NORTH SAILS ARRIVES IN LORIENT

The Center For Offshore Racing & Technological Innovation

North Sails has opened a new loft in Lorient, France. The new location will allow the company to welcome a large number of its clients who are based in the “Sailing Valley”, a strategic area in Brittany dedicated to offshore racing and technological innovation.

“Our approach to be in close contact with the leaders in sailing and innovation in the Lorient area perfectly complements the links that we already have with our partners and collaborators who are our neighbors in Vannes,” comments Gautier Sergent, director of North Sails France. “The desire to settle in Lorient has long been a subject of discussion within North Sails,” he continues. “We are pleased that this initiative has finally materialized.”

“Today more than 80% of French offshore skippers, from all classes including mini, Figaro, Class 40, IMOCA, Ultim and more, are present in Lorient,” explained Éric Gallais-Hamonno, production manager with North Sails. “It was clear we needed an outpost there, not only to strengthen the relationships with our existing clients but to also develop our local network and access new markets, such as cruising and local IRC.”

“More than half of the sails that we service at our loft in Vannes are for boat projects based out of Lorient,” adds Thibaut Agaugue, service manager at North Sails. “So it’s a logical evolution. The goal is to better meet the needs of the sailing teams by offering local service and skills, with the added presence of technical-commercial experts and designers. Our presence across this area, including Port-la-Forêt, will simplify logistics and allow us to be even more responsive.”

The North Sails loft has a new 500m² floor dedicated to service (after-sales service, modifications and repairs). “This will allow the floor space in Vannes to manufacture more efficiently and serenely,” says Thibaut.

The Vannes loft will remain the production site for North Sails, and service for customers in the Vannes region. Thibaut Agaugue will be in charge of service in Vannes and Lorient and can be available as needed. The loft in Lorient also has office space and a 50m² meeting room to receive a team of five or six people (service, commercial and design).