NORTH SAILS BLOG

NORTH SAILS RETURNS AS PERFORMANCE PARTNER TO NEWPORT-BERMUDA RACE Performance Seminars To Be Hosted In Newport, Annapolis, And Milford The Bermuda Race Organizing Committee announces the North Sails return as the Official Performance Partner for the Newport Bermuda Race in 2020, which will include running a number of the hugely popular ‘Performance Seminars’ that were introduced before the 2018 edition of the race. As the world’s leading sailmaker, North Sails not only powers the podium but offers all competitors in the popular 635-mile offshore race the chance to optimize their sail inventories with seminars focused on weather, navigation, racing strategies and beyond. The highly anticipated event, which always draws an international fleet of yachts of all sizes, opens for entry registrations on June 21, 2019. In advance of next year’s test of blue-water seamanship, North Sails will be hosting seminars along the East Coast in Newport RI, Annapolis MD, and Milford CT – dates and any additional locations will be announced over the course of the next 12 months. “The Newport Bermuda Race will always deliver changeable and challenging conditions that require a flexible sail inventory, solid preparation and adaptable thinking on the water.” “North Sails strong technology and personnel provide a great asset to the Newport Bermuda Race,” said Jay Gowell, Chairman of the Bermuda Race Organizing Committee, “and we welcome them back as Official Performance Partner for 2020. The pre-race seminars they stage for competitors align perfectly with our belief that preparation of crew and yacht is the most important ingredient to sailing a safe and successful race.” Commenting on the continuing partnership, North Sails President Ken Read, who helmed Comanche to race record victory in 2016, concluded, “Personally I have fantastic memories of watching and competing in this blue water classic. And the feedback from our Performance Seminars in 2018 was so positive that we knew we wanted to grow and develop the partnership for 2020. The Newport Bermuda Race will always deliver changeable and challenging conditions that require a flexible sail inventory, solid preparation and adaptable thinking on the water. We’re looking forward to helping all the competitors in any way we can as the entry list grows and can’t wait to make sure the boats are as ready as they can be when the starting gun fires.” North Sails has a long history with the Newport to Bermuda Race, powering Corinthian cruisers and 100 ft plus racing machines alike. North Sails clients have enjoyed a number of victories and race records over the years. North Sails has more offshore miles, around the world records and ocean racing victories than all other sailmakers combined and prides itself on offering the best sail solutions and services for all boats, no matter what their size or goals. Much of the North Sails offshore success can be attributed to their unique 3Di technology that delivers speed, durability, and reliability. North Sails are constantly refining, redeveloping and innovating their 3Di products so they fit the needs of cruiser-racers under 35 ft through to grand prix racers and super maxis. First run in 1906, the Newport Bermuda Race is a biennial event, co-organized by the Cruising Club of America and the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club. It is managed by the Bermuda Race Organizing Committee, a joint working group which organizes and presents the race for up to 220 boats. Learn more. READ MORE

North Sails class leader Jack Orr answers your J109 speed and boat handling questions. Who sails a J109? First built in 2004, the J109 had a successful production run of over 375 boats in North America and Europe. The boat was conceived as a 35-foot racer/cruiser in the tradition of the J35, updated with an IRC-friendly hull. Rigged with furling jibs and a sprit, the J109 is easy to sail and is comfortable for a family on a cruise or racing in a big one-design fleet. A good all around boat, the 109 rates well under most handicap rules and has an excellent race record worldwide. The first generation of owners jump-started class racing, but most boats raced handicap or cruised. In recent years, class racing has had a resurgence as second and third owners have bought the boats to race in a popular one-design class. The J109 powers up quickly in light air, so it’s important to sail class regattas near max crew weight. What’s involved in crewing? Unlike the J/105 , even with a 105-percent class jib, the J109 is quick in light breeze and powers up quickly. To keep the boat on its lines, max crew weight is important for upwind speed. The boat can be sailed with as few as five crew, but the class allows seven, plus an eighth if one person weighs under 132 pounds. In some major class events, there is a weight limit of 1,213 pounds excluding the driver. Although seven crew seems like plenty of hands, they are all busy! Racing in class events, you can gain or lose boat lengths in a hurry so it’s important to fill the key positions with solid teammates. Start with a strong bowman who can muscle the chute around in jibes and takedowns. (It’s OK if they are big.) With the addition of inhaulers on the jib sheets, the jib trimmer needs to understand how jib trim affects pointing and mainsail trim. The mainsail trimmer controls the power to keep the boat on its lines; since everyone needs to be hiking, the main trimmer can also keep an eye on the racecourse. All that being said, the boat is easy to sail and the basics can be learned quickly. Having one or two key crew with some pick-up crew is fine for most weeknight or weekend sailing. What are three top tips for J109 speed? Spend time in the boat with a committed core crew. Practice! Learn proper sail trim and rig tune. It’s critical to keep the boat on its lines and at top speed. Having the crew weight and sails properly balanced wins races. Prep the hull and rig, clean the bottom, and save your best sails for big events. What should buyers know when choosing a J109? Production of J109s ended several years ago. With the resurgence of class racing, used boats are in demand. Most boats are in the $120K - $150K price range. The boats for North America were built by TPI; J/Boats France built for the rest of the world. Overall quality was good, and the boats are well built. Some of the TPI boats had issues with the keel sump, so make sure that’s been addressed when looking at a boat. Many boats were used for cruising and have been modified accordingly over the years. Look for boats without extra winches or big modifications to deck layout or keel, as these won’t be class legal. Also, J/Boats built a number of shoal-draft J109s; for racing, you’ll definitely want to buy one with a deep-draft keel. How many sails are required? The J109 class allows you to sail with two jibs, two asymmetric spinnakers, and one main. Sails can be changed between races as conditions change. The Light/Medium Jib is generally used in 0 to 14 knots, and the Medium/Heavy has proven fast in as low as 10 knots true wind speed (TWS) in flat water. The A2 spinnaker is good up to 20 knots TWS. The heavier A4 works well in 18 knots and above. Upwind sails have no limitation on materials and construction, but they do have a minimum weight limit. Spinnakers must be woven nylon and have a minimum cloth weight. Because boats often come with a large inventory of used sails, many new owners buy a new main, spinnaker, and medium jib for class racing, using the older sails for handicap races or cruising. Class sail purchases are limited. The first year, you can register two new mains, jibs, and spinnakers. After that, you are allowed one new sail of each type per year. Most owners expect their sails to be competitive for multiple seasons, so 3Di’s improved durability has become a big advantage. Here is a link to North Sails’ current J109 product offering. J109 Tuning Jib spreader marks help repeat trim settings. What are the keys to rig set-up? Maintaining headstay tension and matching mast bend to luff curve help keep the boat balanced and at the proper heel angle, so adjusting rig tension to match changing conditions is key to sailing fast. The J109 is set up with a Harken furler as standard, and although it is adjustable, it’s not something you will ever change on the racecourse. Once set, in fact, the headstay is rarely adjusted. Instead adjust the cap shrouds (uppers or V1), diagonals (D1, D2), and backstay to match conditions. Controlling headstay sag is critical to keeping the boat balanced, especially as the breeze strengthens. The mast butt should be positioned all the way forward in the adjustment slot, so you only need to set that once. The J109 Quick Tune Guide includes detailed measurements and shroud tensions for different wind strengths. Shroud tension affects headstay tension and how much the headstay sags under different loads, so it’s very important to get this right. Jib sheet inhauler positions should be marked on the deck for repeatability. What other control systems are important on the J109? Setting up to cross-sheet the jib (and then practicing your tacks) is critical in windy conditions, as is having good leverage on the vang. Marks for setting the jib inhaulers are important. The mainsheet gross tune could use more purchase in heavy air, so make sure the fine-tune has plenty of line available. J109 Upwind Sailing How much heel is fast on a J109? In general, sail the J109 with less than 20 degrees of heel by playing the traveler and feathering in puffs. A skilled driver can keep it flatter, but the most important goal is to maintain a constant heel angle while minimizing rudder movement. If you need more heel to maintain consistency, that’s OK. Sailing flat is fast, but maintaining a consistent angle of heel and minimizing rudder movement are the top priorities. Upwind, where does the crew sit? The boats are a bit stern heavy, so we always work to keep people forward and out of the cockpit. In light air, locate one person forward of the shrouds; in heavier air, bring the forward-most person behind the shrouds to keep weight at max beam. The rest of the crew should sit close together at max beam. When the wind lightens enough to take someone off the rail, send the jib trimmer to leeward first. When possible, move everyone a half a body width farther forward; the mainsail trimmer will scoot to the front of the cockpit. A soft shackle easily attaches jib sheets to the clew, allowing sheets and inhaulers to stay rigged during sail changes. How do you trim the J109 jib upwind? A key move with the jib is to use just enough halyard tension to keep the draft positioned correctly. New 3Di jibs have the draft naturally forward, so less halyard is needed than with conventional sails. Mark the spreaders and the deck to help your trimmer repeat fast settings. Tension the halyard just enough to place the draft correctly, and set the lead so that the tell tales break evenly from top to bottom. As the inhauler pulls the clew inboard, sometimes it will appear that the foot looks too flat, this isn’t always the case. The lead should be set so the tell tales break evenly, these are your guide as to balancing the leech and foot tensions. Make sure the sail has some twist at the top. As the clew gets pulled inboard with the inhauler, it’s easy to oversheet the sail. In 8-15 knots TWS, the jib is inhauled until the clew is inside the handrail. Adjust the inhaulers for different wind conditions. In light to medium (8-15 knots TWS), the jib clew should be inhauled until it’s inside the metal handrail. As the wind increases, ease the clew so it trims outside the rail. In very light air , sail with the clew outside the rail as well. How do you trim the J109 main upwind? It’s hard to stall the top of the J109 mainsail because the sails are designed with a lot of twist so you can sheet on hard as it gets windier. Even in 8 knots, we recommend stalling the top tell tale 60 percent of the time. The extra leech tension has the added benefit of pulling the headstay tighter, too, minimizing headstay sag. The J109 doesn’t like much heel. From 11 knots up, our team is fully hiked, and at 13 knots, we’re pulling on backstay and cunningham. The backstay flattens the main well and begins to twist open the sail again, minimizing heel and weather helm. That’s the real trick on this boat: tune the rig so your trim and your backstay work for both sails at the same time. If the headstay gets too saggy and the main gets too flat, you probably don’t have enough V1 and D2 tension. Vang tension is critical in a breeze. In 8-10 knots, pull the vang snug. As the boat begins to get overpowered, pull it on firm. When using a lot of twist, it’s time for a two-handed pull, bracing feet against the cabin house. For the sake of your boom and mainsail, remember to ease both vang and cunningham at the weather mark. Because the leech profile is so vertical, even a small change in jib lead location will make a big difference to the sail’s power. How do you shift gears upwind? Besides hiking harder when the wind increases, shifting gears begins with moving the jib lead aft to increase twist in the leech. Even a small change will make a big difference. Other ways to depower: pull on max outhaul, apply backstay as needed, and begin easing your traveler down in the puffs. Don’t hesitate to add a lot of vang tension so you can ease mainsheet instead of traveler; the traveler car rarely moves lower or higher than the bench seats on either side of the cockpit. Who says what when sailing upwind? We like to have one person on the rail consistently calling the breeze so the main trimmer can be proactive in keeping the boat upright. Likewise, calling waves allows for better steering (and easing sheets in lighter air). Dialogue between the helm and main trimmer is critical, especially with wheel steering because it is harder for the driver to feel the pressure on the rudder. When it’s windy, the conversation is usually about increasing or reducing twist in the sails. Is there too much helm and we’re slow? Twist open the leeches. Not enough height? Reduce twist by closing leeches. The best sailor on many J109s is often the main trimmer, because the position requires trimming for the best balance between height and boatspeed. Adjusting leech twist on both sails is crucial to balancing height and speed. J109 Downwind Sailing Downwind, where are J109 crew located? Keep weight forward, out of the cockpit. Many people stand up, but it’s faster to sit down and keep weight lower. On most boats, the main trimmer is at the companionway and the chute trimmer is at or ahead of the forward edge of the cockpit. All others move forward: in 0-8 knots true wind, put two crew forward of the shrouds; in 9-16 knots, they can move just aft of the mast. The boat likes to be sailed fairly flat and, ideally, the helm goes neutral. If it’s light enough that you’re sailing VMG angles, move enough crew to leeward for a slight leeward heel. In running conditions of 10-plus knots, move all crew to weather and sail the boat flat. Over 12, sail with a little weather heel. As soon as control becomes an issue (around 16 knots), slide the crew aft. In 20 knots and above, several crew will be sitting in the cockpit. How do you trim the spinnaker downwind? Ease the spinnaker sheet to rotate the sail out in front of the boat as much as you can without it collapsing. The main should be all the way out with the vang soft. In lighter breeze when sailing tighter angles, the tack line should be all the way down. As the wind increases and you can sail lower angles, the tack will move up as high as the pulpit. This allows the luff to rotate around to weather and get more spinnaker area out from behind the mainsail. The key to speed is conversation and coordination between helm and trimmer. In light air, we look for an angle where the boat feels good, with slight heel to leeward. One common mistake is to sail too high in lulls and soak too low in puffs. Yes, you do scallop your way down the course, but smooth it out and do it gently. The good guys gain a lot this way; for everyone else, this is one of the best areas to practice and improve. When the tack moves to leeward of vertical, pull on tack line and sail higher angles. How do you shift gears downwind? The key transitions are in 9 to 11 knots, learning when you can sail deep and when to keep the boat sailing higher and faster. The tack line on the spinnaker is a good focal point: If the tack moves to leeward of vertical, pull the tack line toward the pole. If it moves to weather, ease it out up to three feet. Another way to think of this is that in light air, when sailing VMG angles, the tack line is pulled towards the sprit and the main is trimmed for the angle. In medium air, when sailing deeper, the tack line is eased out. In heavy air, when control becomes an issue, the tack line is tightened again to keep the chute stable. Another downwind tip is to “fraculate”—reduce headstay slack by trimming in the sheets on the rolled-up jib. This firms up the backstay and transfers the energy in the sails more directly to the hull. To get to a leeward mark or finish line, you can also sail wing and wing, with the spinnaker on the opposite side from the mainsail. This takes practice and should be reserved for tactical situations, say the last five or six boatlengths of a leg. You can sail lower and just as fast, but don’t try it for extended periods; it’s hard to keep the chute full, and a collapse will lose you distance overall. When sailing deep, ease the tack line off up to three feet for maximum projection and rotation. J109 Boathandling What are your top tips to starting well in a J109? The J109 has a big keel and rudder, so you can sail pretty slowly before the start and not slide sideways much when you accelerate. However, the boat takes time to get up to speed. Practice accelerating from half speed to full speed before each race to learn how long it will take. Never let the boat stop completely or get too far from the line. What are the keys to tacking a J109 well? Tacking the jib is pretty easy because it’s not a big sail, so you only need two trimmers in the cockpit. The other crew members cross over the coach roof to keep their weight forward and give the helm more visibility. How the trimmers coordinate depends on whether your jib sheet 1) leads to a footblock and a leeward winch, 2) to a footblock and a windward winch, or 3) directly to a cabintop winch. In light air, the cabintop winch set-up can be handled by the jib trimmer and the next person forward, which has the advantage of keeping weight forward. However, those winches aren’t set up for breezy conditions. We prefer cross-sheeting to the primaries and having the main trimmer handle the release. Going into the tack, the main trimmer eases the mainsheet fine tune a little, releases the jib, and pulls up the traveler. The jib trimmer is the next person off the rail and trims the new sheet, moving to windward right away rather than grinding away down to leeward. The main trimmer drops in the winch handle and does the final trim as the jib trimmer starts hiking. Don’t bring the jib in all the way until after the boat accelerates up to full speed. Put multiple marks on the jib sheets to line up with the base of the windward winch (if cross-sheeting); after trimming to the first mark, the jib trimmer hits the rail and the final five inches of jib sheet are ground in by the main trimmer. What are the keys to jibing a J109 well? A good J109 jibe is a dance between the rate of turn and spinnaker sheet ease. As the boat bears away, the driver should watch the clew of the chute; when it gets to the headstay, turn more quickly as the new sheet is taken in. If you turn too fast without easing the sheet enough, or if you turn too slow, the chute ends up on the windward side of the headstay. Especially in lighter-wind areas, many trimmers handle both spinnaker sheets. In more breeze, it’s common to have two sheet trimmers. Either way, it’s important for the bow person (and sometimes others) to actively help the new sheet around the headstay and aft to avoid a twist. Keeping crew weight on the old windward side before the jibe will help the boat turn; after the jibe, move quickly to the new high side to help flatten the boat so it can accelerate. After a jibe, cross quickly to the high side to flatten the boat and help it accelerate. In light-air jibes, don’t turn the boat too fast and jibe the spinnaker first. Then the mainsail trimmer grabs all parts of mainsheet and “pops” the main through to keep the upper leech from hanging up on the backstay. In heavy air, get the main across as quickly as possible, while the boat is at full speed. Otherwise you may have to turn the boat too far, which may lead to a round up as you finish the jibe. Easing the vang a little bit will help. How do you make a fast spinnaker set? There are two rules to remember on J109 spinnaker sets: First, the boat’s bow must be at the windward mark before the bow person extends the sprit. Second, to set the spinnaker successfully, keep it out of the water by not pulling the tack line out too soon. The bow person begins the set by freeing the chute from the forward hatch. Wait to start the hoist until the boat makes its turn. When it’s windy, as the mast person hoists, both the bow person and jib trimmer pull the tack line out to its mark. Then the bow person rolls up the jib. If a jibe-set is needed, there are two approaches: one is to re-rig the chute on the correct side of the boat and hoist as the boat jibes. The other option is for the bow person to walk the clew around the headstay during the hoist, or even before you hoist. What are the keys to a good spinnaker takedown on the J109? Most people douse the spinnaker to windward. Leeward drops make it too easy to shrimp (drop the chute in the water). Either way, turning the boat to a more downwind angle will make any takedown easier. On a normal windward takedown, unroll the jib before the helmsman bears off and the trimmer eases the spinnaker sheet. The bow person pulls (aka “tractors”) the clew around to the windward side of the jib as the halyard starts to come down. One crewmember stands below and pulls the chute through the forward hatch. If it’s windy, don’t blow the tack line too soon to keep the chute out of the water; wait until the spinnaker is collapsing and at least two crew have a good grip on the material. On a leeward takedown: the bow person grabs the lazy sheet and, with the crewmember below, pulls the chute under the jib and down the hatch. On these drops, don’t release the tack line until you’re able to pull the spinnaker straight down. What are the most common takedown mistakes? The most frequent error we see is simple: the spinnaker sheet isn’t eased enough for the bow person to pull the chute around the jib. The second most common error is also simple: if you do shrimp your kite, stop the boat completely before trying to pull the sail back aboard. How do you recover from a broach? Most broaches don’t last long; once you ease the spinnaker sheet, the boat will pop back up. Ease mainsheet and boomvang as you start to broach, and your recovery may be immediate. What J109 best practices do you recommend? Set daily objectives and evaluate after sailing, so you can get better every day. Identify crew responsibilities. Mark everything so you can duplicate settings, especially jib leads and sheets. Practice tacking and jibing; choreograph movements so each crewmember knows what to do. Document rig tune and settings. What’s the coolest thing about the J109 class? This class is very friendly and well-organized. (See J109 class website) You’ll find some really good technical sailors who know about rig tune and are willing to share knowledge. We recommend new people find a more experienced buddy and ask if you can sail together at events. Watch, observe, ask questions, and you’ll improve steadily. READ MORE

NORTH SAILS HOMENAJEARÁ A SU FUNDADOR EN LA SUPERYACHT CUP North Sails anuncia la creación de un nuevo premio para la Superyacht Cup de Palma. El primer North Sails Boat of the Day Award será dedicado a la memoria del fundador de North Sails, Lowell North El North Sails Boat of the Day Award será entregado al superyate con mejores resultados en la jornada del viernes, 21 de junio. En esta primera edición, North Sails dedicará el trofeo a la memoria de Lowell North, recientemente fallecido. El fundador de la velería es considerado un referente mundial que cambió la industria velera. Lowell North fundó North Sails en 1957 con un revolucionario enfoque de metodología científica para desarrollar velas más rápidas. Una filosofía que cambió la fabricación de velas para siempre y que continúa siendo la base sobre la que la firma explora los límites de la tecnología y el diseño, resultando en productos de última generación para superyates. En opinión de Tom Whidden, director general de North Technology Group: "North Sails cuenta con una larga y fructífera relación con la Superyacht Cup, evento en el que equipamos a muchos barcos y trabajamos con sus equipos para conseguir puestos de podio. Queríamos crear un premio que nos ayudase a mostrar el éxito en la flota de superyates, y tras la pérdida de Lowell North este mes de junio, pensamos que dedicarle el premio sería una buena forma de reconocer su legado y celebrar su contribución al deporte. Estamos deseando entregar el premio al ganador en memoria de un gran hombre a quien debemos tanto". Whidden navegará en la Superyacht Cup a bordo del 92 pies estadounidense Bequia. El trofeo es un precioso decantador de cristal en edición limitada con cuello de plata de ley y acompañado de vasos con base igualmente de plata, que el ganador podrá disfrutar de por vida. En tributo a la memoria de Lowell North, el premio irá acompañado de un gorro conmemorativo para cada miembro de la tripulación emulando al que el fundador de North Sails vestía siempre, y que se convirtió en todo un icono de este gran hombre. El North Sails Boat of the Day Award será presentado el 21 de junio por Tom Whidden y Quinny Houry, director de North Sails en Palma. La regata Superyacht Cup Palma 2019 se celebra en Palma los días 19 a 22 de junio. North Sails ofrecerá su servicio de recogida, reparación y entrega de velas durante el evento a través de sus instalaciones de Palma y Lluchmajor, la mayor velería del mundo especializada en superyates. READ MORE

GIRL POWER ON THE MELGES IC37 A Weekend of First Experiences With A Positive Reflection For The Season Ahead Amina Brown (runners), Katja Sertl (trimmer 1), Cory Sertl (co-skipper/tactician), Meredith Carroll (mast), Hollis Barth (trimmer 2), Colette Fortenberry (with the La Croix in her hand* float, squirrel, assistant), Hillary Noble (bow), Kathy Kirk (pit)Going into the weekend, I had no idea what to expect. With a new crew and new fleet, there were bound to be unplanned obstacles that we’d encounter, but I was so unbelievably excited to share my first racing experience with this crew! Our team at the New York Yacht Club 165th Annual Regatta had 11 total crew members – three were males and eight were females, one of which was under 16 years of age. The Melges IC37 Class Rules require mixed-gender crews, which meant every team had at least two women on board this weekend, and most teams had more. But we were the only team with such a vast female majority. It made for an enjoyable and refreshing experience. What also made it special was that each crew member brought a particular set of skills to the program, making it a positive learning experience for all of us. Our main goals were to be safe, have fun, figure out the boat, and learn together. We accomplished all of the above! 📸 Melges Performance Sailboats Although it was looking to be a sporty and challenging weekend for our team, we didn’t let it get the best of us. We were there to give it our all and come away from our experience as better sailors, together. Friday was the Around-the-Island Race, where we headed South upwind rounding the bottom of Jamestown, RI, where conditions were wet and wild as we sailed out of Narragansett Bay. Surrounded by boats of all sizes made things exciting, watching all the crews moving about the boats, working hard to keep the throttle down, and maintain control. Turning the corner around the southern tip of the island gave us a great show, watching the faster boats peel down like freight trains, and the groans of the winches as the grinders eased off. We rounded and got our bearings for the leeward mark. At first, we were at a beam reach, so we had a late hoist, but once the kite was up and we were in the pressure, the fun really began. Shotty puffs came down in streaks, which made it challenging for our female trimmers, but they did an excellent job communicating with each other to keep the wheels rolling. We hit 18.8, and that was an absolute thrill! We may have had a few wipeouts, , but I can’t say it wasn’t fun! After we cleared the Jamestown Bridge, we could see the leeward mark, and it was fast approaching. Our female tactician was great at communicating the game plan with the crew, and we set up for a squaggle-down to get the kite in. With the retriever line, it is all about angle-off the wind and timing. Our female pit crew did a fantastic job watching us at the bow before we pulled the kite around to windward, making it as easy as possible in the 20+ knots. Our squirrel was our 16-year-old local rockstar Colette Fortenberry. She had a great attitude and was excited to help any way she could. After the rounding, it was an uphill race under the Newport Pell Bridge to the finish off of Fort Adams. The rest of the weekend was much of the same, but with windward-leeward drag races which was great practice for our crew work. Overcoming obstacles as a team, celebrating those little moments of glory—I think that’s what the Melges IC37 class was made for. Teamwork. Corinthian sailing at its finest, making new friends and learning to be better sailors. The IC37 is truly a boat for anyone, from the small boat one design sailors to grand prix fanatics. It’s the perfect in-between with all the one design simplicity but has that grand prix fun and exhilarating edge that other classes can’t match. Last weekend was just the beginning for our team, but all in all, it was a great place to start and get our bearings. We may not have won the regatta, but in our own way, I feel like we still won the weekend. 📸 Melges Performance Sailboats 📸 Melges Performance Sailboats By Hillary Noble, Republished from Scuttlebutt & Melges IC37 Class Association READ MORE

Tools To Get Your Team Race-Ready Block Island Race Week is just around the corner. Our experts created this Tool Kit to help your team prepare for racing in one of the most idyllic sailing destinations on the east coast. Navigating Island Waters Long time Block Island Race Week participant and local expert Todd Berman gave us his tips and tricks for dealing with the ever complex waters around Block Island. Onboard Communication Onboard communication for yacht racing is a key factor for performance, no matter what type of sailing. We have some suggestions to keep your boat moving through the water and around the corners more efficiently with better communication. Fine Tune With North Find your groove. Get your numbers. Be confident in all wind conditions. Here are the North Sails Tuning Guides for your boat. J88 | J105 | J109 Register For Free Daily Weather Forecasts North Sails and Gowrie Group have partnered up with our expert friends at Sailing Weather Service to provide complimentary daily weather forecasts. Register now and receive these daily updates sent directly to you each morning. Maintaining Speed Throughout The Range Of Conditions Whether it's your first Block Island Race Week, or you are a veteran, it's hard to anticipate the ever-changing conditions. North U Expert Bill Gladstone explores Angle of Attack in moderate air trim and also techniques for de-powering in heavy air and powering-up in light air. READ MORE

TIPS FROM EXPERT TODD BERMAN Todd's Take On Block Island Race Week And What You Should Expect While Racing We talked to local expert and North U. Coach Todd Berman to get his perspective on sailing at Block Island Race Week. Having sailed his first race week as a thirteen-year-old back in 1977, and sailed in almost every race since, who better to give us some local tips on navigating such a complex island with tricky tidal and current related factors you need to think about ahead of time. Block Island – What Makes Sailing In These Waters So Unique? Block island is an exercise in versatility. It’s the nature of June sailing in New England. The first thing I think about when preparing for Block Island Race Week is that you need to have a fundamental understanding about the tidal picture of how the water flows around both sides of the Island. Block island is in a very interesting position, where to the west of the island, most of the water flows in a north/south axis – this is the water between the southwest corner of Block Island and Montauk. Then to the north side of the island where there's the buoy, 1-B.I and ultimately Point Judith, where all the water that is flowing through that gap and is flowing in an east/west axis. Essentially, you have this weird phenomenon where the water splits in two different directions, one going north/south, one going east/west. When you come into the the Salt Pond from the sea, and you get that first whiff of the beach plums. It, to me, feels like I'm home. Block Island Race Week has become like a totem in my life. Understanding where your racing circle is, will go a long way in helping you gauge what is likely to happen on your particular course area with the tide. That’s a really important piece of advice I cannot emphasize enough for this regatta. There are a couple of fundamental overarching things that I do when it comes to the tide at B.I. There are lobster traps all around. One of the practices that I think is essential at race week, A-L-W-A-Y-S, always, make an observation and a mental note about the direction of the tide. From your experience sailing anywhere with tides and currents, and what you believe to be experiencing with observations of fish traps, lobster buoys, anchored marks or the buoys on the race course -- are all the same. All of these will tell you what the tide is doing, and at Block Island, you need to observe these indicators all the time. The Infamous Around The Island Race – Tips & Tricks This is an extremely difficult race and sometimes tends to be the race where people’s week fall apart. If you're really good at Windward Leeward racing and you've had great success at Charleston Race Week or Key West Race Week, where it is Windward Leeward racing, Block Island trips you up when now you've got to race around this island. Many teams go into the week with the great finishes, only to be caught out by the Around The Island Race – the pothole waiting to blow out your tire. There are six key points to talk about for this race. These points are founded upon going counterclockwise in a wind direction between 205 and 230 degrees true wind direction. On any given day, that's the rough range of wind direction. First Beat Of The Race Prior the race you have to know what the tidal conditions will be at your next mark. The navigator and the tactician should have a discussion about knowing the bracket of time where you'd likely arrive at a mark so that you can know what the current will be doing there. What the current does at the major rounding points in this race typically defines your tactical and strategic norms. On the first beat, the conventional wisdom is to start on starboard and sail closer to the island to pick up more wind velocity. And in a flood tide, the incentive to stay to the left of the straight line, to go closer to the island is stronger. Right at the end of that leg, R-4 is the big bell buoy that you're really setting up to round, and that's typically where you go from beating to now either an A-sail or a spinnaker. The last 20% of that first beat can get really dicey just from a wind velocity and sea state perspective because, for the very first time you’re heading out into almost open ocean there. On the flood tide, you almost have to approach R-4 from the port tack lay line. On the ebb tide, the starboard tack lay line is much more forgiving. If the water is flowing south, you can get out into more open water and you'll be fine on your approach. But on the flood, it's a significantly different perspective. Rounding R-4 This leg is based on traffic management and not getting too high, or too low. You’ve rounded R-4 and now you’re going to reach along the south end of the island. The danger of sailing low of the rhumb line and getting too close into the island is that the wind lifts up over the island and you can get lighter winds in shore. However, there is also a risk about getting too far offshore to the south of the rhumb line because as you get further east, you have to sail lower, and it's slow. This is a leg where I like to just go fast as close to the rhumb line as I can. Traffic management is a real challenge on this leg because the boats are still pretty compressed and it's hard to find clear lanes of wind. Next Turn –Southeast Corner This is typically a jibe from starboard broad-reaching to port-reaching, which takes place at the southeast corner. The exact tactics of the southeast corner are typically determined by real-time conditions and where the markers are .The Storm Trysail club place one or more inflatable orange markers out there. The southeast corner is not a government mark rounding, it's an inflatable mark that's put out there, and depending on where that inflatable is placed, it's just good sailing, there's no magic, formula for the southeast corner. *be careful about getting too far east because the wind can get lighter out there. Racing toward Port – The Longest leg This is the longest leg of the around the island race where you’ve turned the corner and are on port. This is a 12-mile leg so it’s very important that you have the right spinnaker up. We typically change to the reacher before we do the final jibe onto the long leg, and actually sail the last 1% of the previous leg with the wrong spinnaker. This means that when we jibe onto the long 12-mile leg, we have the right spinnaker up and don't have to do the change while we're reaching hard. For this long leg along the east end, you have got to know your predicted apparent wind angle way ahead, you've got to have an advanced prediction of that so you can know what spinnaker you want. You will also need to know what the tide is doing at 1-B.I, which is the next mark you're going to. This is the single most important tide management leg. If you're doing that stretch in an ebb tide, on the last 1/3 of the leg, which means the water is flowing to the east, you can never, let yourself get swept to the east side of the rhumb line. In addition to that, you need to expect that the velocity of eastbound current you will encounter increases dramatically as you approach 1-B.I. You could be two miles away and have a knot on your port beam, but when you're 200 yards way, you could have three knots on your port beam. Peak velocity at 1- B.I can get close to three knots Riding The Tide On The Longest Leg In an ebb tide, eastbound flowing water, you can sail above the rhumb line and ride the sand spit down, and almost have a trailing current for the last part of that leg. You sail more distance, but at the end you come in with fair current behind you and, that's great. You don't sail down the rhumb, you sail a great circle to the west side of the rhumb line. That's what I like to do in an eastbound ebb tide. In a westbound, flood tide, it's not as important not to get swept east because as you get out further north, you have all this water carrying you, west and you approach one BI with fair current pushing you up to the mark. If the water is flowing west at 1- B.I, it's a much easier proposition. You don't want to get caught high of the mark fighting down into that current. Rounding & Exiting From 1-B.I Now you're heading up, and your beating again, and it’s in the ebb tide. People tend to tack pretty quickly onto starboard to get into shallower water between 1- B.I and Block island under the normally correct theory that current runs weaker in shallower water. However, the shape of block island is such that the water sort of piles up. As the water that's flowing east hits the part of the island between the salt pond and the end of the sands spit at the north light, it gets up. There is a lot of current is being focused into that little shallow spot. You want to stay on port for a fair bit of time until you can really quite easily clear all the frothy water that is flowing over the sand spit at this point. Lots of boats tend to tack on to starboard to get into the shallower water right away. And that rarely works. Take the scenario and the tidal scenario and reverse it. Let's say it's a flood tide, so the water at 1-BI is flowing to the west. This is particularly fun when the wind is strong from the southwest. You have tide against current, and what I try to do is stay on port as long as I can, and if you go maybe three or four minutes on port past 1-B.I, you get into extremely deep water , approx. 100 feet or more. You will notice that the sea state gets huge. So again, a little bit counter intuitive, when you get into that really dramatic sea state, you know that you're on the strongest positive current escalator. Even though the waves are huge and you might be pounding a little more from that sea state, which feels slow, you should remember you're on this huge tidal escalator pushing you toward the finish. One of the things that you can really see is the sea state change as you exit 1-B.I. and you're heading towards the west. You can just watch the sea state build and build and build, and then before you know it, you've hooked into that beautiful tidal river to take you to the finish. READ MORE

A MUST-DO SUMMER EVENT FOR CLIENTS AND NORTH SAILS EXPERTS Our Lofts In France And Italy Combine Resources To Be On-hand And Onboard For This Fun And Demanding Week-long Event 📸 ROLEX/Carlo Borlenghi The 67th edition of the Rolex Giraglia Cup finished last weekend and North Sails powered top finishers across the numerous classes, including overall winner Caol Ila R. Originally a 241-mile offshore race, this Mediterranean classic attracts hundreds of sailors and has grown to include both inshore and offshore racing. While the racing is always competitive on the water, the fun starts once the boats hit the dock at the end of the day. Boats sailing at the 2019 Rolex Giraglia range in size and the event attracts a mix of professional race crews and amateur sailors. Maxi 72 Caol Ila R won big this year, taking home the ‘Trofeo Challenge Ruota Dentata’ for the best corrected time in the offshore race, and the ultimate honor of being named overall winner. Caol Ila R, with owner Alex Schaerer, is one of the many teams who have added a new North Helix sail to their inventory. Developed through North’s specialized Load Sharing Technology, Helix is an innovative self-supporting structure, which delivers a versatile, fast and forward-projecting reaching sail. Caol Ila R’s Rolex Giraglia win follows closely on the heels of their class win at the Rolex Capri Sailing Week. 📸 ROLEX/Carlo Borlenghi Additional North Sails clients in the ORC Racer class also found success during the event. George David’s Rambler 88 was the offshore winner in real time to claim the ‘Trofeo Levainville’. Rambler 88 also won the ‘Beppe Croce’ for the first boat to round the Giraglia rock. Sir Peter Ogden’s Jethou sat on top of the leader boat in the Inshore IRC O Racer Class. “Historically, these Code Zeros were light upwind sails but the Helix sail is more versatile. I’d want the Helix sail for reaching every time.” Like Caol Ila R, Jethou has unlocked a new level of performance with the new North Helix sail, which eliminates the need for heavy torque cables. An early adopter of the product, Jethou took delivery of the Steve Calder designed sail in 2018. According to the trimmer Joey Newton, Helix has become the team’s go-to reaching sail. “We use this sail as a catch-all reaching sail,” explains Newport. “Historically, these Code Zeros were light upwind sails but the Helix sail is more versatile. I’d want the Helix sail for reaching every time. The way the whole sail loads up and that it can be trimmed easily using small tack line adjustments are all positive.” Rolex Girgalia served as the third event of The Nations Trophy Med League 2019. North Sails-powered Swans outperformed their competition, sweeping every podium position in the Club Swan 50, Swan 45 and Club Swan 42 classes. ClubSwan 50 Stella Maris placed first in the ORC Class and won the coveted ‘Nucci Novi Challenge Trophy’. As a team new to the ClubSwan 50, owner August Schram was pleased and somewhat surprised with Stella Maris’s success. “We started this campaign less than a year ago at the Copa del Rey Mapfre,” commented Schram. “In under a year we have won a major race, which is way above anything we could have imagined.” 📸 ROLEX/Carlo Borlenghi READ MORE

DOUBLEHANDED TEAM WINS ANNAPOLIS TO NEWPORT Taking Home Line Honors & Sportsmanship Trophy 📷Will Keyworth Sailing the innovative 32-foot Beneteau Figaro 3, Laurent Givry and Sidney Gavignet raced from Annapolis to Newport in just under three days. They say nice guys finish last, but for the 2019 Annapolis to Newport Race, Laurent Givry and Sidney Gavignet won line honors over the entire 23 boat fleet - and they were also awarded the C. Gaither Scott Trophy for Sportsmanship by Annapolis Yacht Club's Race Committee. "It was totally unexpected," Laurent says, still digesting his quick transition from self-described "regular guy" to a name in the week's sailing news. "I was quite shocked, but very, very happy, obviously." Laurent grew up sailing on the south coast of France and moved to the United States in 1991. He took delivery of his Beneteau Figaro 3, La Défonce, in the fall of 2018. Over the winter, while North Sails designers in France were doing their homework and testing new designs to prepare for the professional Figaro circuit, Laurent told North Sails Annapolis expert Will Keyworth that he wanted to buy the new sail package. “To me it was important that I am part of this batch,” Laurent explains, adding that his new upwind inventory is 3Di RAW. “My boat is exactly to the rules for the class. I buy everything like the class Figaro. So when they make a bunch of sails for the Figaristes in France, they make mine too. Exactly the same.” The new mainsail is much flatter, he says. “The shape of the gennaker is much flatter as well. And the clew is much higher on the new A2. I’m very happy with my new set of sails, and also happy they were designed by a French designer. Will did everything right for me, so I’m very grateful.” Laurent gives full credit for the line honors victory to teammate Sidney Gavignet, a retired professional on the shorthanded sailing circuit. “Sidney is the best person. Because we are French, we have a very close connection, and I learned from him to be a better sailor. I was always trimming my mainsail much too open on the top. Now I will definitely take a reef instead of twisting more.” The team at North Sails has also been a big help, he says. “Anything I need, they do it. I ask for something, it's done. I always buy my sails from North Sails, because I have a very good service.” 📷Will Keyworth And there’s plenty more to learn. “I want to become better, I want to learn all the time. The day that you say that you’re good, it’s over. Do I put all myenergy into it? Yes, no question about that. I'm doing my own tuning, doing everything myself. I love it, you know, so I'm really into it 100 percent, no question about that. This is who I am as a person—I don’t do stuff halfway. Go full in, or nothing.” While resting up between the Annapolis-Newport finish and the start of the New York Yacht Club Annual regatta, Laurent’s made several new friends. “I'm meeting lots of very famous sailors. And those guys are like me, they’re regular guys, even though they’re very famous in the sport. They’re very keen to share their experience. They teach me, they tell me tricks. Steve Benjamin, I met him two years ago. I have a few beers with him, we have a great laugh. Next thing you know, he’s sending me an email with all the tricks, all the current. And I'm a nobody! It’s super cool,” he continues. “It’s like in a movie.” What’s next for Laurent, Sidney, and La Défonce? “There is great news—we’ve been invited by the Chicago-Mac to go compete there. Everything is going like in a dream, like in the movies!” he repeats. The boat will be trucked to Chicago, after a careful rig check and thorough cleaning; “I have salt everywhere.” “I'm a better sailor today than I was a year ago,” Laurent concludes. “It’s a great sport. I’m a regular guy, maybe not a beginner anymore, but I am not a big shot. My goal is to sail with very, very good sailors. So I can progress. This is what I want to do.” Nice guys can sometimes finish first after all. 📷Will Keyworth READ MORE

VIPER 640: 2019 PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT New Class Leader, New Mainsail, Many Upgrades When it comes to finding extra speed, extra durability, or better usability for our products, North Sails is never satisfied. That’s why we’ve made important upgrades to our Viper 640 sails that will give you a better sailing experience as well as an advantage on the race course. New Class Leader J/22 World Champion Jackson Benvenutti is the new Global Viper 640 class leader for North Sails. Jackson won the 2017 Viper North American Championship sailing with Marcus and Andrew Eagan, and has wins in many one-design classes. “While Zeke Horowitz is sailing in multiple classes, we felt it was important to have Jackson dedicated to the Vipers, a very important class for North Sails,” said Tim Healy, North Sails One Design President. Jackson will attend the Summer Regatta at the Mobile Yacht Club and the Weatherly Regatta in Gulfport before heading to California for the Worlds in August. After that, he’ll sailhe 2019/2020 Sarasota Winter Series. New Mainsail Cloth Our sail designers have recommended a new cloth for the championship-winning M-7 mainsail. We are upgrading the cloth to the North Sails exclusive Xi-18 laminate, which holds its shape longer than the current Pentex®, improving both durability and performance. The new M-8 main features the exact same shape as the M-7, no tuning changes are necessary. Recent Sail Upgrades We have also made three improvements to the Viper sails: : Self-attached clew blocks keep the clew from twisting when weather sheeting. Adjustable gaff batten Extended bolt rope to eliminate pre-feeder snags when adjusting cunningham Enjoy your Viper sailing season! Contact Jackson with your Viper 640 questions. 📸 Peter Crawford READ MORE

UK NATIONALS VICTORY WITH G-3R SAIL North Sails Clients Take Over The Podium Streaker UK Nationals Champion, Martin Penty 📸 Karen Langston The Streaker UK Nationals brought of a mixed bag of conditions at Portland Harbour, with Martin Penty claiming the title using North Sails G-3R sail. Congratulations to all North clients, who took the top four places with the G3-R and G3-L sails performing well and winning every race. With a healthy 31 entries, the regatta was held at the 2012 Olympic venue, Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA) which offered fantastic facilities. Friday was windy but three races were sailed. Saturday was gusting up to 40 knots so racing was cancelled and Sunday was very light, approximately 3-6 knots. Martin Penty and Steve Blackburn (first and second overall) had near untouchable boat speed in these light conditions on Sunday, both using North Sails G3-R sail. Browse our range of Streaker sails or talk to Class Expert, Thomas Gillard. 📸 Karen Langston Tom Gillard 📸 Karen Langston Steve Blackburn 📸 Karen Langston Tom Gillard 📸 Karen Langston Chris Jones 📸 Karen Langston READ MORE

NEW S-5 STEALTH MAINSAIL The Powerful And Versatile Go-To Sail 📸 Brett Hord The secret is out… the new and competitive North Sails Stealth S5 Mainsail can now been revealed having already been successful for top Paper Tiger sailors, Derek Scott and Hayden Percy. The sail helped Scott, North Sails Paper Tiger Class Expert, win the 2019 New Zealand Paper Tiger Nationals and Percy win the 2019 Paper Tiger International Series in Napier. Throughout the summer, Scott has been testing the new-shape mainsail which has been developed from the success of the S-4 shape. “It has more power in the light, but you can still flatten it off in heavier conditions. It’s going to be the go-to sail for all Paper Tiger sailors,” he says. The sail is made from the same Contender Max sail cloth used for easily Stealth designs, but has an improved corner patch to reduce wear and fatigue in the tack and clew areas. It is also lighter than earlier designs. As well as being lighter than earlier designs, the new S-5 Mainsail has an improved corner patch to reduce wear and fatigue in the tack and clue areas. Scott has raced the sail in a mix of conditions, including the 2019 Nationals at Wellington’s Evans Bay Yacht Club where the fleet faced 10 to 30 knots. Scott achieved first and second place in all eight races, becoming the 2019 Paper Tiger National Champion. Former National Champion, Hayden Percy, then used the sail at the International Series over Easter. With a mix of Australian and Kiwi boats, Percy took gold, proving himself in the light conditions and Scott took silver. “Last year when we went to Melbourne for the same event, we found we had more speed than the Australians, but since then we’ve sold numerous North S4 sails over there. Skippers using that sail finished in the top seven positions at the Australian nationals.” This year, 10 of the Australian teams were using the North S4 for the internationals, but the Kiwis had their new weapon which proved much faster — the S5. The international was sailed in very light, tricky conditions, which made it difficult for the heavier Australian crews, but throughout the summer season, the S5 has consistently proven itself to be a high performer. Scott, one of the lighter sailors in the class, was keen to develop a new sail since starting sailing the Paper Tiger two years ago. “I could see that there was a need for a more powerful sail to cover the heavier weight range of the sailors,” he says. “We started developing a deeper sail, and then after testing, we found it was working well for all sailors of varying weights. We began designing the new S-5 for heavier sailors, but it turned out to be a good all-round sail for everyone. It can still be flattened off easily while also creating more power when needed.” “We began designing the new S-5 for heavier sailors, but it turned out to be a good all-round sail for everyone. It can still be flattened off easily while also creating more power when needed.” Learn more about the S-5 Stealth Mainsail or talk to Class Expert, Derek Scott. 📸 Brett Hord 📸 Brett Hord READ MORE

ENRICO CHIEFFI NAVIGA A PORTO CERVO CON VELE NORTH SAILS Il campione del mondo star del 1996 torna in campo nell’affollato mondiale della Costa Smeralda. 📸 Borlenghi Parte in questi giorni a Porto Cervo il Campionato del Mondo classe Star, la nota regina dalle barche a chiglia. L'evento è organizzato dallo Yacht Club Costa Smeralda in collaborazione con l'International Star Class Yacht Racing Association (ISCRYA). Tra i 65 protagonisti che arrivano da 20 nazioni spicca tra gli italiani la presenza di Enrico Chieffi, uno dei migliori talenti della vela italiana che partecipa con uno spirito Corinthian con il prodiere Manlio Corsi. Chi è Enrico Chieffi? L’inizio della sua favola è a Marina di Carrara, dove lui e il fratello Tommaso cominciano a navigare assieme. La prima vittoria è il campionato del mondo classe 470, poi a cascata arriva tutto il resto: altura, America’s Cup, Olimpiadi. Ma soprattutto nella carriera di Enrico conta la stella d’oro che decora la sua randa, bel ricordo della vittoria del campionato del mondo Star in Brasile a Rio davanti a Mark Reynolds e Torben Grael . Enrico Chieffi, dopo anni di vita da manager all’interno di Nautor’s Swan ha scelto di tornare in acqua per questo mondiale che inizia domani a Porto Cervo, un evento che torna dopo 30 anni, unico per partecipazione e spettacolo. Ecco le sue risposte e le sue motivazioni prima della partenza. Enrico come mai questo ritorno in Star? "Puoi anche mettere da parte le passioni, le puoi sopire, ma rimangono tali e prima o poi tornano. In realtà ho continuato a navigare in Star, soprattutto con gli amici di Viareggio dove c’è una piccola flotta. Quest’anno è una anno ricco per l’Italia, con gli europei (vinti da Robert Scheidt a Malcesine sul lago di Garda) e il mondiale di Porto Cervo. Con la mia stella d’oro posso esercitare il diritto a partecipare (wild card) senza selezioni. Ora che la classe è uscita dal circuito olimpico è molto più umana, la partecipazione è meno intensa e ci sono tanti appassionati come me. Tengo a dire che non sono più un professionista …. Il mio allenamento invernale è stato andare a sciare tutti i week end". Come sei arrivato a scegliere vele North per la tua Star? "Quando ho deciso per questa stagione ho comprato tre giochi di vele diversi tra cui uno North Sails. Avevo bisogno di capire in che direzione era andata l’evoluzione delle vele in questi anni, per partire da dove erano arrivati gli altri. Ho trovato qualità e vele fatte molto bene. L’evoluzione per la Star è stata principalmente legata, rispetto ai tempi dei miei risultati, dalla limitazione del peso massimo dell’equipaggio, che non esisteva. Io e Roberto Sinibaldi che eravamo in linea con il peso dei primi dieci migliori al mondo pesavamo 214 kg, ora il peso massimo non supera i 200 kg. Una quindicina di kg in meno fanno una differenza enorme sull’assetto della barca, di conseguenza tutti i materiali sono studiati per questo peso inferiore". Quale gioco hai scelto? "I tre giochi erano tutti composti da belle vele, ma le North Sails si adattano meglio al mio modo di regolare la barca, con il sistema albero e sartie piuttosto rigido. Allora avevo messo a punto un sistema che mi consentiva di andare molto forte, mi è rimasto quel modo di andare in barca e le North mi sono piaciute per come si adattano a questo mio modo di navigare. E’ un prodotto molto curato nei minimi dettagli". Il tuo è un gioco vele standard? "Diciamo la verità: un ‘amatore’ come me non chiede nessuna personalizzazione, compra quel che è disponibile. La Star è talmente malleabile che puoi raggiungere con tutte le regolazioni che vuoi con quello che hai. In Star trovi i più grandi campioni di tutte le generazioni e di tutte le provenienze: vuol dire che ha qualcosa di magico ed è il risultato del fatto che la barca è cosi sensibile e raffinata. E’ una barca a chiglia relativamente lenta e fare all’interno della flotta giuste tattica e strategia è un’arte: si gioca al vero gioco della vela". Enrico, Nautor’s Swan ha appena lanciato il nuovo 36, cosa vi aspettate? "Anni fa abbiamo scelto di realizzare barche da regata di alte prestazioni, che hanno riposizionato Nautor’s come marchio. Continuiamo a realizzare delle barche da crociera veloce, dove abbiamo fatto quasi un passo indietro verso barche più confortevoli. Il 36 completa la linea verso il basso e risponde alla nostra visione legata alle regate one design di alte prestazioni che culmina con il Nation Trophy di Palma dove quest’anno avremo oltre 40 barche. Tanto per indicare qualche numero il 36 in poppa raggiungerà i 18 nodi, il 50 passa regolarmente i 20". Che vele avranno gli Swan Club 36 "Abbiamo scelto un pacchetto vele limitato: una randa due fiocchi e il gennaker. Ci saranno pochi cambi autorizzati per anno, vogliamo contenere i costi. Per lo sviluppo dei tagli abbiamo fatto un consorzio con le quattro velerie più importanti del mondo. Ognuno ha fatto un gioco di vele e valuteremo tutti assieme i risultati. Le regole della classe non impongono vele one design, le vele sono libere e dunque ogni armatore può scegliere le sue. Devo ammettere che i velai per noi sono una fonte di potenziali clienti, per le loro numerose relazioni". Enrico Chieffi READ MORE

NORTH SAILS TO HONOR FOUNDER, LOWELL NORTH, AT SUPERYACHT CUP 2019 ‘North Sails Boat Of The Day Award’ In Memory Of Sailing Legend North Sails is proud to announce an all-new award at the prestigious Superyacht Cup. The ‘North Sails Boat of the Day Award’ will be handed out to the superyacht who has the best daily results on Friday, June 21. In its inaugural year, the North Sails trophy will be dedicated to the memory of Lowell North, who recently passed away and is recognized as an inspirational figure who shaped the culture of North Sails and the sailmaking industry. This year’s award will commemorate one of the most popular characters in sailing at an event which is the longeest running superyacht regatta in Europe. Lowell founded North Sails in 1957 with a commitment to using a unique science-based methodology to develop faster sails, revolutionizing the sport along the way. His analytical approach to sailmaking is the backbone of North design and is the foundation on which the brand pushes boundaries of technology and design, resulting in cutting edge products for Superyacht. The North Sails patented 3Di technology has been a game changer in the Superyacht industry, which has always been an early adopter of innovation. North Technology Group CEO Tom Whidden, who will race on Bequia in the Superyacht Cup, commented, “North Sails have a long-standing partnership with the Superyacht Cup where we power so many of the boats racing in Palma and work with teams to get podium finishes. We wanted to create an award that helped us showcase success within the Superyacht fleet and, following the passing of Lowell North in June, it felt like dedicating this year’s award to him would be a fitting way to recognize his legacy and celebrate his contribution to the sport. We look forward to presenting the award to the winner in memory of a great man to whom we all owe so much.” The award will be presented on June 21 by North Technology Group CEO Tom Whidden and Quinny Houry, Head of North Sails in Palma. The Trophy is a beautiful, limited-edition crystal Admiral ship’s decanter with Sterling silver neck, which comes with crystal glass tumblers with Sterling silver bases that the winner will be able to retain for life. Lowell North was famous for sporting a floppy sun hat and this iconic image became synonymous with the great man. As a tribute to his memory, the trophy winners each year will also receive commemorative floppy hats for all the crew. READ MORE

NORTH SAILS COLLECTION OPENS US FLAGSHIP STORE Locals & Sailors Gather To Celebrate The New Location In The Home Of Sailing 📷Allison Barrett Photography North Sails Collection, renowned for its lifestyle clothing and sailing crew collections in Europe has opened a new US flagship sportswear store in Newport, RI .The new store location is significant, placing it in the heart of the North Sails global headquarters and the hub of East Coast sailing. To celebrate the opening of the Flagship store, located on Bannister's Wharf in downtown Newport, North Sails invited the local sailing community to see the collection, meet the local team, and enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres provided by the Clarke Cooke House. North Technology Group CEO Tom Whidden attended the grand opening to sign copies of his recent book, The Art & Science Of Sails. Featuring both the men's and women's lifestyle lines of the brand, the store reflects the spirit of exploration and the most playful aspect of sailing, as well as emphasizing the performance function of North Sails products. Newport is an ideal setting to display the North Sails Collection mood, reflecting the two spirited factions of the sailing world: those of recreational and competitive mindsets. A mix of light and high performing styles come in a range of typical sailing colors - red, white, blue and yellow - while ocean blues, coral, orange and lagoon greens also add seasonality and high summer focus. 📷Allison Barrett Photography North Sails continues to create sustainable designs throughout the collection: jackets, T-shirts, and swimwear made from recycled materials are enriched with shark imagery and graphics with the aim of raising awareness of conservation efforts. While NSX-Performance styles perfectly merge technical fabrics and details with style and comfort for everyday challenges. The new Newport store also offers the North Sails Crew Collection, the most technical part of the collection intended for sailors and sea lovers. A line of high-performance products with proven cuts, tailored fits, and innovative materials. All the garments can be customized with team names and logos to make them unique. The store is located in historic Bannister's Wharf, the iconic waterfront area of Newport, a city with a rich sailing connection and sporting heritage. The store will cater to the diverse and active community of sailors in the region who are regularly racing and cruising in the waters off Rhode Island, and tap into the busy schedule of world-class sailing events hosted in Newport. 📷Allison Barrett Photography Thanks to a specially developed design concept, the store was planned down to the last detail to highlight each individual item of clothing: the shop windows immediately capture the attention of the consumer who is led into the North Sails world through bright environments and sleek, light lines outlining an architectural style in perfect harmony with the brand image. The fittings consist of steel structures while the original wood roof and floor — without any plastic materials used in the construction — reflects the mission of North Sails to educate consumers to embrace the change and protect the seas from plastic pollution, season after season. Visit North Sails and shop the collection at 16 Bannister's Wharf, Newport, RI, 02840. Contact number : 401-324-5750 📷Allison Barrett Photography 📷Allison Barrett Photography 📷Allison Barrett Photography READ MORE

Get Ready For The Opti Worlds. There is no better performance test of an Optimist sail than the results it produces. Around the world, kids are winning regattas with North Sails. READ MORE

LORO PIANA SUPERYACHT REGATTA A Showcase of Success For North Sails Clients 📸 Carlo Borlenghi The Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta saw North Sails clients do a podium sweep across the three fleets. These results showcase another example of North Sails delivering a new level of performance to superyacht racing. Sir Lindsay Owen-Jones’s Magic Carpet 3 collected three bullets to win the Performance Class. This Wallycento recently took delivery of a North Helix sail in advance of Palma Vela a few weeks ago. Using Palma Vela as their “dress rehearsal,” according to tactician Jochen Schümann, Magic Carpet 3 was able to dial in their performance to fly past the competition. In the cruising division, Silencio*, Mariette of 1915*, and Meteor battled it out for four days, with owner Nikita Bourtakov on Silencio*, taking the win after scoring three bullets. Nikita commented; “I’d like to thank the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda and Loro Piana for creating this amazing platform where people with a shared passion can come and enjoy sailing, we had four days of amazing sailing. I’d like to thank the crew, which was really international, for getting us through the race and achieving this result. We are definitely going to be back next year.”In the Southern Wind division, Grande Orazio* came out on top, just two points ahead of Kiboko Tres and AllSmoke to win the division trophy. This was Kiboko Tres first event, which went well as they consistently improved over the course of the regatta and even won race two. Owner and helm of Grande Orazio* Massimiliano Florio was humbled by his overall victory commenting; “Winning is always nice. Sardinia is an ideal place for sailing, with its courses between the islands and the continuous changes in the wind. I would like to dedicate this victory to the engineer Willy Persico, an almost father-like figure who believed in me and accompanied me on this journey. For me, it is an honour to have brought Grande Orazio to victory.” 📸Carlo Borlenghi READ MORE

GC32 CIRCUIT: FULL SPEED AHEAD Pro & Amateur-helmed Teams Merge On GC32 Flying Catamaran Circuit 📸 Sailing Energy While the America’s Cup may have migrated to foiling monohulls, foiling catamarans remain very much alive and kicking with the GC32 and the GC32 Racing Tour. This year the circuit absorbed the GC32 teams from the Extreme Sailing Series including Alinghi, Red Bull Sailing Team and Oman Air and with at least ten boats now regularly competing, and entries from afar afield as Australia, Argentina, and the USA, the GC32 Racing Tour is back firing on all cylinders. North Sails has supplied GC32 teams with their one design sail wardrobe since the first examples were launched in 2012. At the time Laurent Lenne and Andrew Macpherson were conceiving the boat with designer Martin Fischer, they worked hand in hand on the sail plan with Gautier Sergent at North Sails France. Then, as now, the sail plan hangs off a ‘classic’ catamaran rig with a rotating wing-section tube with a substantial section – 320 x 140mm – to allow luff tension to be maintained, with a single diamond and shrouds leading aft to each hull. Forestay and gennaker attach to a tubular bowsprit that extends forward from the mast step. A wing, like those found on the America’s Cup catamarans, was never seriously considered, partly due to their logistical headaches, but mainly because the boat was conceived to be attractive both to pro and owner-driver teams. While the typical catamaran rig described might take a little getting used to for say a Melges 32 team, it is much less daunting than a full wing. Besides, the primary focus for new crews is learning how to use the foils and make the boat fly. Fortunately for its size, the GC32’s foils are large, and this makes it surprisingly easy to ‘fly’ the boat and promotes stability with very little impact on speed. Reaching, the boats have been known to touch 40 knots. The GC32 has just four sails – 55.3 sqm mainsail, 24.17sqm J1, 19sqm J2, and a 88sqm gennaker. Fairly early materials evolved from 3DL to RAW 3Di in carbon, same for the gennaker. “The biggest development has been with the gennakers,” says sailing legend Bruno Dubois, former head of North Sails France and North Sails Europe VP. Dubois was in Villasimius, Sardinia for the first event of the 2019 GC32 Racing Tour, managing the CHINAone NINGBO team, skippered by New Zealander Phil Robertson and with a crew otherwise identical to that of China’s Sail GP F50. 📸 Sailing Energy An influx of America’s Cup teams to GC32 between San Francisco and Bermuda saw some using their gennakers in light conditions upwind – now common practice. Dubois explains: “The gennaker has a pretty straight exit and you can see people sailing upwind with the luff flogging, but they are using roughly 80% of the sail area. You don’t point as high, but it can get you out of trouble. As soon as it is flogging too much, typically in 7-8 knots, they roll it and go to the J1. That flogging, and when you furl upwind is when the gennaker, takes a beating.” Teams are permitted five sail buttons annually, the fifth being for a spare gennaker. Typically top teams replace their sails annually, however, teams dipping into the circuit with chartered boats – like CHINAone NINGBO – round up secondhand sails from other teams. In Villasimius the Chinese were using a two year old main and gennaker. “I am surprised how nicely they’d held their shape,” said Dubois. “They are hi-tech sails but seem to go from season to season with no real problems.” After a small hiatus last year over how the GC32 Racing Tour and ESS might unite, now this is resolved, the circuit for flying catamarans in which you don’t need an Olympic medal to steer, is on the ascent again. It is run by an active Class Association, with a familiar industry figure Christian Scherrer managing it. The Class received World Sailing recognition in 2017 and is now allowed to hold World Championships, the second of which takes place in Lagos, Portugal over 26-30th June. “The good thing with the GC32 is that it has its own niche between the small foiling boats and the big ones,” concludes Dubois. “That is why it is so attractive to both private owners and pro teams or America’s Cup or SailGP teams who want to train between events as we are. The boat is so forgiving – we have three Chinese on board out of five crew and it is the perfect opportunity for them.” 📸 Sailing Energy 📸 Sailing Energy READ MORE

NORTH POWERED RS 21 PERFORMS STRONG AT CHICAGO NOOD Chicago Based USA 1 Takes Top Spot Christian Koules, racing onboard USA 1 in the RS21 fleet with Judy Lutz and Alex Newton Southon, from North Sails Chicago recaps the weekend of racing at the 2019 Helly Hansen Chicago NOOD. The newest addition in the RS lineup is the RS21. I had the opportunity to sail in the new fleet at the Chicago NOOD series this past weekend. The 2019 NOOD series was a difficult one. Friday was promising, with a nice northeast breeze filling early on in the day, sailors were excited for champagne conditions. That excitement was quickly dulled, as a thick fog rolled in, reducing visibility to one hundred yards. Race committee made an on-shore postponement call, and sailors waited anxiously on land for the fog to lift. Unfortunately, at 1:30p.m. race committee flew the AP over A flag, or the no racing today flag. This did not stop most of the J/70 and all of the RS21 fleet from heading out and getting some great medium breeze practice in. The RS21 fleet was able to run four, two lap races. The J/70 fleet was able to get off three practice starts and three full 2 lap practice races. Saturday offered a range of different conditions for racers in all circles. The breeze began as a strong northerly, consistently in the 8-12 range, but as the sun rose over the city the breeze clocked to the right and pressure dropped to a light 5 knots. The sea state was kicked up from the northerly early in the day, so it was a light and lumpy five knots. As the day trekked on, the breeze shifted back left again, and the velocity increased to a stellar 15 knots and sailors once again had the opportunity to try their luck in the bigger breeze. Saturday night was a textbook Chicago NOOD party, with sailors from every fleet congregating at Chicago Yacht Club Monroe Station for the Mount Gay Rum Party. The competitors enjoyed the blustery Chicago spring weather, and rousing stories from the day. A highlight of the night was certainly the RC boat racing. The Dragon Force 65 is a fleet that has taken off in Chicago, with almost twenty RC boats entered into the regatta. Consistency was key in the fleet, and Val Smith walked away with the win, with an impressive score line, and only two races out of the top five. Sunday began with almost no breeze, and the forecast looked disappointing. Rainstorms south of the city appeared to be consuming most of the breeze in the morning, and the sun struggled to peak out from behind the thick cloud coverage. Race committee made the call and sent all fleets out promptly at 10 a.m. As competitors sailed out, the breeze began to fill nicely, with puffs of ten and twelve knots becoming regular occurrences. Hopeful the breeze would stay consistent, all fleets started the first race of the day. As the fleets all approached the windward marks, the breeze dropped quickly to an unsailable one to two knots. As the breeze was dropping a thick fog also began to roll through the course, which made racing almost impossible. Shortly after the race was called and once again AP over A was flown and the fleets were all sent in, thus wrapping up the 2019 Chicago NOOD series. The RS21 is a phenomenal sport boat, and I’m glad I had the opportunity to sail them, against difficult competition. Although the fleet was small, there was a strong international presence, and the team I sailed with spent most of the regatta duking it out with the Japanese team. The RS21 is a simple boat. The deck and all rigging has been designed with simplicity in mind, making it the perfect club boat, or go fast boat, for those who just enjoy ripping around on a breezy Sunday afternoon. The cockpit is wide open, and the carbon fiber rig is designed with only one set of spreaders. Arguably the most convenient of all the features on the RS21 is the integrated engine set up. The hull is designed with a drop-down engine, where you release a cleat, push the motor into place and put it into gear. This is easily one of the most flawless integration of boat and engine I have ever seen. My only gripe with the boat is the Vang-sheeting angle. In my opinion, sport boats like the RS21 should have the Vang lead back to the driver or main trimmer, not only for safety but also for speed. The Vang on the RS21 dead ends at the mast, which means if you need to crank on more Vang or blow it in a spin out, you’re out of luck. Aside from the Vang positioning the RS21 is a very well thought out and agile sport boat. Given the opportunity I would recommend everyone sails them. Chicago NOOD 2019 North Winners 1st Victory / J/70 1st Vytis / J/105 1st NoMaTa / PHRF 2nd Das Boot / Beneteau 40.7 2nd Soulshine / Beneteau 36. 7 2nd Warlock / J/111 2nd Heartbreaker / PHRF 1 3rd Kashmir / J/111 2rd Erizo de Mar / Beneteau 36.7 3rd Painkiller / PHRF 3 3rd Natalie J / PHRF 52 3rd Inferno / Farr 40* 3rd Windsong / J/88* North Sails Rally Winners ORR 1 - 2nd Night Train* ORR 1 - 3rd Aegir ORR 2 - 3rd Badge PHRF 2nd Jahazi PHRF 3rd Ob La Di ORR Cruising - 2nd Mise en Place * Denotes Partial North Sails Inventory READ MORE

NORTH SAILS DOMINATES BAYVIEW ONE DESIGN REGATTA Bayview One Design Regatta 2019 Overall Boat of the Week, Jim Allen, winner of the Lightning Class. Photo Credit: Skip Dieball Racers eagerly lined the docks for the 2019 Bayview One Design Regatta at Bayview Yacht Club the first weekend in June to kick-off a race filled weekend. What a great event. Even though the weather didn't cooperate for the whole weekend. Congrats to Race Chair Nathan Hollerbach, Bayview Yacht Club and all the Volunteers on a great event. North Sail is pleased to see all of our customers have a great time on and off the water. We had many accomplishments on the water that it is hard to highlight them all. North Sails Detroit local expert Karl Kuspa shares; One team that really caught my attention was the Kirkman sons Michael and Conner. They sailed the family J70 in this weekend finishing 5th but winning two races. The average age of their crew was about fifteen. How exciting. Of course we also need to acknowledge Jim Allen who won the Lightning Class in his boat powered by North. His performance earned him Overall Boat of the Week. We were pleased to see how many people took advantage of us bringing Andreas Josenhans (AJ) in for post-racing debriefs. He did a lot of one on one consultations with boat owners and crew; there was a line all weekend to talk to him. What a great resource, we appreciate AJ coming in for this event and sharing his years of experience. Local sales expert Geoff Moore, racing on a Beneteau 36.7, also mentioned the benefit of having AJ on site for racers to connect with post-racing and learn from. Photo Credit: Element Inc North powered J120 "Hot Ticket" owned by Mike and Bob Kirkman Photo Credit: Element Inc North powered J35 "Blackhawk" owned by Tim and Amie Ross Photo Credit: Element Inc Bayview One Design Regatta 2019 Star 2nd Compulsion / Terry Gibney Lightning 1st Atom / Jim Allen 2nd USA14867 / Ernest Dieball 3rd USA15545 / Todd Wake Beneteau 36.7 3rd Patriot / Ken Sharpe J120 3rd Kairos / Greg Baker PHRF A 2nd Spitfire / John Marentette Tartan 10 3rd Taz / Hanson Bratton C&C 35 1st Contender / Gary Graham Cal 25 1st Pagan Baby / Merc and Eric Hollerbach J70 1st Pale Horse / Jake Christy 2nd FM / Todd Sackett 4th Hot Ticket / Michael Kirkman * Denotes Partial North Sails Inventory READ MORE

BEN KELLY JOINS THE NORTH SAILS BRISBANE TEAM The sailmaking veteran focuses on multihulls for Australasia Ben Kelly joins North Sails in Brisbane Ben Kelly has been working with racing and cruising multihull clients for twenty-four years, but he grew up sailing skiffs and dinghies. "People always say, "Oh, you're a cat sailor," he explains."And I say, "No, I'm not. I'm a sailor." I still love to jump on all sorts of boats. But it’s a little bit of an awakening, when skiffies and other sailors realize, "they're not all weird over here." After so many years in the sailmaking business, it’s easy to forget that Ben originally planned to study architecture. Instead he apprenticed at the sail loft owned by friend and mentor Colin Metcher—because "life just looked too much fun as a sailmaker," he says with a laugh. "On my school holidays, I worked to try to pay back all the sails we dreamed up for the various boats I was sailing. I was pretty handy at making my own sails, and I loved it. I just got sucked into the creative side, learning the art of building strong but light sails." In 2004, Ben and his wife bought the business; after a few years, they changed the name to Sailtech Sails Australia, to better capture an increasingly national customer base. Around the same time, Ben was invited to sail on Trilogy, a Grainger 31. "Here in Australia, we have a huge range of multihulls that sail to a rating rule called OMR, a bit like IRC. The fleets include a wide range of boats and a mix between inshore and offshore racing, a bit of an Aussie thing." Over the next ten years, Ben helped Trilogy win seven national multihull championships and also won national titles aboard Voodoo Spirit and Mad Max. Along the way, he developed a specialty in multihull sails. "I really enjoyed going fast and working with a small team to get results," he explains. "It just became the type of sailing I mostly do." By 2012, Ben had realized that future sailmaking success would require connection with a global brand, so he sold the loft to Quantum Sails. In 2015, he took over management of the Australasia area as director of sail design; a year later, he won first prize in an internal company competition for customer service, which made it possible to take his family on a four week trip to Europe. Meanwhile, competing with North Sails was becoming increasingly difficult. "It was very hard for us to sell against a team of highly skilled people that offered state of the art products with ever-increasing durability," Ben explains. "North is working hard on low-stretch and durable options that perfectly suit my clients. I started to see the potential of being part of that, which would help me help my customers." Ben’s departure will shut down the sail loft where he’s worked since childhood, so the move is definitely bittersweet. "I've been involved with this business, this actual business, since I was ten," he explains. "Colin’s kids were my friends, and we all sailed together. But North has great systems and great people, and they are acknowledging what I specialize in and the success I’ve had. I can be more successful with that platform." He’s also excited about the rapid growth of multihull sailing. "In Australia, you can't ignore the Mum and Dad sailors. I feel like I’m in a great position to broaden the footprint I work with and generate a path for multihull sailors to get really good racing and cruising sails, and work with really good service teams." Ben and his wife have a nine year old son who, like his parents, loves being outdoors. "Mountain biking, sailing - he comes out with me on customers’ boats." Proudly, Ben adds, "He’s been spoiled. He’s done 20 knots lots of times." Ben’s next regatta will be Airlie Beach Race Week, sailing on one of the four Extreme 40s based in Brisbane. "It's a lot like sailing skiffs with training wheels," he says. "All four are my customers, and all four will meet for the first time in the Whitsundays. And then we're going to Hamilton Island Race Week. That is going to be a serious amount of fun." Whether off at a regatta or in his new office at the North Sails Brisbane loft, Ben says his focus will remain on customer service: "Each and every one of those guys is incredibly important to me." He’s also excited to share the multihull experience. "There's some really good sailing to be had, and in recent years there has been more sailors experiencing what multis have to offer." Last but not least, he admits that he’d love to be dropped onto Francis Gabart’s big tri Macif for a day. "Sailing fast, it’s so addictive!" READ MORE

ORC WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP Clients Win Two World Titles In Sibenik, Croatia 📸 regate.com.hr North Sails clients had a top-notch showing at the 2019 ORC World Championship, held in Sibenik, Croatia, sweeping the podium in both Class A and Class B. Sibenik served up fantastic racing conditions, with a mix of offshore racing and windward-leeward races making an exciting challenge for all participants. In Class A, Skipper Marco Serafini on the TP52 XIO was crowned World Champion. Sandro Paniccia’s Scuderia 50 Altair 3 finished second, followed by Roberto Monti’s TP52 Air Is Blue in third. In Class B, the Swan 42s came out hot, taking all three podium spots. Massimo de Campo’s Selene* won overall, taking the Class B World Championship title. Alberto Franchi’s Digital Bravo was second, while Andrea Rossi’s Mela finished third. North Sails was a proud sponsor and official sail supplier, supporting sailors worldwide with onshore support and Certified Service, led by the North Sails team in Dugopolje and Sukošan. Due to the windy forecast, the client support was significantly valued over the course of the regatta. North Sails Expert Giovanni Cassinari raced on the Class A winner TP52 XIO and reported that his entire team was very pleased with their performance. XIO is a 2012 generation TP52, and the team has maintained her original sail plan configuration. By winning all the inshore races and placing second in the distance race, XIO swept Class A with a 12 point lead. 📸 regate.com.hr “We were by far the fastest boat in our class,” said Giovanni. “We stayed conservative on the starting line, organized a game plan for our maneuvers so they could be executed without any hangups. When it came to tactics, we always tried to be one step ahead.” Winning all but one race, the team knew they would likely win the regatta—but that didn’t mean they got lazy. Giovanni was responsible for tuning the mast and trimming the mainsail, and he says they were always sailing the boat to its maximum potential. “The trimmers would work very hard to stay in sync and were ready to make even the slightest adjustments to keep the tactician happy, so he could continue to put our boat in the best possible place on the racecourse for us to stay in the lead.” When it came to tactics, we always tried to be one step ahead. North Sails was a proud regatta sponsor as official sail supplier, and the North Sails team in Dugopolje and Sukošan supported sailors from all over the world with both dockside support and Certified Service. Giovanni commented, “Due to the windy conditions we experienced throughout the regatta, the loft support onsite was greatly appreciated.” Congratulations to our clients on great racing and a big thanks to our North Sails local experts in Dugopoljie and Sukošan for being hands on to make sure our clients were race-ready. 📸 regate.com.hr 📸 regate.com.hr READ MORE

WHEN THE CAT'S AWAY Another Successful Year For The Catamaran Guru Rendezvous 📷 Catamaran Guru In 2018, our friends at Catamaran Guru initiated the first annual All-Catamaran Rendezvous, drawing over 30 boats to join in for a couple of days of sailing, activities, socializing and fun. After such glowing success, the 2019 event, held May 26th - 29th attracted more Catamarans and over 100 excited sailors for the second annual Rendezvous in Abaco, Bahamas. North Sails Catamaran expert and Fort Lauderdale loft manager Bob Meagher attended the rendezvous to spend time with the fleet, assisting with on-boat inspections of sails, and delivering tips & tricks for getting the most out of these popular boats. Owners of Lagoons, Leopard, Prouts, and many more enjoyed a week of workshops, parties and camaraderie. 📷 Catamaran Guru At the end of the week, Catamaran Guru leaders Stephen and Estelle Cockroft presented the Hopetown Junior Sailing Club with a generous donation of $2,000 in support of the new generation of sailors. To conclude the week, some boats lifted anchor from Marsh Harbor and headed to cooler climates in the North, while other planned to spend some quality time exploring the Bahamian waters before returning home to South Florida. We couldn't have asked for a more enjoyable week. Getting on board these fun boats, helping out with all aspects of the sails, and getting to know the sailors was a pleasure. Seeing people living their dream and exploring new waters is what it's all about and we're happy to be there to see it with them. Bob Meagher, North Sails Loft Manager, Fort Lauderdale The growing success of the last two years means that the 2020 Rendezvous will be in high demand. If you would like to join in 2020, please continue to check in with Catamaran Guru for updates on dates and sign up information. Bob and the team at North Sails are excited to continue supporting the event and all boats and crew year round, so if you have any questions on your sails or want to find out how North Sails is optimized for Multihulls, please do not hesitate to talk to your local team. READ MORE

MELGES IC37 TIPS: VOLUME TWO What We Learned at The Leukemia Cup 📸 Elizabeth Elder/New York Yacht Club It can’t get more exciting than this for the Melges IC37 fleet and the New York Yacht Club members. All nineteen teams lined up for the Leukemia Cup for their first “official” regatta. Congratulations to Cory Sertl and Peter Denton’s Das Blau Max for crossing the finish line first. As the teams figure out the boats, we noticed that the gap between mid-fleet and podium performance is small and getting smaller. Small improvements can make all the difference and means minutes off the course. Here are the takeaways from our experts Ken Read, Kimo Worthington and North U Bill Gladstone: Spinnaker Sets The jib is fairly large compared to the spinnaker size which makes it hard to set the spinnaker due to backwind from the jib. Mark the spinnaker halyard with a piece of tape so the mast person pulling up the halyard knows when they have “rung the bell”. As soon as the mast person says “made”, in light air under 10 knots TWS, the jib halyard is released immediately and completely, un-cleating the jammer and smoking the luff down the headstay to get the kite to fly properly, but not before the mast person says “made”. In over 10 knots TWS, a complete release of the jib sheet on the “made” call will ensure that the kite fills properly and immediately. Then, trim in the jib slightly if your intention is to use it as a staysail. And keep in mind, under 10 knots for sure is too light for a jib staysail. 10-12 is marginal. Over 12 is likely. Jib Trim “I personally think that the jib track starts all the way inboard and only moves out when the mainsail starts too luff due to excess backwind,” explained Ken Read, Melges IC37 Guest Coach & North Sails President. “I didn’t see many with the car all the way in yesterday. I raced in with a boat in the final race with the long upwind leg and found our boat to be quite fast with the car all the way in.” Due to the shape of the cockpit, the jib trimmer when trimming to leeward, sits well outboard from the clew of the jib. This makes an optical illusion for the jib trimmer as the lower part of the jib is very round and looks to literally be pointing back towards the middle of the boat. That is actually not the case. The lower leech of these jibs is quite open to allow for the jib to be sheeted quite far inboard so take advantage of the lead positioning and keep trying to sneak it inboard. 📸 Melges Performance Sailboats Runners During Tacks In fresh breeze, with the runners loaded hard, it pays to trim the new runner on before the old runner is eased – the goal is to transfer the runner load rather than ease one side and reload the other side. This requires that the tactician loads and grinds the new runner before the helm goes down, as the old runner needs to be eased promptly as the bow goes through the wind. (When it is windy enough to require this, there should be at least two crew behind the driver – usually tactician and floater. Marking the runner with tape near where the line goes around the winch at max load helps to keep the runner trimmer’s head down grinding instead of looking up at the main to see how much is on. Halyard Play with the controls, constantly. Jib halyard tension directly affects shape and often it is an overlooked control as the breeze picks up or dies down. Keep the cabintop winch loaded with jib halyard when going upwind to allow for fine tuning as velocity shifts happen – clutch stays open. On final approach to windward mark, the pit person closes clutch, swings legs in, transfers load from cabintop winch to clutch and preloads cabintop with spin halyard ahead of hoist. Mainsail Trim In light air carrying the boom just above centerline allows for a proper twist profile without having the main fall into the jib. Don’t get carried away with this. A boom width above center seems to work; up near the runner is too much. Unless running very deep, actively trim main when reaching. It is very easy to ease too far out and lose any advantage from a properly trimmed main. Spinnaker Drops, Step By Step Timing is everything, clear actions are everything else. First step: put your strongest person on the takedown line, ready to go in the cockpit. Second step: if you have an extra body, someone down below acting as squirrel forward and to starboard helps to gather the sail down below (faster and cleaner douse). Third step: a decisive turndown to unload kite should be timed at the exact instance when a douse happens. Blow sheet and halyard while takedown line is being hauled; all load is now out of sail and belly is aimed at the hatch. When foot and belly is under control, blow the pole while bow team is gathering tack – this helps bring pole in. When all under control, finally blow the tack. Pole should be in, tack following suit. Your resource page for the IC37 by Melges Sunday Pre-Racing DockTalk with Ken Read https://www.northsails.com/sailing/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Melges-IC37-Class-YT.mp4 READ MORE

WANT TO JOIN OUR CREW? North Sails San Francisco Is Recruiting Would you like to work in a fun, and fast paced environment with the worldwide leader in sailmaking? Since 1957, North Sails has led the sailmaking industry with our cutting-edge technology and knowledgable team. We are looking to add an energetic and organized individual who will join our Certified Service department. Job Overview The North Sails Certified Service sailmakers are responsible for working directly with our local clients to assist with any sail repair related needs. This role covers a range of duties within the Service Department including sail repair pick up, sail checks, bend-ons, bend-offs, boat measurement, and onsite regatta repair services. Our Service experts work closely with the Sales staff to create a strong team of professionals who strive to be the key resource in helping sailors in greater San Diego address any sail related questions and needs. Location North Sails San Francisco, 440 Coloma Street, Sausalito, CA 94965 Hours This is a full time position. Essential Duties & Responsibilities Responsible for floor production with some work to be performed in the field. Responsible for the intake of sails. Responsible for working with local clientele to help solve any sail related needs. Qualification Requirements Prior sailing and sailmaking experience is preferred, but not required. Candidates with experience in rigging, boatyards, boat building, and sailing experience are encouraged to apply. The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills, experience in scheduling, basic computer knowledge, and understand the importance of time management. A valid driver's license is necessary to apply. To apply, please send your resume to Dave.Little@northsails.com READ MORE

Be Prepared For The 2019 Queen's Cup Race Sign Up For Complimentary Weather Forecasting Provided by our expert friends at Sailing Weather Service. READ MORE

3è PLACE EN COUPE DU MONDE POUR LE 470 SUISSE Coupe du Monde de Gênes Un fantastique résultat de l’équipage 470 Sailingforadream / SUI – 46, Kilian Wagen et Grégoire Siegwart. Ils ont su saisir leur chance et signent leur premier podium en Coupe du Monde ! Interview avec Kilian Wagen : - Présente-toi en deux mots : sur quoi navigues-tu, depuis quand ? Quelles sont les prochaines étapes de vos projets ? « Je navigue avec Grégoire Siegwart depuis 6 ans maintenant, et c’est notre 4ème année en 470. On vient de rentrer de Gênes avec une médaille de bronze sur une étape de Coupe du Monde… notre premier podium à ce niveau ! Et on repart déjà à San Remo, aux championnats d’Europe, puis on enchaîne direct avec les finales de Coupe du Monde à Marseille. Après notre tour en Europe, cap sur le Japon pour un camp d’entraînement de trois semaines afin d’observer et analyser le plan d’eau pour les Jeux Olympiques de 2020, pour lesquels on essaie de se qualifier. » - Depuis quand naviguez-vous avec des voiles North Sails ? « La première fois que j’ai navigué avec North, c’était tout jeune en Optimist ! Ensuite, dès la deuxième année en 420 avec Greg, on est à nouveau passé sur North, et depuis nous n’avons jamais changé. Nous sommes régulièrement en contact avec la branche au Japon, qui s’occupe principalement des voiles de 470. Le service et la qualité sont vraiment géniaux, et le travail est extrêmement précis. Même lorsque l’on commande qu’une seule voile, on sait qu’on aura exactement les mêmes caractéristiques, et c’est vraiment le top car on est tellement sûrs que le travail sera bien fait. Ça nous est arrivé de sortir une voile neuve le jour même d’une régate. » - Est-ce que tu as un bon conseil à nous donner ? « Vous pouvez sans problème vous fier aux ‘tuning guides’ de North pour les réglages de vos voiles J ! Ils sont vraiment bien faits, il y a plein de bons conseils, et c’est une très bonne base pour apprendre les trucs de pro pour bien régler vos voiles, et les dernières astuces à appliquer aux voiles que vous venez d’acheter. » Toute l’équipe de North Sails Suisse félicite Kilian & Greg pour leurs excellents résultats, et leur souhaite le meilleur pour les prochaines régates ! READ MORE

FAISONS ÉQUIPE POUR ACCÉDER AUX MEILLEURS PRIX Pour bénéficier de rabais importants, commandez vos voiles entre juin et juillet North Sails accorde désormais la tarification de ses voiles au taux d’occupation de ses ateliers de fabrication. CONTACTEZ-NOUS DÈS MAINTENANT ! Par téléphone au 022 782 32 22 ou par email à info@ch.northsails.com Téléchargez la brochure complète ici. Demandez votre devis en ligne ! READ MORE

DER VORLÄUFIGE SAISONHÖHEPUNKT Die Drachen SM 2019 in Steckborn Am vergangenen Wochenende wurden sowohl in der Drachen- wie auch der Starklasse die neuen Schweizermeister gekürt. North Sails Schweiz gratuliert herzlich und ist stolz, Segellieferant der beiden Schweizermeister zu sein! Die sehr gute Regattaorganisation und wie im YCS-Standard üblich, war auch das Vermessen und Kranen top organisiert und sehr speditiv. Die Regattatage begannen mit Schönwetter (wie fast jedes Mal am Untersee) und wir konnten im Verlauf der 4 SM-Tage total 5 teilweise sehr schöne, meist schwachwindige Läufe segeln. Mit den Rängen 1-1-1-2-11 konnten wir die Meisterschaft knapp mit 1 Punkt Vorsprung vor dem favorisierten Team Wittwer aus Thun und vor dem Team Reisacher aus Staad für uns entscheiden. Am Abend des SM-Siegs haben wir noch recht ausgelassen gefeiert. Besten Dank an den YCS unter der Leitung von Urs Ruppli (ebenfalls North Segel) für die tolle und nicht überladene, absolut gelungene SM 2019. Norbert Stadler, Ralph Müntener, Urs Burger SUI 297 Tachiston. Rangliste 📸 Werner Münger Star Schweizermeisterschaft in Luzern Auch diese Meisterschaft mit 25 Teams aus 5 Nationen wurde nicht gerade vom Wind verwöhnt. Trotzdem konnten an drei Tagen jeweils 2 Schwachwindläufe gesegelt werden, wobei der Wind zum Teil recht löchrig war. Aber die Wettfahrtleitung unter Peter Stucki hatte das Beste aus den Bedingungen gemacht und für alle faire Läufe gesteckt. Gewonnen hat nach den sechs ausgeschriebenen Läufen das Team Benu Seger / Walter Oess. Sie fuhren mit dem Grosssegel M-16 und der J-1F Fock Swiss Star Class Der Event war ein Erfolg, auch wenn die Regatten nicht den gewünschten Erfordernissen zu einer Meisterschaft in Bezug Lauflängen und den Windstärken entsprochen haben. Speziellen Dank geht an den Yacht Club Luzern, der mit seiner Gastlichkeit uns über die 4 Tage sehr verwöhnt haben. Sei dies mit einer hervorragenden Organisation, Verköstigungen und stets Nachgefüllten Fässer Bier und mit den freundlichen' Barmaids' am AVIA Bar-Wagen. Aber auch ein Dankeschön der Wettfahrtleitung, Jury und allen Helfer - auch jenen der Starflotte LUV. Rangliste READ MORE

CLASSE MINI TROPHÉE MARIE-AGNÈS PÉRON De beaux résultats pour les voiles North Sails 📸 Simon Jourdan / Winches Club Les prévisions météorologiques auront eu raison du comité de course. En effet, la dépression Miguel a obligé le comité à avancer le départ de la 15e édition du Trophée Marie-Agnès Péron au jeudi 6 juin et à réduire le parcours à 90 miles entre la mer d’Iroise et la Bretagne Sud. Le nouveau parcours fut une superbe course de vitesse durant laquelle nos coureurs ont brillé. En classement série, Ambrogio Beccaria (Geomag/ ITA 943) s’adjuge la première place. Félix de Navacelle (FRA 916) et Jean-René Guilloux (Crédit Agricole 35/ FRA 915) se placent respectivement 3ème et 4ème. En classement prototype, après une lutte acharnée, Axel Tréhin (FRA 945) monte sur la plus haute marche du podium, et n’est plus, comme il se nommait "poulie d’or de la voile". Prochaine étape: le mythique phare du Fastnet dont le départ sera lancé le dimanche 16 juin 2019. READ MORE

HELIX Versatility, Self Supporting, Forward Projecting Helix Load Sharing Technology is a North Sails exclusive sail structure and shaping solution. Helix sails are more versatile, self supporting, forward projecting, and are engineered to furl using the sail’s composite structure and not heavy, expensive torque cable. North Sails Design and Development teams have worked closely with top racing programs around the globe to apply our unique design and manufacturing capabilities to the inherent problems when combining free-flying reaching sails with furling. In the past, these sails required tight, straight, heavy and highly loaded cables to provide furling functionality. These cables prohibit optimal flying shape which Helix Load Sharing technology now resolves. Torsional resistance and vertical luff load capacity are now a direct part of the sail structure, providing better aerodynamic flying shape while still accommodating the tension and torsional loads required for furling. Furling a free-flying sail is nothing new, either with or without a luff cable. Code Zero’s first gained prominence during the 1997-98 Whitbread Race where the sail luff was reinforced to support high furling loads but the sails were difficult to trim and handle. Since that time, a wide range of furlers and furling cables have been developed – all attempting to improve Code Sail furling performance. The result has been highly efficient furling systems and anti-torque cables, but the problem of optimal flying shape has remained. More recently, Load Sharing Technology has evolved which re-distributes the luff loads into the sail membrane. Most notably, in 2013 ORACLE TEAM USA and Emirates Team New Zealand AC72 America’s Cup catamarans, used North headsails that took on a portion of the headstay load reducing overall rig loads and providing a better flying shape with less sag. Helix was being born. While Helix is offered in both Paneled and 3Di construction, 3Di molded composite sails are particularly well suited to this application. Precise spread filament tape vectors are placed along the load bearing luff catenaries in variable densities creating unique-to-North, lightweight free-flying furling sails. At this stage in development, Helix sails bridge the gap between headsails and spinnakers. When looking at specific examples, the Helix makes Code Sails faster and more stable – across a wider range of wind angles. Helix sail shaping is different than a cabled sail. Helix Sails tend to flatten, project the luff and provide a wider entry angle, requiring specialized design molds. Cabled sails tend to hang off the cable when tightened adding unneeded luff curvature. Helix is a standard feature on 3Di Downwind and Panel Code Zeros. Helix is optional on many additional 3Di Code and specialty reaching sails. Helix Code sails bridge the gap between headsails and spinnakers. The increased luff projection from Helix makes Code Sails faster and more stable – across a wider range of wind angles. Helix is a standard feature on 3Di Downwind and Panel Code Zeros. Helix is optional on some additional 3Di Code and specialty reaching sails. READ MORE

In the order of their importance these are: the sailor’s weight, the expected wind conditions, and the sail’s construction.  READ MORE

ANTIGUA LOCAL KNOWLEDGE What To Expect For The 2019 Optimist World Championship The island of Antigua is excited to host the 2019 Optimist World Championship. This is a record-breaking year, with over 250 sailors from 64 countries registered. We spoke with North Sails expert and local Andrew Dove to learn what sailors should expect when they leave the harbor. Hurricane Season July is the beginning of hurricane season, so there could be some days where the winds are built up from storms that have established nearby. Small squalls are common, but typically the rain and wind are localized and pass by quickly. The best part about these squalls is a break from the sunshine. Heat & Dehydration When competitors get off the plane, they will instantly notice the humidity (98%) even if they are arriving from Florida. They will also have to work to avoid a sunburn. Staying out of the sun whenever possible, and wearing protective clothing while racing, is essential. Dehydration is another concern, especially since it will be hard to identify. A key indicator is heat exhaustion, which may be easy to mistake for the natural fatigue from hiking all day in strong winds. Sailors will need to drink water (adequately supplemented with electrolytes) constantly to stay ahead. Water, Waves, and Current It is very rare to have no wind and smooth waters here; deep water racing with waves is what you should expect. Because the ocean swell has crossed the Atlantic, the wave crests will be quite far apart. Water temperature will be warm, in the upper 80s. Close to shore, the water is only a few meters deep and there’s a current of 1.0-1.5 knots running from east to west. If the sailing area is more offshore, the current won’t be as noticeable in the deeper water. The course marks will be attached with high-grade fishing line, because chain would drag in the deeper water and strong currents. The Wind Except for localized squalls, there is always a concern during hurricane season, winds typically come from the easterly quadrant and are not very shifty. Gusts that build from passing squalls storms may last five to ten minutes, then will transition back to what was there originally. The wind is generally more onshore in the mornings and increases in the latter part of the afternoon. Trends will be evident after a few races, and there shouldn’t be too many surprises. It would be very unusual to have a calm day, but you never know! Club members here in Antigua run great regattas each year, and our island will serve up some fantastic racing conditions that your sailors will remember forever. Just remember: avoid sunburn and heat exhaustion! 📸 Benedicte Beckers READ MORE

Nach neun Wettfahrten konnten sich Sophie Steinlein/Oda Hausmann vor ihrer Schwester und Teamkollegin Theresa Steinlein/Lina Plettner und Kristian Lenkmann/Philip Hall durchsetzen.  READ MORE

THREE GENERATIONS OF THISTLE SAILORS The Tumlin Family Shares Their Secrets on Keeping The Tradition If you have been on a Thistle regatta, you know how the Thistle class is like a big family. For some families, Thistle sailing is a tradition that holds them together for many generations. North expert Paul Abdullah had a chance to interview Beth Tumlin to learn more about their passion for the boat and their secrets on how to keep the whole family sailing in the class for three generations and counting. How the Tumlin Family Started Sailing Thistles? Bill’s parents, W.L. and Jeanne Tumlin, joined the Atlanta Yacht Club (AYC) in 1952 and bought their first Thistle, #598, the same year Beth’s family, the Norwood’s joined and started racing Snipes. Bill was 8 and Beth was 9 years old when they each learned to sail. Both came from families of four children and seven of the eight children sailed and most of them ended up marrying sailors. AYC provided a sense of community, extended family and breeding grounds for love. Speaking of love, Bill Tumlin and Beth Norwood’s romance began at the Snipe Districts in 1968, and they married in 1969. The headline of the AYC newsletter, the Scuttlebutt, read “Thistle Marries Snipe, Object Prams.” From 1972 – 1975 Bill and Beth had three daughters who would become the third generation in the family to fall in love with the Thistle and sailing in general. Your Daughters are Both Sailors, and You Have Grandchildren Sailing. How Were You Able to Get Them to Fall in Love With the Sport? Jennifer, the first daughter, attended her first regatta in Knoxville at 3 weeks old and Tracy, the second daughter attended hers at 3-1/2 weeks old. This was possible because W.L., Bill’s father was also racing and his mother Jeanne, a.k.a. Mimi, was the built-in baby-sitter. Early exposure and inclusion allowed all three daughters, including Natalie, the third, to become quite curious about sailing. Before becoming of age to crew in races, adventures to Kowabunga Island (on Clark-Hill Lake in Augusta, GA) on the family’s Aquacat made sailing fun. The trampoline on the Aquacat made sailing possible for Natalie who was in a wheelchair and had “round legs”. Sailing was an every weekend activity that the whole family participated in, whether it be pleasure sailing, classes, fleet races or travel regattas. Having parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins race together or against one another, sailing was a family affair. This, combined with the strong and lifelong friendships made, sailing is not only in the DNA but woven in the fabric of Jennifer and Tracy’s life. Sailing was an every weekend activity that the whole family participated in, whether it be pleasure sailing, classes, fleet races or travel regattas. Tracy met her husband, Darryl Allardice, sailing Thistles. He was a product of AYCs Adult Sailing program and crewed with Kay Redmond. Jennifer met her husband Mike at AYC at a party. Darryl and Mike sail several regatta together every year, with copper mugs filled with Dark and Stormies along with a plate of cheese and sausage. They have helped teach the Tumlin family the concept of “PPR – Professional Pleasure Racing”. The Atlanta Yacht Club Hosts the Dixie Regatta Every Year Over Memorial Day Weekend. Who’s Idea Was It to Have an Annual Theme, and When Did That Begin? The first Dixie Regatta was held in 1952, but it wasn’t until 1994 that several clever and creative fleet wives started developing themes. The club had had a mechanical bull for 4th of July and it was a huge success! The gals proposed that the fleet bring back the mechanical bull, and the “Western Dixie” was the first theme. Every year since has been a different theme. For years they designed t-shirts appropriate to the theme – giving one to every skipper. Each year, the Dixie welcomes 50-65 competitors and their families. The gals proposed that the fleet bring back the mechanical bull, and the “Western Dixie” was the first theme. What Keeps Your Family Committed to the Thistle Class Over Other One-design Classes? The reason for sticking with the Thistle is multi-faceted. The performance of the Thistle is second to none. It is fast, agile and can be sailed as a beginner boat (without the spinnaker) or as a high—performance racer. It is versatile. It can be sailed with two of us or we can pile lots of friends and kids on it. The biggest motivator to stick with the Thistle during the teenage years was the friendships that were made. There was a strong preference to hang out with sailing friends as opposed to going to high school parties or participating in other sports. Travelling to regattas on the weekends was fun, and although friends didn’t live in the same towns, there was quality time together on and off the boat. These relationships have continued through adulthood. The biggest motivator to stick with the Thistle during the teenage years was the friendships that were made. These relationships have continued through adulthood. Although Bill and Beth grew up in different boats, together they have been strong competitors in Snipes and Y-Flyers. But they always come back to the Thistle. It’s the people, the fleet camaraderie, and the boat. Beth would say it’s the fabulous flying spinnaker! Thistle Fleet 48 is one of the largest Thistle fleets in the U. S., boasting 67 active families. In the past few years, the Fleet has instigated the “Rally Mentality” where on Saturdays, we race for the fun of it, laid-back, water guns shooting, kids dragging off the back, and yet they usually make it around the whole race course and are excited to win. The boats get points for participation, then on Sunday, the more serious racers sail to win on Sundays. What Advice Would You Give to Sailing Families With Young Children? Advice to young families: try to get the kids engaged early – don’t leave young ones out, make it fun, inclusive, encourage friendships, and learn competitiveness. Let your kids put their hands in the water to feel how fast the boat is moving through the water. Explore the waterways, beach the boat and bring a picnic lunch to enjoy on land. Fun experiences like these, where “sailing” or “racing” aren’t the primary focus will lead to a comfort level on the boat. These type of experience are what enabled our family to love sailing from very young ages. Advice to young families: try to get the kids engaged early. Let them put their hands in the water to feel how fast the boat is moving. Explore the waterways, beach the boat and bring a picnic lunch to enjoy on land. Bill and Beth’s two grandkids, Brynn (11) and Addie (9) Garrett have spent time in the Thistle. They’ve yet to sail a regatta but they have participated in rally days and fleet races. Brynn likes controlling the sails and experiencing the freedom of going out on the lake and not having any concerns. Addie likes to steer the boat. She said having the experience of going wherever she wants to go and choosing where she wants to go is fun. Both girls agree that Thistle gunwales are fun to walk on, like a balance beam, and that on light wind days, it’s really fun to jump off the Thistle and drag behind. Their friends have even hooked up tubes behind their Thistles. Bottom line, according to the Tumlin-Garrett Girls, a Thistle for kids can be fun, scenic and be peaceful. READ MORE

CUSTOMER CORNER: TORONTO ISLAND SAILING CLUB Members Come Together To Support A Great Cause Toronto Island Sailing Club (TISC) hosted our Season Launch Party on the evening of May 11, 2019. Our Launch event is our kickoff event of the season where we welcome our new members to our club. Most importantly, our event includes a silent auction and all the proceeds from the event go directly to offsetting the high costs of running our community sailing club. This year, thanks to North Sails, we were able to add a raffle to our evening which was a great addition to the party – providing additional revenue for the club and creating a lot of exciting conversation amongst our attendees. Toronto Island Sailing Club is a non-profit community-based club with between 90 and 150 members. We have 14 Albacores (dinghies), 3 Lasers and 2 Hobies at our clubhouse on Centre Island. Our club is completely volunteer driven and offers members of all skill levels an affordable opportunity to learn to sail through instructed CANSail 1, 2, 3 and 4 level courses. Thanks to the commitment and passion of our membership and the generous donations from regional businesses our club is celebrating our 54th anniversary this year. Thanks to North Sails, we added a raffle to our evening providing additional revenue for the club and creating a lot of exciting conversation amongst our attendees. Our 2019 Launch event was kindly hosted by Boxcar Social Harbourfront with a delicious selection of food and craft beverages and a fantastic view of Toronto’s inner harbour. We had 45 attendees, with 14 new members and raised over $2,000 from our silent auction and raffle thanks to our donors. North Sails Toronto generously provided us with a number of high quality apparel and educational resources on sail care and trim, in additional to our raffle prize, all of which were in high demand from both our novice and seasoned members. Thank you North Sails for helping our event to be a huge success! Sincerely, Sarah McMillan 2019 Social Director READ MORE

MELGES IC37 TIPS: VOLUME ONE Racing Season Begins With Training Weekend In Newport, RI 📸 Melges Performance Sailboats A historic weekend in Newport with nineteen brand new IC37s sailing together for the first time ever, in fantastic weather conditions paired with a fun and educational environment. All teams were eager to learn and sail the new boats. North Sails and North U presented a full-weekend clinic and coaching session, sharing their expertise to kick-start this amazing new fleet with the potential to be one of the most fun one design summers ever for the New York Yacht Club. North experts Tim Healy, Kimo Worthington and IC37 sail designer Mike Marshall, with the help of North U’s Bill Gladstone compiled a series of tips and takeaways from the training session to share with the teams in preparation for the Leukemia Cup. 📸 Melges Performance Sailboats Consistent Spinnaker Takedowns For both windward side and leeward side takedowns, time the drop with a decisive turn down to unload the spin. Timing and positioning is everything. Approaching the leeward mark: The Bow Team & Pit Just prior to the start of the takedown, save time and speed up the maneuver by preloading the takedown/retriever line. No slack should be present once the maneuver initiates. At this time the sheet gets released and overhauled, take down line gets hauled down and halyard comes off. The lead bow person can assist the retriever line by also pulling down and focus on getting the middle-foot of the kite up to keep the tack inside the lifelines. The second crew assists with the middle of the kite to the clew, making sure no cloth is over the lifelines. If you divide up the foot, and keep pulling until you reach the corners, the kite shouldn’t ever be in the water. The tack is released with the pole at the same time after foot is in control and on deck or in the hatch. The tack line is then pulled into hatch until the knot stops at the clutch and the pole is pulled in. If it happens at the same time, the tack release will help bring the pole-in, and the tack will be the last corner inside the hatch. This is a good place to start for consistent takedowns. We are sure as teams get more time with the boats this will get refined. As the wind picks up, start the takedown process earlier and be careful not to overstand the gate marks. It is much better to soak a bit into the marks than it is to be coming in hot with no wiggle room and sail past the marks. You will find in big breeze, a conservative take down will almost always gain a point or two at each leeward gate. Understand your crew strengths from the mast forward and set them up for a successful mark rounding. Depending on the takedown, they may need more time. 📸 Melges Performance Sailboats Leeward Mark Approach When it’s breezy aim for the middle of the gates so you so can round either mark and give yourself room for the drop. It’s a big loss to overstand the gates. Ease the vang downwind in bow up mode. The traveler should be all the way to leeward and just use the mainsheet for leech tension. A loose vang will reduce helm so driver can go bow up in order to get to the proper heel angle and to reach the target speed. As speed builds, apparent wind will go forward and VMG will increase. Backstay on downwind in overpowering conditions (15+knots). This will keep mast aft in order to keep the luff of the spin tight, keeping draft forward and exit straight for better heavy air, bow up, shape. Backstay on will also flatten the main so the boat will not trip up in a big puff or crashing into a wave. Remember: Release old backstay in a Jibe! Not releasing will be a guaranteed broach in big breeze. When it comes to managing the upwind layline, it’s better to overstand a little than to tack shy of the layline and be forced to gybe out. Remember an IC37 accelerates over boats that are pinching and going slow trying to make the mark. You can use this to your advantage. Achieving The Correct Upwind Sail Settings Your outhaul should be max in over 12 kts. Also, a little vang in heavy air helps flatten the bottom of the main. When it comes to your upwind heel angle and sail shapes, the IC37 is optimized at 18-20 degrees of heel. The goal with your sail setup is to create as much power as possible to achieve that heel. This involves keeping the runner eased, the main sheet trimmed so the number-two batten is just open, and the traveler is high. For the jib set up, the halyard should be on the loose side and the lead set for a powerful foot. The sheet should be trimmed so the mid-leech is just closing. Once you have achieved the correct upwind heel angle, you do everything that you can to get the bow down, and the boat moving faster so that the keel starts generating lift. This will give you the ability to point. Opposite to trying to achieve heel, trying to achieve speed involves making the sail plan rapidly flatter to reduce drag. 📸 Melges Performance Sailboats Steps To Achieve Speed and Reduce Drag Increasing shims and backstay tensions Easing the mainsheet Moving the jib lead out and flattening the jib foot Think of the boat as having two power levels, and not a linear power increase. One level is where you are looking for heel. The second level is where you have all the heel you need, and are translating the surplus power into speed. Go to the North Sails IC37 Tuning Guide for detailed and up to date tuning information. 📸 Melges Performance Sailboats 📸 Melges Performance Sailboats 📸 Melges Performance Sailboats 📸 Melges Performance Sailboats READ MORE

THE COLDEST ONE YET Racers Take On The Elements For The Susan Hood Trophy Race Conditions were less than ideal this year for the 2019 edition of the Susan Hood Trophy Race out of Port Credit Yacht Club last Friday May 31st. Lack of wind combined with low temperatures and high water levels meant racers were on their A game for the 75 nm race around Lake Ontario. As exclusive sailmaker sponsor of the #SusanHoodTR and the Lake Ontario 300, the team from North Sails Toronto were onsite assisting racers with last minute prep including onsite repair, drop-offs and tuning. It was great to see many customers trying out new sails on the course and, for many, achieving great success with their new additions. For Blast, a Beneteau 10R owned by Chris Bobyk out of Mimico Cruising Club, their new Code Zero was exactly what the team needed; helping them win the start: Team Blast could not be happier with their new North Code 0. We had a distance race reaching sail inventory hole to fill between the genoa and our Asymmetrical kites . The code 0 acquisition recommended by North after consultation was the right choice for optimal performance, giving us a sail inventory for all wind angle conditions. The internal torsion rope made furling an ease and its construction and overall performance is impressive. For Craig Pirie and Darren Gornall, skippers and owners of Soto 40 Afterburn, they tested out their new Helix powered Code Zero. Local North Sails expert, Hugh Beaton, was onboard to help the crew test their new addition. Post-racing Craig recalls: The sail is certainly much more forgiving (bigger sweet spot) than our old Code. With the wind sheer and the shifting breeze to have the leading edge retain its shape and not fully collapse when the apparent wind angle gets too hot is a huge improvement. Not having to go through the whole process of taking the boat down to 120 True to get the sail reattached and flying again and then slowly working back up to tighter angles at 80 or 90 true is a great advantage. As Tim mentioned the weight reduction is a great improvement for moving the sail around the boat and getting it launched and then retrieving it and putting it away. The race saw 92 boats registered, a fantastic number for Lake Ontario, and on the start line. Mike Brown, owner of Windburn, a C+C30 from National Yacht Club, had his full suit of 3Di sails out which included a 3Di Raw Mainsail and 3Di Race Genoa. All in all, racers had a great time on the water with the unofficial kick-off race of the season. Next up for distance racing is the Lake Ontario 300 in July. READ MORE

STORSLAM FÖR NORTH SAILS PÅ MARSTRAND BIG BOAT RACE Förmågan att behärska hårda vindar, starka strömmar och stötig sjö visade sig avgörande i årets Marstrand Big Boat Race Vinnare Stora klassen: Sten Haeger, X-41 Kwanza Valet av segel verkar också ha spelat roll - alla de tre klassvinsterna och sju av nio pallplatser tog med båtar utrustade med våra segel! Den stora nyheten i årets upplaga av regattan, som avgjordes 1 - 2 juni, var att det förutom lilla och stora klassen även fanns en separat klass för sportbåtar. De totalt 66 båtarna från Sverige, Norge, Danmark och Tyskland möttes av utmanande förhållanden, särskilt under lördagen, med hårda vindar, stark ström och stötig sjö. Mot slutet av andra seglingen ökade vinden ytterligare och tävlingsledningen beslutade att ställa in dagens sista segling. Det var klokt. En mast hade redan gått överbord, och mer kunde ha hänt; båtarna hann knappt i hamn innan det riktiga busvädret drog in över Marstrand. Söndagen bjöd på lugnare vindar och till och med lite sol, och dagens tre race kunde genomföras helt enligt plan. Totalt sett kan man inte säga annat än att det var rättvisa förhållanden från början till slut. Det var således tre värdiga vinnare som till slut kunde koras, om vi nu får säga det med tanke på att Henrik Ottosson och Andreas Turesson från North Sails Göteborg var med ombord på de vinnande båtarna i stora respektive lilla klassen. Vi hade mer än så att glädjas över. Mer än hälften av flottan var utrustade med North-segel, och i toppen av resultatlistorna var andelen ännu större: Alla de tre klassvinsterna och totalt sju av nio pallplatser togs av båtar med våra segel! Vi gratulerar alla pristagare och tackar Hjuviks Båtklubb och Marstrands Segelsällskap för en mycket väl genomförd regatta. Ett extra stort grattis riktar vi förstås till våra kunder på prispallen: Stora klassen 1. Sten Haeger, X-41 Kwanza 2. Jonas Grander, Elliot 44 CR Matador Lilla klassen 1. Peter Gustavsson, J/111 Blur 2. Lars Wikander, FinnFlyer 36 Zlatan 3. Mattias Wilson, Bavaria 38 match Draklunne Sportbåtsklassen 1. Pär Svärdson, Fareast 28r happyyachting.com 3. Carl Fjällman, Archambault Grand Surprise Rebellion Vinnare Lilla klassen: Peter Gustavsson, J/111 Blur. Vinnare Sportbåtsklassen: Pär Svärdson, Fareast 28r happyyachting.com READ MORE

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J/105 JIB WEIGHT RULE CHANGE What It Means For You How does the J/105, a boat that was introduced in 1991, remain one of the strongest one design classes 28 years later? There are two answers: the sailing qualities of the boat itself, and the Class Association Rules. The boat is simple to sail but complex enough to attract top sailors and crews. For a 34 ft boat, the J/105 is pretty affordable, especially when it is both an acceptable weekend cruiser and capable offshore platform. So it maintains a high resale value. But the real success of the J/105 Class is a direct result of the conservative management of class rules, which includes a careful consideration of updates. We all balk at change, especially if we don’t know what the outcome of that change will be, but it is both natural and inevitable. So, you ask, “How is this jib bag weight change going to affect me?” J/105 North specialist Will Keyworth one-word answer is….“positively!” This is a great rules update for all J/105 owners who actively race their boats, and class leaders drafted it only after requesting input from all the class sailmakers. “My view is that the result will be sails that are better, not just lighter.” The result will be sails that are better, not just lighter. You don’t have to buy a new sail to comply with the rule, but the next sail you buy will be a better one. You’ve probably already had discussions with other J/105 owners that start off with any of the following questions: Will a lighter sail last as long? How does this specifically affect the Light, Medium, and Heavy jibs? Do I have to buy a new sail now that the rule has changed? Will it cost more? All great questions, so let’s discuss them. First, a bit of class history to explain how we got here. Since this rule was introduced in the mid 90s, class-legal jib materials have gotten much stronger: from woven Dacron, to Mylar film/Darcon laminates, to Kevlar laminate, and finally to Carbon laminates. Meanwhile, the Class minimum weight stayed the same. When Kevlar (and later carbon) became the material of choice, sailmakers had to add extra weight to the sails just to comply with the class bag weight. This weight was typically added by applying extra corner patching, especially in the tack; that bulk made it difficult to furl the sail tightly. So to answer “Will a lighter sail last as long?”, consider this: None of that “parasitic” weight did anything to improve durability or performance, and it actually made handling the sail harder. How Does This Specifically Affect The Light, Medium, and Heavy Jibs? The rule change from 23lb to 19.8lb represents a 14% reduction in bag weight, but even so an AP or Medium jib will have to be slightly over-built (with more load-bearing fibers than it needs) to comply. A Light jib will have to be significantly over-built, while the Heavy jib will end up at the correct weight without adding any extra fiber. The new bag weight will enhance performance by reducing parasitic weight and improve handling, all without reducing durability. Do I have To Buy a New Sail Now That The Rule Has Changed? You don’t have to buy a new sail to comply with the rule, but the next sail you buy will be a better one. Last But Not Least: Will It Cost More? Since no expensive material (Carbon or Aramid) will be removed, my guess is that there will be no significant price change. The bottom line is this: the new bag weight will enhance performance by reducing parasitic weight and improve handling, all without reducing durability. Better performing sails that are easier to handle and equally durable? That sounds like an improvement that will help keep the J/105 going strong, for at least another 28 years. Is North Working on New Designs? When Can I Order the New Jibs? Our designers are working on new jibs shapes for the J/105. A sail testing is planned for late summer. Sails can only be purchased with 2020 sail tags and are not legal until Jan 1, 2020. Advance purchase orders can be placed starting in November of 2019 for 2020 delivery. READ MORE

UPWIND TACTICS: ONE ON ONE By Bill Gladstone In this installment North U Director Bill Gladstone explores upwind tactics against a single boat as you approach the starboard tack layline. Consider this scenario: We’re on starboard tack about five lengths below the starboard tack layline and about to cross a port tack rival by a boat length. The mark is still a fair distance ahead. No other boats are a concern. What’s the Goal? Our position – one length ahead and owing one tack – essentially puts us even. Our first goal is to round ahead; a more ambitious goal is to round a few boat lengths ahead. Rounding a length or two ahead is rounding “under pressure” (but still better than being behind). Rounding a few lengths ahead would allow us to “sail our own boat” downwind without fear of an immediate threat. What should we do? There are 4 options: Lee-Bow, Cross & Tack, Carry-On on starboard, or a Delayed Tack after sailing a few lengths. Let’s explore them all. Fig 1: From Position 1, we have 4 Options Option 1: Lee-Bow A Lee-Bow tack under the port tack boat would allow us to give them bad air but given the short distance to the layline this play could leave us pinned – unable to tack until our rival tacks. This move might actually leave us behind. There must be a better choice. Opt 1 – Lee Bow Opt 1 Fig 1: A Lee-Bow Tack to a short layline may leave us pinned. NOTE: A Lee-Bow can be a great move IF if there’s enough distance that we will be able to push our rival back and be free to tack. In fact, this might be the first choice in that case. But not here; not with the short distance to the layline. Option 2: Cross & Tack We cross by a length and tack, leaving us to windward and bow to bow headed to the layline. With the Cross & Tack our rival is pinned and we get to make a safe layline call. We tack; our rival “hips up” and tacks; and we lead to the mark, rounding 1 to 2 lengths ahead. In the lead, but under pressure. If we were going to the finish, this would be just fine… Opt 2 – Cross & Tack puts us in control and assures we’ll round ahead. Option 3: Carry-On Never mind the rival: Sail our boat. Rather than tack and make a long layline call let’s carry on. This is a passive approach that leaves us at the mercy of a small shift or puff. After we split and both boats tack we may hold our one boat length advantage, but we’ll be on port. Not strong… Opt 3 – Carry-On is a passive approach (red) Option 4: Delayed Tack In this scenario we sail a few lengths – less than a “speed build”– and then tack. Opt 4 – Delayed Tack puts our rival bow out so they are forced to make the next move. (blue) Then what? Our rival will be bow out and first to the layline. When they tack on the layline we’ll tack on their lee-bow. Note that by extending less than a speed build before our tack we assure that our rival will not be back to full speed at our next meeting. Now we’ll be able to give them bad air all the way to the mark. In this way we’re able to turn a small advantage into a few boat lengths lead – hopefully enough so we won’t be “under pressure” but will be able to let us “sail our own boat” downwind. Fig – Layline Lee-Bow lets us extend our lead (green) That didn’t work out too well for our rival. What else could they do? An early tack would be a gift to us – as two extra tacks would hand us a comfortable lead. The other option would be to over-stand and wait for us to tack. That too is a gift, as each length they overstand gives us a length’s advantage (minus a small payback for their reaching angle after tacking). Delayed Tack – Over Stand: When our rival over-stands we extend our lead. (Green extends. Blue sails more distance.) Oops, NOT so fast… Upon closer inspection I realized we were on the Yellow Boat, not the Red Boat. My bad. What to do? When our rival executes a Delayed Tack we’re in a tough spot. Getting to the layline first leaves us two choices, neither good: tack on the layline and get crushed or over-stand and lose. How can we avoid the layline? As noted, two extra tacks is a gift to our rival. One option to explore is trading speed for height: Rather than race full speed to the layline we pinch up to close gauge with our rival. How do we sail high and slow? Overtrim the main to force the boat up. Trim the jib a little too. By sailing high rather than fast we can let them tack first, “hip up” and tack where we can stay close enough to put them “under pressure” when we round. Fig – Pinch & Hip Up: We can trade speed for height(shown in blue), reduce separation, and hopefully round close enough to put our rival ‘under pressure.’ (green under pressure from blue) Summary: So, for a short hitch to the layline a Delayed Tack pays big dividends. For a longer hitch the lee-bow tack would be a strong choice. Also, for a tack to the finish a “Cross & Tack” would be sufficient – at the finish, a lead is a lead. And for the bow out boat a trade of speed for height is the best play. (And the windward boat should do the same. Don’t tell him.) Next Time: We’ll turn downwind: trailing, but with our rival “under pressure.” ‘til then, sail fast. READ MORE

CEDAR POINT REGATTA KICKS OFF SEASON Fast Sails And Regatta Support At Its Best The Cedar Point One Design Regatta kicks off the sailing season in Connecticut. After a long winter, fifty teams competing in five different classes were avid to get on the water and have some quality racing time. Great sailing conditions with easterly winds on the light side 4-10 knots with strong currents on both days. A stellar organization by the CPYC volunteers members guaranteed the weekend fun. North Sails provided daily pre-racing tips and weather debrief. One Design experts Allan Terhune, Zeke Horowitz, Brian Hayes and Jack Orr shared insights during the morning meetings while sailors grabbed some freshly brewed North coffee. Here’s a quick summary of each class: J/70 Very close racing for the top three boats going into the last day and last race. Oivind Loretzen’s NINE won the event with Joshua Goldman’s team Building A in second and Molly & John Baxter Team Vineyards Vines in third place. All top three boats powered by North Sails XCS-2 mainsail and J-6 jib. Our J/70 experts Allan Terhune sailed on Building A: “Our goal was to sail the races as best we could. We were actually leading all three races, but could not hang on. It was a very competitive and fun regatta.” North clients dominated the J/70 Class finishing 1,2,3,4,5*,7,8 . Top three boats used the XCS-2 Mainsail and the J-6 High Clew Jib. Here’s Allan’s three takeaways from the regatta: Rig Tune – Most folks knew to loosen the rig, but when they do this, they fail to pull on some backstay to help keep prebend in the rig and also keep the rig static. Building A was very fast upwind with this set up. It let the main be a little more draft aft and you could feel the boat accelerate quite well. Crew Work – Crew work on the J/70 is key. You can tell teams that have sailed together for a while and those who have not. Our team struggled because we have not sailed together that much and we were not in perfect harmony on all the maneuvers. Conditions Change From Day to Day – On Saturday the teams who went right did really well, due to current and pressure.This was discussed at the debrief on Sunday morning. On Sunday the left was pretty strong because the course was further out into the sound and the current was more even, putting emphasis on pressure and angle of wind more than current. Keeping options open and an open mind are key to venues like CPYC. Beneteau 36.7 Alistair Duke with his crew on Frequent Flyer finished strong with four bullets in a row, to win the regatta. He struggled in the first race, but once he changed gears was the boat to beat. Alistair used a North Sails 3Di NORDAC mainsail and a 3DL Class Genoa. Lou Melillo and his Surface Tension team was a strong second using standard 3Di sails. Third place was Dave Schrader from Housatonic Boat Club. Learn more about Beneteau 36.7 sails >> Clients on Frequent Flyer finished strong with four bullets in a row, to win the regatta. They used North Sails 3Di NORDAC mainsail. J/88 Iris Vogel and her crew on Deviation held off Mike Bruno’s Wings to win the J-88 Class by one point. Third place was Kevin Marks with his team on Velocity. Mike and Kevin both use North OOD standard Class sails. Learn more about J/88 sails >> J/109 Bill Sweetser’s Rush sailed consistently, placing in the top four every race, won the class and the trophy for winning the biggest class in the regatta. Emoticon skippered by Jonathan Rechschaffer, started the regatta with three bullets, but struggled to shift gears and had a couple bad races, moving them into second. Third place was Julia ODowd and her team on TBD with her best class finish to date. Julia is one of the original owners and has stuck with the class since 2006. Both Jonathan and Julia have North OOD class sails. Learn more about J/109 sails >> J/105 The light air was very challenging for the J/105s. The 105 results were extremely tight with five boats within one point for first place, three of them all tied for first. The regatta title came down to the last race to determine the tiebreaker. Conundrum from Larchmont Yacht Club took the top spot, followed by Atraxis from Lloyd Harbor Yacht Club. Third place was Laura Bea, who traveled up from New Rochelle. Learn more about J/105 sails >> J/70 expert Zeke Horowitz sharing his thoughts for the day Saturday observations & Sunday Tips with Brian Hayes READ MORE

KIWI TEAM WIN THE JJ GILTINAN TROPHY The Kiwi 18-foot skiff team aboard Honda Marine showed their class by defending their title in style 📸 Suellen Davies /LiveSailDie Skipper Dave McDiarmid, Brad Collins and North Sails expert Matt Steven won the prestigious event with a race to spare, showing the highly competitive Australians that their win in 2018 - the first victory by a Kiwi team in 44 years - was no fluke. The Honda Marine team completed the regatta with a scoreline of five wins, two second placings and one fourth placing in the nine-race series. Two other Kiwi teams in the event also placed strongly, with Josh Porebski, Jack Simpson and Dave Hazard on ASCC finishing fourth overall, and C-Tech (Alex Vallings, Sam Trethaway and Matt Coutts) eighth out of 25 crews. The Australian 18-foot skiff fleet was looking stronger than ever, with some past champions being brought out of retirement to try to wrest the trophy back from the Kiwis and some boats getting new rigs and sail wardrobes. However, Steven says the Honda Marine team went into the regatta well prepared, both physically and psychologically. "We had a different mind-set this year, going in to defend the title. We knew that we would be targeted by the Australian teams, and that they would throw everything they could at us." The boat also had two new North 3Di jibs as well as a new gennaker (to replace one stolen after last year’s competition), but the team continued to use the 3Di mainsail they won with in 2018. "We used that same sail for all our training and the racing both years, which shows the durability of 3Di," says Steven. "We have done about 35 days’ sailing this season and it was still good enough for a big regatta like this." This year’s regatta was sailed mostly in light conditions of 5–12 knots, with the skiffs sailing under their number one rigs. Steven says despite the Honda Marine team favouring slightly stronger winds and their number two rig, they had worked hard to optimise their bigger rig set-up, which paid dividends in Sydney. "You always go over there not really knowing how fast you’re going. Because it’s a development class, you never know if the Australians have come up with something new to give them an advantage. But they didn’t know how fast we would be, either." With victory — if not the actual JJ Giltinan Tropjy — in hand, debate has been reignited over whether Auckland could host the 2020 series. "We really want to have the JJ regatta here," says Steven. "For the class to keep growing and progressing we believe it should be shared around." READ MORE

REMEMBERING LOWELL NORTH The Founder of North Sails Shaped Our Business and The Industry Lowell North, the founder of North Sails, has passed away. Nicknamed “The Pope” by his peers, Lowell began his sailmaking career at the age of 14 when his father purchased a Star with cotton sails. The father and son team came in last in every race, motivating the young Lowell to recut the mainsail. The rest, as they say, is history. “He pioneered new ways to make and shape sails. His clear purpose, creativity, and competitive spirit continue to drive North Sails today” As an aeronautic/aerospace engineer, Lowell knew he could build a better sail through rigorous testing and incremental improvement. His methodical and scientific approach to sailmaking changed the industry forever, and it also helped him win five Star World Championship titles and a gold medal at the 1968 Olympics. The foundation laid by Lowell in 1957 has permanently shaped the North Sails culture. “Lowell’s philosophy when building North Sails was simple,” explains North Technology Group CEO Tom Whidden. “Get the best people, who he called Tigers, and commit yourself to the science and technology of making the best product. He pioneered new ways to make and shape sails. His clear purpose, creativity, and competitive spirit continue to drive North Sails today—even as the company explores territories he never could have imagined.” Lowell sold North Sails in 1984 and retired from sailmaking. He continued to sail, racing his boat Sleeper for many years, as well as cruising the Pacific. He passed away in San Diego at the age of 89, with his wife Bea by his side. He will be greatly missed. READ MORE

MERMAID MUNSTER CHAMPIONSHIPS North Clients Sweep All Three Podium Places © Ted Kelly North Sails would like to congratulate Darragh McCormack on his win at the Mermaid Munster Championships last weekend at Foynes Yacht Club, Ireland. Darragh dominated the racing by taking four straight bullets in the small but competitive fleet. The top three boats were all fully powered by North Sails and it was great to see so many North Sails making their way into the class. Nigel Young, One Design Expert and founder of North Sails Ireland, was very happy to accept Darragh’s invitation to sail with him to have a look at the sails and offer any tuning tips. We talked to Nigel after the regatta: ”I was delighted to sail my first competitive “work outing” with my own son, Jack Young, as part of the crew. This was his first time bag launching the spinnaker and handling a regular spinnaker pole – he comes from the one string A-sail school of spinnakers! All in all, the Father and Son crewing duo could not slow Darragh down and he went on to take his fourth straight Munster tittle in the Mermaid Class with the picket fence score line as my American friends would say… 1,1,1,1!” Congratulations to sail no.135 ‘Cara 2’ who finished in second place – Frankie Browne snr, Frankie Browne jnr and Brendan Dunne and to no.119 ‘Three Chevrons’ taking third – Vincent McCormack, Michael Lynch and Roisin McCormack. Both Nigel and his son, Jack, look forward to their next Mermaid outing! © Ted Kelly © Ted Kelly © Ted Kelly © Ted Kelly READ MORE

DICK PARKER: NORTH SAILS DESIGNER AND SALESMAN We checked in with him to learn about his new role supporting the local Grand Prix market Dick Parker Dick grew up in Hobart and lived in Sydney for 10 years, so "I’m pretty familiar with it." His English wife and two daughters, though, have had to adjust to "the spiders and snakes and all that." But now that they’ve been there six months, they’re making friends and settling in and "it’s starting to be pretty good." Dick first joined North Sails Sydney in 1987 and worked there for ten years, until European sailing adventures called. But he returned to the southern hemisphere during the off-season; "I’ve had a lot of summers and not that many winters, actually." In 2001 he joined the OneWorld America’s Cup challenge, and then worked with Emirates Team New Zealand from 2005-2007. He rejoined North Sails full-time in 2007, based out of the UK, and started a family. Last year, they decided it was the right time to return to Sydney full-time. In addition to carrying on his design work, Dick is helping the local sales team service the Grand Prix market. "They do a lot of sailing in Australia, especially Sydney. You can find yourself a boat race every day of the week pretty much." Most of his customers are racing offshore, and he says their year-round focus is the Sydney Hobart Race. "You talk to customers and it's all about the buildup for the Hobart, what we need to do, what sails and crew. It really is a big deal down here." His primary sailing is on TP52s. "They're just such awesome boats. I love sailing on them. They're just the right size, not too many people which is quite nice. I really enjoy sailing them so I try to do as much of that as I can." This winter, he’ll race the Fastnet and Middle Sea races in addition to local events and Hamilton Island Race Week. When talking with customers, Dick says he keeps his explanations technical. "I just try and work on the facts. Clients don't necessarily need to be talked in to anything, if you can explain well enough exactly what's required. I tend to look at things more pragmatically, and at the whole project. A customer may say, ‘look, you know I've only got a certain amount to spend on sails.’ So it's a matter of trying to work out how best to spend that money. Whatever the sum might be." Dick's primary sailing is on TP52s Steering clients toward what will provide the biggest benefit to their program is a fringe benefit of more personalised selling, he says. "A customer might say, ‘I need to buy a new J2 jib.’ And you might sit down and have a heartfelt conversation and work out that what he actually needs is a new J3 or a new spinnaker. Looking at the whole sailing program rather than just selling an individual sail is the way I like to work." On the design side, Dick is excited about Helix and its potential across a wide range of boats and markets. He’s also continuing to help build the library of sail shapes for Desman, part of the proprietary North Design Suite. "All the designers around the world now use that bit of software," he says. "It takes a lot of the grunt work out of design. North Sails has built so many sails now that the actual shape is actually the easy part. Getting the sizing right, the geometry right, is the most challenging - and the most enjoyable." Since he first started with North Sails in 1987, Dick says the biggest change is the company’s global unity. "It feels like a big multi-national company being run by some guys who know how to run a big company, as opposed to a small bunch of franchises being run by sailors. So, it's certainly a different beast that's for sure." The software and products are always improving too, he adds. "3DL, then 3Di - we certainly changed the industry." One thing that hasn’t changed? He still loves getting out on the floor. "I get quite involved with re-cuts, trying to get a bit more life out of an old tired sail, which is a big thing in Australia. They tend to run their sails for a lot longer than the Europeans, trying to get the most out of their product. They'll hang on to a sail for four or five years and keep re-cutting and improving it, so we do a lot more re-cutting of sails down here than Europe. I really enjoy that side of it. It's sort of a black art; get the stick out and fair it up and see how it looks." Currently Dick’s work week is divided between global design work, Australian design work, and helping out with various projects. "I can design from pretty much anywhere really, because the company is so global." Once he wraps up a few projects, he plans to do more to support the local sales staff. "They have so many customers that it's hard to service them all." When he’s not working, Dick goes sailing on an NS14, which he describes as a small Taser. "Rotating ring, no spinnaker. I'm going to start sailing that with my girls as well." His two daughters have been learning to sail at the Avalon Sailing Club and will move into Manly Juniors next season. He also enjoys taking the family out on a small motorboat, "swimming and hanging out with the kids." Looking ahead, Dick’s excited about the future. "Certainly 3Di has a massive advantage over the competition. Delamination of string sails is just such a common problem when you get into the warmer climates, Asia and Australia, the sails just don't last. 3Di gives great value for customers; ultimately you just get so much more life out a 3Di sail verses a string sail, that is a real mantra down here for sure." When asked about any regatta wins he was particularly proud of, Dick has to stop and think. "With this line of work, all your goals seem to be your customer's goals, not necessarily yours. I haven't won Hobart, haven't won Fastnet, haven't won the Middle Sea Race. So there's a lot to do, still." READ MORE

NORTH U Termin ATTERSEE, 28. - 30. Juni 2019 North U 2019 / Schörfling auf Lago 26 oder eigenen Booten Inhalte Jeder Segler/in möchte gerne das Potential von Schiff und seiner Mannschaft ausschöpfen und erfolgreich segeln, sich weiterentwickeln und bei Regatten im besten Fall gewinnen. Segeln ist ein komplexes Unterfangen und Regattasegeln noch mehr: Trimm, Taktik, Boat Speed, Steuern, Regeln, Bootshandling, Crewarbeit... aber bekanntlich ist eine gute Bootsgeschwindigkeit ein wesentlicher Schlüssel zum Erfolg. Nicht immer sind dafür neue Segel notwendig, meistens gehören sie nur richtig eingestellt! Daher bieten wir ihnen die Möglichkeit mit Wissen und Praxis ihr Schiff und ihre Segel optimal einzustellen und das Erlernte sofort umzusetzen. Der Schwerpunkt der North Sails University liegt auf dem Segeltrimm. Fragen, Wünsche und "Problemzonen" jedes einzelnen Teilnehmers werden vorab besprochen und der Fokus bei den Segelaufnahmen danach ausgerichtet. Das neue und aufgefrischte Wissen über seine eigenen Segel und den eigenen Trimm ist sicher für die gesamte Segelsaison äußerst nützlich! Ablauf Ein strukturiertes, auf die individuellen Bedürfnisse und Wünsche der Teilnehmer abgestimmtes Programm – wobei wir Sie eine Runde um einen abgesteckten Kurs begleiten - hält die Balance zwischen theoretischem Input, eigener Umsetzung und direktem Feedback am Wasser. Das am Freitag im Vortrag erlernte Trimmwissen wird bei den Wassereinheiten Samstag und Sonntag in der Praxis angewandt. Die professionelle Dokumentation der schnellen Boote mit Hilfe von Fotos und Videos - sowie die Herausarbeitung der Unterschiede zu den weniger schnellen - erfolgt an beiden Tagen nach der Wasserarbeit im Rahmen eines Debriefing. Freitag, 28. Juni um 18:00 Begrüßung und Überblick zur North Sails University mit Einführungsvortrag über Segeltrimm vom Trainerteam Aufnahme individueller Schwerpunkte der einzelnen Teilnehmer Samstag, 29. Juni 9:00-18:00 & Sonntag, 30. Juni, 9:00- 17.00 Theorie Einheit(en) und Beobachtung am Wasser mit direktem Feedback Debrief mit Foto- und Videoanalyse im Anschluss an die Wasserarbeit Teilnahmebeitrag € 595,00 .-inkl Ust. pro Teilnehmer auf LAGO 26 € 495,00 .-inkl Ust. pro Teilnehmer mit eigenem Schiff € 395,00 .-inkl. Ust. pro Crewmitglied Für North Sails Kunden bieten wir einen 10% Kundenrabatt an! Ort Motor Yacht Club Salzkammergut Bahnhofstrasse. 19 Schörfling Liegeplätze werden im Rahmen der Veranstaltung zur Verfügung gestellt Bei weniger als 10 angemeldeten Personen können wir die Veranstaltung leider nicht durchführen - wir bitten um Verständnis. North Sails U. Die North Sails U. wurde 1980 in den USA gegründet mit den klaren Zielen: Segler zu Regattaseglern und Regattasegler zu Siegern zu entwickeln. Sind sie in Österreich mit dem gleichen Zielen dabei und kontaktieren sie unser Trainerteam und melden sie sich an! Ihr Trainerteam: Hans Spitzauer Geschäftsführer North Sails Austria, Segelprofi, 5-facher Olympiateilnehmer, Weltmeister und Europameister hans.spitzauer@northsails.com +43 664 546 87 69 Andrea Seidl Geschäftsführerin North Sails Austria & Seidl Sails GmbH, Tuch- & Design Spezialistin, Segelmacherin und seit 35 Jahren aktiv am Wasser. andrea.seidl@northsails.com +43 664 9515353 Anmeldung bis zum 24. Juni unter office.at@northsails.com Für Fragen zu Ablauf, Inhalt und Schwerpunkten stehen wir gerne auch persönlich im Vorfeld zu ihrer Verfügung. READ MORE

CONSEJO NORTH SAILS ¿Qué es un código cero? Lo que comenzó como un concepto sencillo pero innovador ha evolucionado a toda una nueva categoría de velas. Todos los código cero tienen en común que son velas principalmente asimétricas, rápidas, planas y diseñadas para ángulos de través cerrado. Originalmente, los código cero fueron diseñados para calificar como spinnaker bajo ciertas reglas de rating, lo que requería que la cadena media debía medir como mínimo el 75% del pujamen. Los código cero aportan superficie vélica y potencia a rumbos de través cerrados, y benefician especialmente a barcos con velas de proa no solapadas, ya que cubren de manera óptima el salto entre velas de proa de ceñida y spinnakers simétricos o asimétricos. A la hora de elegir un código cero, es importante considerar las prestaciones de nuestro barco, ángulos de viento objetivo, intensidades de viento más habituales, sistemas de manejo de velas, y elegir el material más apropiado para que la vela pueda ser personalizada para nuestras necesidades. READ MORE

La nueva mayor F1 de J70 comienza a cosechar sus primeros éxitos. READ MORE

COPA DE ESPAÑA DE OPTIMIST Nuestros clientes más jóvenes continúan dándonos alegrías en formato monotipo. 📸 Pep Portas En esta ocasión, las buenas noticias llegan desde la Copa de España de Optimist 2019, celebrada en Puerto Sherry los días 15 a 18 de mayo. La regatista balear –y doble campeona del mundo– María Perelló eligió velas North Sails para imponerse en categoría sub 16 entre una flota de 149 barcos de 11 comunidades autónomas. También equipó North Sails el tercer clasificado absoluto, el canario Javier Ojeda. ¡Muchas felicidades a ambos! Y gracias a todos los que confiáis en North Sails. READ MORE