mihovil Fantela trimeri prednjih jedara: Antonio Arapović i Igor Marenić grinder: Josip Olujić floater: Filip Jurišić pitman: Pave Pleslić bowman: Marko Sorić Natjecanje će trajati šest tjedana. Sustav je zamišljen da u prvom dijelu natjecanja sudjeluju lošije rangirane nacije i da pobjedama napreduju prema slijedećim stupnjevima gdje će ih dočekivati bolje rangirane. Sve regate će se jedriti na jezeru Neuchâtel, dok će se jedino finale jedriti na Ženevskom jezeru. FOTO: GILLES MORELLE Format natjecanja će biti flotni za četiri jedrilice u grupi. Svaki dan će jedriti po dvije grupe. Planirano trajanje plova je sat vremena i jedrit će se samo po jedan štapni plov na dan. Ukupno bi u jedan takav ciklus trebao trajati 7 dana. Na treninzima naše ekipe se desila nesreća koja je na kraju imala relativno sretan ishod. Tijekom drugog dana na treninzima i jedne pojalabande, Mihovila Fantelu je zahvatila škota glavnog jedra i bacila ga na nosač kormila. Nažalost nije uspio ublažiti pad rukama i udario je s dijelom trupa gdje se nalazi slezena. Nitko, pa ni Mihovil, nije posebno obratio pažnju na to, ali nakon pola minute počeo je osjećati da nešto nije u redu. Kako to biva s unutrašnjim ozljedama, vani nije bilo nikakvih masnica ili sličnih obilježja na mjestu udarca. Za svaki slučaj odmah se ukrcao na prateći gumenjak koji ga je odveo na kopno. U prvi mah na pregledu u bolnici nisu se vidjele nikakvi problemi, ali kad su stigli nalazi detaljnijih pretraga shvatilo se da je situacija alarmantna i odmah je odveden na operaciju na kojoj mu je uklonjena slezena. Srećom to mu neće prekinuti sportsku karijeru i moći će se nastaviti baviti vrhunskim sportom, samo što će morati iznimno paziti na infekcije i slične vanjske utjecaje s obzirom da je slezena filter koji štiti organizam od takvih štetnih utjecaja. READ MORE

NORTH SAILS DIVIDES AND CONQUERS AT THE NATIONS TROPHY Three Podium Sweeps, Two World Titles, and One European Champion 📸 Carlo Borlenghi The 2019 edition of the Nations Trophy crowned World Champions in the ClubSwan 50 and Swan 45, and both were North Sails clients. It also established the European Champions in the ClubSwan 42 (won by another North client) and the ClubSwan 36. North client Andrea Masi on Ulika* and Leonardo Ferragamo’s Cuordileone won the overall Nations Trophy, as the two teams from the same country that together scored the lowest total points. Clients also swept podiums in the ClubSwan 42, 45, and 50. Congratulations to ClubSwan 42 winners on Lorenzo Mondo’s Far Star in third, Alberto Franchi’s Digital Bravo in second, and Andrea Rossi’s Mela in first, winning the European title. And to Swan 45 winners Tea Ekengren-Sauren’s Blue Nights in third, Lennard Van Oeveren’s Automotions in second, and Klaus Diederich’s Fever in first, winning the World title. In the ClubSwan 50, the podium spots went to Sonke Meier Sawatzki’s Niramo* in third, Ross Warburton’s Perhonen in second, and Dmitry Ryboloblev’s Skorpios in first, winning the World title. In the debut of the new ClubSwan 36, clients on Pier Luigi Loro Piana’s Sease took second, Aci’s Go Racing in third, and Haakon Lorentzen’s Mamao in fourth. “Our clients put in a lot of time and effort, and it’s up to us to provide them with the best resources and make improvements where they are needed.” Loft experts and the Certified Service team at North Sails pitched in to help clients, both on and off the water. The service team worked late into each night making sure clients were ready for the next day of racing. North sales experts helped post great results on the race course. North Sails Sustainability Officer Fiona Bruce helped hand out prizes at the awards ceremony. Boat speed is what wins races, so leading up to the event North Designer Juan Meseguer helped his team on the winning ClubSwan 50, Skorpios evaluate every area of the boat. “We worked to improve settings and evaluate our sail inventory, and that helped us pinpoint what we could improve.” Rigging and sails are equal in the ClubSwan 50 fleet, so Juan knew small improvements would mean a lot. “One thing our team does exceptionally well is sail selection for each leg of the race,” he points out. “We acquired two new headsails, which helped our upwind game. What stood out in a big way was the combination of the right equipment and an outstanding crew. It was great to finish the season with the win at the Worlds.” Skorpios, ClubSwan 50 overall winner 📸 Carlo Borlenghi Onboard Fever, the class-winning Swan 45, expert Andrea Casale agrees that accurate sail selection before the start was a point of pride for the team. “On average, we race with our rig a bit softer, which provides a nice groove.” Another focus was the aggressive adjustments of their mast butt. “We have two settings, one for more than nine knots and one for less than nine knots. That was helpful to maintain the perfect luff curve with our 3Di RAW mainsail.” Fever’s boat speed helped the team’s confidence going into the last race, when only one point separated three boats at the top of the fleet. Owner Klaus Diederich told his team they had nothing to lose, reminding them that they had already won two races and could do it again. When Fever won the final race of the regatta too, it handed Andrea’s team the victory. “This regatta is the cherry on top to all the hard work each team has put in over the season,” Andrea says. “Our clients put in a lot of time and effort, and it’s up to us to provide them with the best resources and make improvements where they are needed.” Fever, Swan 45 World Champions 📸 Carlo Borlenghi 2019 Nations Trophy winning team member Daniele Cassinari sailed on the ClubSwan 50 Cuordileone and says preparation was the key to their success. “We started testing out new tuning settings early in the season and kept the same crew as last year, so we could focus on tuning and boat handling.” In a class that only allows a few sail cards per year, Daniele points to the value of 3Di’s durability. “We used the same set of sails for the entire season, and we won. Then we made a new set of sails– just for the Nations Trophy, which was another win! North Sails 3Di has proven to be the fastest sails on the water. Not just in the Swan Club 50, but also in the 45 and 42.” Cuordileone, overall Nations Trophy winner 📸 Carlo Borlenghi Onboard the winning Swan 42 Mela, Giovanni Cassinari says their team has been working hard on boat speed and strategy since they won last year’s Nations Cup. “Our crew works very well together, which gave us the one-up on our competition. We added a new light and medium headsail and a new A2 spinnaker for this event, and it made the difference. “Andrea Rossi, our owner, and his brother and part-owner Mario (who ran the pit), have put together a mixed crew with friends and family. That created a positive atmosphere that allowed us to replicate our 2018 victory. This year the racing was harder, so it was an honor to come back and win this event again.” “North Sails 3Di has proven to be the fastest sails on the water. Not just in the Swan Club 50, but also in the 45 and 42.” Regattas like the Nations Cup help push North experts to develop the best products for clients, concludes Giovanni. “The only way to test new ideas and concepts is to see them live–on the race track.” Mela, ClubSwan 42 European Champions 📸 Carlo Borlenghi READ MORE

IT ALL COMES BACK TO DETROIT Expert Spencer Colpaert Shares His Goals For Sailing In Detroit After moving around the country for the past seven years, taking some incredible opportunities to grow as both a sailor and sailmaker, I am very excited to be moving back to Detroit to continue my career in the sailmaking industry with North Sails. Along the way I had the chance to race in some of the top One Design classes like the J/70, Melges 24, 32, C&C30, and Farr 40’s, while also racing boats like the Maxi 86, TP52, Santa Cruz 70, and many other handicap classes along the way; and even some Classic Yacht racing on the R40 Gamecock, while I lived in Newport, RI. Over these past couple years I have been spending most of my time racing J/70’s down south over the winter months and racing TP52’s in the Great Lakes during the summer. For the J/70, I have been spending most of my time racing with Hanson Bratton from my home club in Detroit, Bayview Yacht Club, with a season highlight of our race win at Charleston Race Week in a class of 55 boats being the top one design class in the country. Our team has been sailing with Hanson for the past three years in both the J/70 and Tartan 10 classes, winning the T-10 North American Championship in 2017. The past two summer I have spent managing and racing on the TP52 with Phil and Sharron O’Neil on their boat Natalie J, also out of Bayview Yacht Club, and Chris Duhon on Mockingbird out of Columbia Yacht Club in Chicago. Having had great success with both programs working to fight off the newer built TP52’s racing both inshore W/L races and Offshore in the Mackinac Races. Moving forward with North Sails Detroit my plan is to focus on the grass roots sailing back in the Great Lakes. Be it local racing in Anchor Bay, helping to set up your boat for cruising with your family, or a boat owner looking to step their game up and bring home more wins, I want to help support local sailors in all dimensions of their sailing. You can most likely find me on a boat seven days a week, and I'm always around to help. The support I have seen from everyone at North Sails has given me great confidence that I have every tool necessary to support our customers at any level, from our local service staff of Mike and Bill (Bill was the one who first taught me the ins and outs of sail making when I started on the production loft floor twelve years ago!), to the design team, and management, there is not a question I can’t get answered or a piece of information that can’t be found. On top of all of that, we have a great new loft on Fonterra Dr. in Warren, MI that has been a dream to work out of. Being able to fit any size sail we need, even the Volvo 70 main we pulled out on the loft floor a few weeks ago, has been a dream. This fall if I am not out sailing with a customer looking at possible sail replacements, or what we need to do to re-cut a sail to make it back its original shape, you can find me at one of our many winter service sail pick up locations at Bayview Yacht Club, West Marine, Port Huron Yacht Club, or North Star Sail Club. I will also be out sailing the Fall Series Races in Anchor Bay out of North Star Sail Club. I am personally excited to be racing out of NSSC more now, as my fiancé and I are very excited to have recently joined the club becoming 3rd generation members. I am available year-round for all of your sail care needs, and I look forward to seeing everyone on the water in spring 2020. READ MORE

500th ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST CIRCUMNAVIGATION History Repeats for Another Lap with North Sails On August 10th, 1519, 239 sailors led by Portuguese Ferdinand Magellan sailed five ships out of Seville, Spain, looking for a trading route to the west. When one of those ships finally returned to Spain three years later, it was the first scientific proof that the earth is a sphere. Next year, the 500th anniversary of that very first round-the-world voyage will be commemorated with a joint circumnavigation organized by the governments of Spain and Portugal, using their two most famous tall ships: Sagres and Juan Sebastián Elcano. North Sails will supply the sails for both vessels, a total of forty sails and 4,313 square meters of material. Top sails, jibs, and gaff sails have all been produced at North Sails in Cuntis, Spain, one of the only lofts in the world with enough space to handle such an enormous project. “The Cuntis team has spent countless hours on the loft floor for over two months manufacturing these sails, alongside our racing and other classic sail designs,” says local sales expert Manuel Lastra. “We have extensive experience in the manufacture of Tall Ship sails. But when I see the leather used to reinforce the sail corners, I think about Magellan’s crew. When there were food shortages over the four months it took to cross the Pacific, they had no other option than to eat the leather from the sails.” Magellan himself never made it home, and only 18 of the original crew completed the circumnavigation, returning under the leadership of Spanish navigator Juan Sebastián Elcano. Though Portugal’s Magellan has received most of the credit for the successful voyage, Spain and Portugal have organized this joint commemoration in part to recognize the important part the Spanish Elcano (and the Spanish king’s original funding) played. With plans for many events along the way, the voyage may last as long as the original circumnavigation. Already on the schedule are celebrations at the start and finish of the 2019 Atlantic Rally for Cruisers. For more information, visit the 5th Centenary website. Looking for sails for your classic yacht or tall ship? Contact your local experts. READ MORE

DRAGON 90TH ANNIVERSARY REGATTA North Sails Expert Jens Christensen Wins Championship 📸 Elena Razina What does North Sails contribute to the Dragon class? “Our class experts go above and beyond for client support,” says North Expert Jens Christensen, who was the overall winner at the 90th Anniversary Regatta in San Remo, Italy. “Theis Palm and Ruairidh Scott do an outstanding job supporting the class and clients with their knowledge and expertise. We all compete regularly at events, and really do everything we can to help keep the class special yet competitive.” Jens is already looking forward to the 2020 racing season—even as he credits his team, new boat, and new sails for their most recent victory. To win the 90th Anniversary Regatta, he used the North Sails all-purpose A-14 mainsail, which is a crosscut sail with a radial head that allows the sail to twist open and de-power when needed. The design evolved out of the 2015 main used by 2017 and 2019 World Champions Provezza Sailing Team. “The new mainsail sets up easy and is simple to trim,” Jens explains. “It is smooth and a little flatter than our A-7+. This sail is a strong choice in light to medium wind conditions.” For tuning, “We follow the North Sails tuning guide, which helps put us right where we want to be.” They also used the V-6M Genoa and BR-9 Spinnaker. “Having a good team and a new boat may have something to do with it too!” Two qualifying races over the first two days divided the 163-boat fleet into Silver and Gold divisions, which each sailed three more races to determine a champion. Jens’ team won the first gold series race but posted a 24th in race two. Trusting both his team and their boatspeed, Jens rounded the top mark of the final race in fourth place. “We knew all we had to do was finish without making any big mistakes.” 📸 Elena Razina Jens has been involved in the Dragon Class for fourteen years, and he says the great competition is what keeps him coming back. “There were something like 22 Olympic medalists at this event, and we are all well-matched at the top. The Dragon Class always brings the best of the best in small boat one design sailing.” He also enjoys the boat itself, because “ it is technical and there are things you’d only know if you sailed one. It is a fun yet difficult boat to sail, and what makes it special is that the boat design has not changed over the years.” Another special feature of the 90th Anniversary event was the location. “San Remo hosted a fantastic event,” Jens concludes. “It is a traditional venue and the racing was top notch—as expected.” Interested in our Championship-winning Dragon sails? Contact your local North Sails Dragon expert today. Full Results 📸 Elena Razina READ MORE

NORTH SAILS AUX AVANT-POSTES Tréhin et Beccaria triomphent sur la 1e étape de la Mini-Transat Axel Tréhin et Ambrogio Beccaria, vainqueurs de la première étape 📸 North Sails / Julien Texier Cette première épreuve de la Mini-Transat La Boulangère s’est déroulée au coude à coude, mêlant conditions météo capricieuses et suspense jusqu’aux derniers milles ! Après plus de 8 jours de course au large en solitaire et une belle option tactique à l’approche des îles Canaries qui a fini par payer, Axel Tréhin à bord de Project Rescue Ocean (FRA 945, voiles North) franchit le premier la ligne d’arrivée en soufflant la victoire sur le fil à François Jambou (Team BFR- Marée Haute Jaune, FRA 865). Tandis que Tanguy Bouroullec (Cerfrance, FRA 969) complète le podium (classement prototype). En classement série, Ambrogio Beccaria sur Geomag (ITA 943, voiles North) a quasiment fait course en tête du début à la fin et s’adjuge une 1e place méritée, assumant parfaitement son rôle de favori. Par la même occasion, il décroche sur cette première étape le record des 24 heures overall avec 281 milles parcourus. Durant ces 1350 milles, de La Rochelle à Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, les conditions météo et situations tactiques ont donné du fil à retordre aux 87 marins en lice (dont huit femmes) avec deux fronts à négocier en début de parcours, un passage extérieur ou intérieur du DST délicat au niveau du cap Finisterre, du vent fort au portant, de la pétole, une fin d’étape très tactique à l’approche des îles Canaries. Il fallait donc aller vite, bien évidemment, mais il fallait aussi protéger l’Ouest. Et ce n’est pas sans mal que les coureurs sont parvenus à franchir cette série d’obstacles. Tous ont eu droit à leurs gros ou petits tracas quotidiens : black-out électroniques, voiles déchirées, tangons pliés en deux, aériens arrachés, drisses cassées... Le bilan de cette première épreuve de la Mini-Transat fait donc l’unanimité chez les coureurs : « Nous avons vécu une étape intense » physiquement et moralement, et avec de grosses frayeurs pour certains. Des compteurs affolés, des vitesses atteignant les 24 nœuds en proto, 19 en série, le tout au large en solitaire sur des petits bateaux de 6m50. L’heure est au débrief avec les coureurs et aux réparations. Pour l’occasion, North Sails assure un service sur place. Le départ de la seconde étape de la Mini-Transat aura lieu le 2 novembre à 13 heures, direction La Martinique. Alex Tréhin savourant sa victoire à Las Palmas de Gran Canaria 📸 North Sails / Julien Texier Résultats North Sails : Classement Proto : 1. Axel TREHIN (FRA 945) en 8 jours 17 heures 58 min et 28 sec Classement Série : 1. Ambrogio BECCARIA (ITA 943) en 8 jours 19 heures 52 min et 07 sec 2. Felix DE NAVACELLE (FRA 916) 3. Mathieu VINCENT (FRA 947, inventaire partiel) 7. Julien LETISSIER (FRA 868, inventaire partiel) READ MORE

NORTH SAILS SUPPORT ONE DESIGN RACING AT THE SAN DIEGO YACHT CLUB The Battle for the The International Masters And Lipton Cup Titles 2018 Lipton Cup 📸 JoySailing From October 18th to 27th, the J/105 fleet of the San Diego Yacht Club will be racing two consecutive events – the International Masters Regatta (October 18-20) and the Lipton Cup (October 25-27), proofing the well-earned reputation of the J/105s as one of the best One Design yachts for fun and evenly-matched competition. The boats will be raced by 11 different teams at each event. North Sails is proud to be an official sponsor. Our San Diego loft crew will be on site providing the North Sails outstanding service to all teams. “We go through all the sails to make sure all repairs are completed, battens are loaded and tensioned properly,” explains Eric Doyle, One Design expert at the North Sails San Diego loft. “Some years we replace the belly sections in the spinnakers to allow new sponsors to come on board. This involves the whole loft, from sales to service and the graphics department.” The North Sails San Diego team works closely with the San Diego Yacht Club to guarantee the success of the events. “Different people volunteer in lots of areas from tuning the boats to race committee, to even hosting out of town sailors, so pretty much everyone at the loft is involved in some way and that gives us a personal interest in making sure the sails are perfect,” Eric added. As the worldwide leader in sailmaking, North Sails is proud to offer a first-class service, with family members as committed to clients as the members of the San Diego loft. 2018 International Masters 📸 Alex Pupko/Tom Walker Two Events, Two Concepts, One Boat The International Masters Regatta is a three day battle between 11 Master sailors from around the country in a rotation of J/105s. It’s a very intense regatta for the invited skippers over the age of 60, including some of the most accomplished experts in the sport, such as Andy Roy and William Petersen, returning to better their 2nd and 3rd places respectively last year, or TV commentator and America’s Cup winner Gary Jobson. The Lipton Cup is a different concept. Eleven yacht clubs will battle for a trophy that dates back to the early days of yachting on the Pacific Ocean, circa 1900. Competition promises to be tight between the same yacht clubs that raced in 2018, returning to South San Diego Bay for a rematch. The San Diego Yacht Club will be defending their title in 2019. Both events share a fleet of eleven J/105s loaned from local owners. A popular class on the West Coast, the J/105 has all the ingredients for fair and even racing, especially with the system ruling that teams rotate boats between races. “It's a nice size, not too complicated, easy to sail and almost everyone at every level can be competitive at some point in a series like these, so that keeps it interesting for all participants,” explains Eric Doyle. For the Masters and Lipton Cup, the sails inventory onboard includes one main, jib and spinnaker. The mains have a slot to put the skippers’ name on for the spectators to follow, and the teams draw for spinnakers which stay with them from boat to boat. All sails are supplied by the organizer, and the North Sails San Diego loft team is responsible for making sure the material is always in perfect racing conditions. North Sails is the natural brand of choice for the San Diego Yacht Club and is the official partner for both the International Masters Regatta and Lipton Cup. “We have a strong history with the class, being involved with the sail development since the inception of the boat and organization of the class as primarily a one design race boat,” highlights Eric Doyle. “North Sails also uses the best materials and has the best workmanship of any sailmaker. In fact, when the SDYC first laid out the new format for the event, they were counting on getting five years out of mainsails and three for jibs. I believe they got two extra years out of both sails which is a testament to the quality.” To learn more about North Sails and the J/105 One Design class, click here. The North Sails J/105 sails inventory is available here. For more information about the North Sails San Diego loft, click here. 2018 Lipton Cup 📸 JoySailing READ MORE

Lifelong sailor sailor Jim Bacon tells us about his Catalina 36, which he's shared with boat partner Ted Ingling and has been sailing with since high school, and the journey to new sails. READ MORE

10. Gajeta kup - pobjedničko jedro je NS Desetu godinu za redom murterini rade nešto što je totalno neuobičajeno u našim jedriličarskim krugovima, odnosno možda bi bolje bilo reći u krugovima vlasnika tradicionalnih drvenih brodova. Riječ je o regati na klasičan sportski način postavljanjem regatnog polja u obliku štapa i s obaveznom predstartnom procedurom s pripadajućim letećim startom. S obzirom na manevarske mogućnosti gajeta ovo je vrlo zanimljiva i zahtjevna disciplina pogotovo s obzirom na potrebe viravanja i sličnih manevara kad se značajnije mijenja smjer kretanja. Naime, u klasičnim regatama, a i u normalnom jedrenju, kad je potrebno promijeniti smjer jedrenja u orcu mora se koristiti veslo. U tim trenucima jedrilice značajno usporavaju i to je posao koji ne može kvalitetno odraditi samo jedan član posade, pogotovo u žaru regate. Ove godine je na Gajeta kupu sudjelovalo 11 gajeta. Deset murterskih i jedna tišnjanska registracija koje se mogu naći u vrhu rezultatskih ljestvica ostalih regata koje su se organizirale na početku sezone. FOTO: VLATKA MALEŠ Polje je postavljeno u murterskom zaljevu, jedrila su se dva kruga po plovu i ukupno su odjedrena dva plova. Više informacija o regati ispričao je jedan od organizatora, Ante Turčinov: Puhalo nam je 10-12 čvorova bure, polje je bilo postavljeno doli od Luka, pa gore do ferala od Tegine, duljine malo manje od polja milje. IMali smo klasičan leteći start. Sudac je signalizirao početak procedure na 5 minuta, pa 4, jednu i na kraju start. Sve bove smo okretali lijevim bokom i polje nam je bilo vrlo jednostavno, orca bez offseta i krma bez gatea. Unatoč tome nije bilo gužvi na bovama i samo smo imali jedan protest koji je na kraju sporazumno riješen. Svaki plov nam je u prosjeku trajao oko 45 minuta, u stvari toliko je trebalo mojoj ekipi dok su ostali trebali nešto više vremena. Trtuša je i ovaj put bila najbrža. Prvi plov smo ih sve ostavili za jednu stranicu, a drugi plov za oko pola stranice. Stvarno smo bili brzi, a jedrenje općenito je bilo super... čisto i bez problema. Mislim da je bio samo jedan jedini protest, a i on je kasnije na saslušanju odbačen. Nije bilo nesportskih poteza, stvarno korektno jedrenje. A i nije bilo gužvi na bovama, svi su dolazili čisto. Mislim da je samo jednom bila mala gužva na orci i to je sve. Još moram reći da je od 11 posada prvih 6-7 sigurno prošlo kroz JK Žal i da sudjeluje i na regatama krstaša. Ante Turčinov, gajeta Trtuša Do sada je ovakva regata bila samo jednom godišnje, a za iduću godinu se još ne zna da li će biti možda nekih promjena po tom pitanju. Trenutno udruga "Latinsko idro" od svibnja ima novu upravu. Javljaju se neke nove ideje, ali još uvijek je to u fazi razmjene mišljenja i diskusije, pa nam ostaje da se strpimo do nove kalendarske godine kad izađu u javnost s kalendarom događanja za 2020. i eventualnim novitetima. Posljednjih 22 godine koliko Udruga djeluje, Latinsko idro nije imalo svoje službene prostorije. Ta nasušna potreba se napokon realizirala prije nekoliko dana kad su od murterske župe Sv.Mihovila dobili na korištenje malenu kuću u blizini centra, a koju je župi ostavila jedna starija gospođa koja je umrla bez nasljednika. Potrebna su određena ulaganja u prostor, pa su trenutno u razradi aktivnosti koje je potrebno napraviti da bi se prikupila potrebna financijska sredstva. Riječ je o dvoetažnoj kućici u kojoj se u prizemlju planira urediti odgovarajući promotivno izložbeni prostor, dok se na katu planira urediti prostor nužan za obavljanje administrativnih aktivnosti, organiziranje sastanaka i sve ono što je potrebno za rad i sastanke. Među svim aktivnostima Udruge možda posebno treba izdvojiti Školu jedrenja na gajetama. Njen rad počinje u svibnju kad se ide na "pravu" Gospu od Tarca u Kornatima. Pok. Željko Jerat, začetnik ove priče u Murteru, je prije 8 godina inicirao da se gajetom Kurnataricom murterska djeca za taj blagdan voze u Kornate. Nakon toga se zakotrljala priča sa školom u kojoj praktički svi pomažu i uskaču po potrebi. Treninzi se rade po dva puta tjedno, a kad se približava termin Male Gospe i veslačka regata tako se osim jedrenja u treninge ubaciva i veslanje. Svake godine broj polaznika raste, a ove godine je bio toliki da je osim Kornatarice na treninzima znalo biti i još po dvije gajete pune djece! Službene rezultate regate možete pronaći na ovom linku. READ MORE

QUICKCOVER INSTALLATION GUIDE North Sails QuickCover makes storing and protecting your mainsail a simple and easy process, eliminating the need for a cumbersome sail cover. Following these steps will ensure that your QuickCover is properly installed and will be easy to handle. Step 1- Attach Clew and Foot Slide the sail’s clew slug into the boom, followed by the bolt rope on the foot of the cover. The sail and cover should slide all the way to the end of the boom and attach to the outhaul. If the sail has reef slots in the foot, run the reefing lines inside the cover. NOTE: If your boom has a clew car then there is no need to worry about bending on the main and cover at the same time. Simply install the cover and flake it out on either side of the boom. Step 2 -Attach the Tack and Luff Slides Once foot and clew are in place, attach the tack and install the luff cars/slugs into the mast. After the tack and luff are secured, install the battens into the pockets on the inside of the QuickCover. Zip the cover from the clew to the mast and you are now ready to install the Lazy-Jacks. Step 3- Install Cheek Blocks on the Mast Installing the cheek blocks will require sending someone approximately 65% of the way up the mast, which is where the cheek blocks (supplied) will be installed. You will need a center punch, a drill fitted with a 5/32 bit, a few 5/32 pop rivets (supplied), and a pop rivet gun. Mark the location of the cheek block on the side of the mast, slightly more than halfway aft. Use the center punch to pre-locate the holes, drill, and install with supplied pop rivets. The Lazy-Jack lines lead through the cheek blocks from aft to forward. When you come down the mast, the Lazy-Jacks should be led down the backside of the mast. Make sure they are aft of the spreaders. Step 4- Adjust Lazy Jacks and Install Padeyes Pull the Quickcover up into place where it will sit when the main is dropped, and tension both sides of the Lazy-Jacks evenly. Install the supplied padeyes at the forward upper end of the cover and at a 45-degree angle, about the same distance aft as the cheek blocks. Tie the line attached through the webbing into the padeyes. Step 5- Install the Lazy Jacks Cleat Once the foot and clew are in place, attach the tack and install the luff cars/slugs into the mast. After the tack and luff are secured, install the battens into the pockets on the inside of the QuickCover™. Zip the cover from the clew to the mast and you are now ready to install the Lazy-Jacks. Step 6- Lazy-Jack Fine Tune Lace the line at the tack through the gooseneck fitting. The forward edge of the QuickCover should be even with the backside of the mast. Once the tack is tied securely, tension the cover from the clew by running the line on the bottom of the cover through the back of the boom. Usually there is a hole or shackle that can be used for this. If you have a topping lift, tie the line on the top aft corner around the topping lift to keep the top of the cover tight. If you don’t have a topping lift, the cover will still work fine; the aft lift for the Lazy Jack provides ample support. Don’t forget to rig reef lines and run them through the slots along the foot. Step 7- Install The Front Cover This separate piece is removed for sailing. NOTES To reduce flutter in the QuickCover while sailing, zip together the two sides. Lazy Jacks will work best when you hoist or drop the main with the bow pointed directly into the wind. READ MORE

FALL SERVICE COLLECTION We're Here For All Your Sail Care Needs We're coming to you to make it easier than ever for fall service and winter storage. It's time for some TLC for your sails that have done a lot this season. Pick Up Times & Locations Crowley's Yacht Yard | November 16 Larsen Marine | October 21 What Does This Include? Your sails will receive our trademark 10 point inspection: Inspect head, tack, clew and reef attachments. Inspect webbing & hardware for chafe and UV damage. Inspect hand stitching. Inspect luff tapes and luff attachments. Inspect for chafe at external hardware contact points at spreaders, shrouds, stanchions etc. Inspect leech line, foot line and attachment system. Inspect sail for UV damage and proper furling side (if applicable). Inspect batten pocket ends, attachments and fit (if applicable). Inspect sail body for condition of cloth, seams, sail numbers, draft stripes and windows. Replace or add telltales (complimentary). Inspect miscellaneous gear: Spinnaker Snuffer line and hoop, mainsail external flaking system, headsail vertical battens, UV covers, etc. Inspect sailbag draw string, zippers, web straps, and label properly. Sail report, 10 checkpoints, comments One Year Free Sail Care Recently purchased a sail within the past year? Congratulations – not just on your sail but also your sail qualifying for One Year Free Sail Care; another standard from North Sails. We proudly offer one year of sail care and repair free with the purchase of a new Cruising, Club racing or One Design sail. This program is honored anywhere in North Sails worldwide network of sales and service locations. Annual Inspection Annual inspection of your sails will help extend the sail life and maintain performance, don’t compromise! When your sails arrive, a member of our service team will thoroughly inspect your sails and identify any maintenance issues with recommendations on how to proceed to maintain their longevity. This service is standard across any North Sails loft due to our unmatched worldwide network means you get the same quality service whether you’re at home or in a distant port. Recommendations regarding UV replacements, re-cuts and sail washing are available; we do it all! Expertise At Your Fingertips Beyond this, the crew at North Sails Chicago are available to help with all your related sail care needs! You can speak with Perry or Keith about upgrading your sails or with Luke on how to best take care of your sails including short and long term storage. Deanna will be at the loft from 10am-2pm on Saturday November 2nd and November 9th for any customers who want to drop off sails. READ MORE

PURSUING PERFORMANCE North Sails Experts Provide Preparation and Performance Insight At Inaugural Seminar Twenty five sailors joined North Sails' Sales Experts Peter Grimm & Bob Meagher for the inaugural Performance Seminar in Miami at Coral Reef Yacht Club. Focused on big-picture strategies for the various races of the South Ocean Racing Conference (SORC), the seminar featured discussions around examining race charts, sail options, and safety precautions. "The SORC offers challenging and enjoyable racing for sailors of all types," said Bob Meagher. "Casual day-sailers can race alongside some of the most amazing grand-prix boats on the water, and then have fun in places like Key West, Nassau, and Eleuthera." In addition to the seminars, North Sails in Ft Lauderdale is offering registrants in any of the races a free in-loft sail inspection to identify any problems with existing sails, or opportunities to improve them. Chafe points or sun damage that could become tears can jeopardize the time and money spent planning for a race. Professional sail inspection by our Certified Service experts can reduce this risk and ensure you leave the dock with the most reliable sails possible. Recuts are also available for older sails. Registration is now open for all SORC events, and the early entry deadline for the Nassau Cup Ocean Race is approaching. The next North Sails Performance Seminar is scheduled for October 23 at the Palm Beach Sailing Club. Register below and secure your space. READ MORE

BOATATHALON 2019 Boat Trivia, Navigation, and Murder Mystery What does a murder mystery, intrigue, bribes, outright lies, boat trivia, navigation and boating skills all have in common? Boatathalon! Every year in September—for the past 20 or so years South Florida Sailing and Boating Clubs have come together for an amazing and adventurous day on the water. But for those of you who might be scratching your head saying, “what the heck is Boatathalon," well here’s your answer. Each year over 100 people come together to decorate their boats in a whimsical fashion. Participants dress up in costumes related to the event’s theme and then compete in a series of adventures on the water. There are serious prizes at stake too. Boats from as far north as West Palm Beach and south to Miami participated this year’s theme…"Murder on the Seas". The suspense grows…a mega yacht named Horizon Flybridge (a make believe name even if there is a boat named that way) leaves Miami with a guest crew of eight and service crew of seven. They are making their way to West Palm Beach where they are heading to attend a gala affair a couple of doors north of Mar-a-Lago. What all of the crew doesn’t know is one person is trying to murder someone else aboard. Each stop presents a new opportunity for the murderer to make their move. Boatahalon’s theme is arranged to parallel the physical event and with that there are many twists along the way. One we thought to share was Boatathalon participants had to make breakfast/brunch foods in the shape of murder weapons. Participants brought everything from grenade-shaped pancakes to breakfast sausages wrapped to look like sticks of dynamite. Food was judged on taste and creativity and an award was given for “Best Murder-Shaped Food”. There were many other activities and skill sets…enough to make a very windy day challenging but super fun. North Sails loves to help people have fun on their sailboats, even in zany nontraditional ways like this, and was proud to be a sponsor of this annual floating party! A big thanks to Brian Brown for organizing a fun event that we all enjoyed! READ MORE