EXPERT SAILMAKERS TRIPP FELLABOM & JOHN BOWDEN JOIN NORTH SAILS

Charleston sailmakers join forces to strengthen North Sails support in the Southeast

Newport, RI (April 11, 2017) – North Sails is pleased to extend its global network to a new location in Charleston, South Carolina. With the addition of local experts John Bowden and Tripp Fellabom, the world’s leading sailmaker will offer state-of-the-art products and certified service to the diverse sailing community in Charleston and throughout the Southeast region. Both John and Tripp bring a wealth of industry knowledge to a newly established loft in the Charleston City Marina, offering solutions for boats and sailors of all types.

A lifetime sailor with nearly 40 years experience in sailmaking, Tripp brings a strong foundation of knowledge to the North Sails team. His time on the water has earned recognition in classic southern regattas such as the SORC, the Charleston to Bermuda Race, and MORC International. Tripp won Key West Race Week in 1991 and has also tried his hand in competitive one design racing, especially in the J/24. “Joining North Sails presents a golden opportunity to offer the best sails on the market to our current and future clients,” said Tripp.

John, who opened his own loft in 2008, will rejoin the group after a nine-year hiatus. “I am excited to be back with North Sails, and I look forward to increasing support for sailors throughout North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Northern Florida,” said John, who’s experience bridges hard work in the loft with fair play on the water. During his time at College of Charleston, John received the ICSA Robert H. Hobbs Sportsman of the Year award, and since then has achieved a number of notable sailing victories, including National Championship wins in the Melges 32, Melges 20 and J/88. John topped the 2014 Melges 20 world ranking as the tactician/trimmer on The Portobello. “Tripp and I are fortunate to work in a healthy sailing community, filled with great people and competitive sailing,” said John.

“North Sails is committed to improving our presence and providing more sales representatives and sail care lofts to the thousands of sailors in the southeast,” said Pete Colby, Director of Service Operations in North America. “We look forward to setting a new foundation in Charleston and trust that the wealth of experience between John and Tripp will put the region in great hands.”

Tripp can be reached by calling 843-722-0823 or by email: tripp.fellabom@northsails.com
John can be reached by calling 843-754-9547 or by email: john.bowden@northsails.com