NORTH SAILS BLOG

CONDICIONES ESPECIALES PARA VELAS ENTREGADAS EN MARZO Si estás pensando en actualizar tu inventario de velas, ahora es el momento. Pide ya tus nuevas North Sails y recíbelas en marzo con magníficos descuentos. Las oportunidades están para aprovecharlas. En North Sails entendemos la inversión que supone actualizar un inventario de velas y por eso ofrecemos condiciones especiales cuando nuestras velerías disponen de mayor capacidad para aceptar pedidos de entrega inmediata. Si encargas ahora tus velas North Sails en tejidos NPL o NPC podrás beneficiarte de un suculento descuento y recibirlas en marzo. Y si lo tuyo es el 3Di, pregúntanos cómo equipar tu barco con las velas con mejores prestaciones y durabilidad del mundo. Te sorprenderás. Utiliza el código MARZO al realizar tu pedido y conseguirás condiciones especiales. Contacta con tu agente North Sails o pídenos presupuesto sin compromiso en info@es.northsails.com READ MORE

DINNER IS ON US We're Swapping Sails For Spatulas At The February Meeting READ MORE

WILL WELLES J/24 CLASS LEADER Two-time World Champion Loves to Share His Tricks © Chris Howell As a double world champion in the J/24, Will Welles has made good use of all the lessons learned over the years. “It’s pretty different than a lot of other boats,” he admits, adding that having a genoa changes how the boat is sailed (and tuned) compared to other small keelboats. Then he passes along a few other tips as well, because even during a winter office-bound interview he can’t resist sharing his knowledge. Favorite job, favorite boat Now based out of the Portsmouth, RI loft, Will learned to sail as a kid on Maine’s Mount Desert Island. “We always had a lot of boats around our place and were always fixing boats and working on boats,” he remembers. He sailed J/24s on and off but didn’t “fully get into it” until high school. After college, he bought a J/24 cheap and fixed it up himself. “I just like driving boats,” he laughs. “One of my favorite jobs ever was working on the dock crew at Hinckley’s as a high schooler. I basically drove boats all day, in and out of the lift, to the dock, to the mooring. Powerboats, sailboats, whatever. I just loved it.” As for the J/24, one aspect he enjoys most is the five person team, he says. “It really is a little big boat, and you get on the road with a crew that you like. It’s fun on the water. It’s fun off the water. And I’ve been doing it a long time. It’s kind of what got me into all this with North Sails.” Since his first job at North in 1997, Will’s worn a lot of hats. “I would sell big boat cruising and racing sails. I sailed a lot of events in larger boats, but always did the one design. That’s what I focus on now, one design sailing and selling.” In addition to the J/24, Will also sails Etchells, J/70s, Shields, and IODs. “I’m a strong believer in sailing what’s in your backyard, and the two biggest classes here in Newport are J/24s and Shields.” © Chris Howell Inventory Update North’s J/24 inventory has proved itself by winning the past five Worlds, but Will says “We’re always looking at different things. A lot of things have been tried numerous times over the years. We feel pretty happy with the upwind sails, the main, genoa, and the jib.” There are two genoa options, and he says most people choose the DX7TT genoa, which excels in waves. But “they’re both good,” he clarifies. “You can’t go wrong. We usually tell our clients to stick with the genoa that they’re used to using.” For spinnakers, most people buy the FR2. “We’ve worked on that quite a bit,” Will says. “It’s a full radial sail and it’s great in zero to 40. So that’s definitely the sail of choice.” Spinnaker design has evolved a lot over the last several years, he adds, “So that’s one sail we’re working on. We haven’t found anything better than the FR2 yet, but we’re still trying… always looking to make sure we’re providing the best product possible.” Number one J/24 trick Why does Will keep coming back to the J/24, even after winning two Worlds? “I like that it is a super technique boat,” he says. “Once you learn the little tricks, it can be pretty good.” Asked for specifics, Will talks first about sail trim. “You really overtrim the main to get headstay tension once you’re going. There aren’t many boats where you trim the main that hard, so that’s a big thing.” And his number one trick? That’s a question he gets quite often at regattas, so he has a quick answer. “The biggest thing is to get comfortable with sailing the boat flat—once you do that, you really have something. The helm feels awful, but it’s the key to getting upwind the fastest. So you gotta go out there and practice it and get comfortable with it.” © Chris Howell Dock talks and helping customers Will does dock talks at most big J/24 regattas, because he feels so strongly that sharing information is a big part of keeping classes going. “You gotta put back, especially into classes that have been good to you. It’s good for the class. It’s good for North Sails.” And even beyond the call of duty, Will says he enjoys helping people get faster—especially when a customer is actively taking notes. “That’s what you want to see when you’re standing up there, putting the time in. It’s good.” So, thanks to his sharing ways, all of Will’s customers can make good use of the lessons he’s learned as well. Read more about Will’s 2018 Worlds victory © Chris Howell READ MORE

Racing all over the world, here's what she had to say about her experience and goals in her sailing career so far.  READ MORE

Rendez-vous au SuisseNautic de Berne du 20 au 24 février SuisseNautic, le plus grand et plus important salon national du nautisme et des sports nautiques destiné au grand public, a lieu tous les deux ans. Du mercredi 20 au dimanche 24 février, votre équipe North Sails vous accueillera dans la Halle 3.2 sur le stand E02. Nos collaborateurs seront à votre entière disposition pour répondre à vos questions, échanger sur votre saison passée et celle à venir, vous faire découvrir nos nouveautés ou encore vous faire profiter de nos "offres spéciales salon". Horaire et billetterie: Cliquez ici pour en savoir plus et acheter vos billets d’entrée. N'oubliez pas de contacter nos experts afin de bénéficier d’une réduction sur votre billet d’entrée ! Gammes 2019: Découvrez déjà nos gammes de cette année en cliquant ici. Nous vous souhaitons une belle saison de ski et nous nous réjouissons de vous accueillir à Berne! READ MORE

Get The Most From Your J/105 Your next regatta is just around the corner. Is your team ready? Our J/105 Tool Kit will help. Created just for J/105 sailors, by our expert team. #NSVictoryList There is no better performance test of a one design sail than the results it produces. In 2018 alone, North Sails J/105 inventories helped teams win regattas all over the US. Tips From The Champ Champion Terry McLaughlin shares some tips that helped team Mandate win the 2018 North Americans. Downwind Tips & Tricks How to sail as deep as possible while still keeping your speed up. Before your next regatta, read this downwind manual from expert Will Keyworth. Define Your Speed Pulling all the pieces together can be challenging. Our J/105 Speed Guide will help you leverage our expertise to make the most of your sailing. Fine Tune With North Find your groove. Get your numbers. Be confident in all wind conditions. After countless hours of sailing, sail testing, and competing in the J/105, our championship winning sails will get you up to speed quickly. Working With The Best Our J/105 sails deliver the best results for our clients. Contact your local expert and join us at the front of the pack. READ MORE

WHY IS HEADSTAY SAG FAST UPWIND IN LIGHT AIR? How Headstay Sag Affects Everything From Speed To Point Sailboats with headstay sag often point higher and maintain boatspeed better in light-air conditions. One Design expert Tim Healy describes the rewards and the risks. Many sailboat classes limit the number of jibs that a boat may carry, and some classes allow only a single jib. These limitations challenge competitors to find ways to maximize power in light air. One of the key methods to power up a sail is to induce sag in the headstay, also known as the forestay. Headstay sag on a sailboat is the distance between the midpoint of the headstay if it were perfectly straight and the actual midpoint while sailing. The best way to estimate this measurement is when sailing upwind, sight up the forward side of the headstay and note how far the midpoint of the headstay has sagged when compared to the mast. When the headstay sags, it not only sags to leeward but also sags aft, which puts the luff closer to the leech, thereby adding depth to the jib. How to Increase Headstay Sag The key controls for manipulating headstay sag are shroud tension, mainsheet tension, and in some cases, headstay length. You would think that headstay length would be the primary variable, but that’s only the case on boats with keel-stepped masts, such as the Farr 40, Etchells, and Shields, that limit range of mast movement at the mast step and deck partners. On those boats, lengthening the headstay by easing the forestay turnbuckle or adding extra toggles can be an effective way to increase sag. In some classes, such as the J/24, a maximum headstay length is prescribed, limiting this adjustment. And on almost all classes, there are good and practical reasons not to overdo the lengthening of the headstay, including a negative effect on mainsail shape. In light air, the number one adjustment for headstay sag on boats with either deck-stepped and keel-stepped masts is varying the shroud tension. More tension effectively pulls the mast aft—assuming the chainplates are aft of the mast. If the lower shrouds are farther aft, they will have the most effect; on boats with aft-swept spreaders (J/24, J/70, Melges 24), the uppers will have more effect. The other way to induce headstay sag is to minimize mainsheet tension. If the mast is stiff, trimming the mainsheet will quickly increase headstay tension and reduce sag. Ideally, in light and puffy conditions, when you ease the mainsheet in a lull, you’ll see the headstay sag to leeward, powering up the sail. If you don’t get that response when you ease in a lull on a Thistle, Lightning or J/70, your shroud tension is too tight. One other way to check that your shroud tension isn’t too tight is to sight up the aft side of the mast while sailing upwind. If you see a small amount of sag to leeward in the middle of the mast, that’s a good sign that your shroud tension is right. Easing off the rig isn’t the only way to increase headstay sag. On a Lightning, you can add a block behind your mast at the deck. On a Thistle, you can put wedges under the mast butt. On a Snipe, you can pull the mast forward at the partners. On a J/24, you can move the mast butt aft. And on an Etchells, you can do any or all of the above. When you sag the headstay, the maximum draft in your jib moves forward. To compensate and keep the draft aft, ease halyard tension, which also creates additional power. If you increase headstay sag but the halyard remains too tight, you’ll get a big “knuckle” in the front of the sail and an entry that’s too deep, so you won’t gain the overall power you’re seeking. You should see horizontal wrinkles in the front of the sail. What Headstay Sag Does to Sail Shape When headstay sag is increased, the headsail becomes deeper and more powerful. If your boat is under-powered, this can make a big difference when it comes to developing speed, especially in choppy wave conditions. The other major effect of increased headstay sag is that it effectively rotates the middle sail, changing angle of attack. The mid-luff of the sail moves to leeward as well as aft. At the same time the mid-leech rotates slightly inboard, similar to the effect of weather-sheeting, which increases pointing ability. Once the boat becomes overpowered sag can become a liability, which is why tuning guides usually call for more rig tension as the wind increases. What Too Much Headstay Sag Does To Sail Shape You can have too much of a good thing. With too much headstay sag the leech will rotate inboard too far, becoming extra sensitive to sheet tension and stalling too easily. Equally problematic, the entry angle becomes too extreme; when you bear off to rebuild speed, you have to sheet out too much to power up the sail. Another problem is that the angle of attack varies too much at the front of the sail from top and bottom. You may also see a knuckle in the front of the jib, regardless of halyard tension, and the middle of the sail becomes too flat, without generating significant power. Light Air and Flat Water Let’s review how this should work in two light-air conditions, starting with flat water. Here, it’s important to create power in the sail plan, and sagging the headstay is the easiest and most direct method to create depth in the jib. This creates a scenario where the middle of the jib luff has a better angle of attack to the wind and because of that angle of attack and the inboard rotation of the mid-leech, you will be able to point slightly higher without luffing or losing flow over the front of the jib. When you have this set up correctly, it is as important as ever to make sure the jib leech tell tales are flowing 90 to 100 percent of the time so that the airflow stays attached to the jib. That said, it is OK (and we actually encourage you) to test maximum trim by sheeting in periodically until you see the jib-leech telltales stall slightly, then ease out until fully streaming. This is your jib sheet trim range, which on some boats may be as little as 1” of sheet. It is important to stay on top of your rig tensions in these conditions and find the settings that work best for your driving style. In addition, make sure you have some mast side sag at the spreaders, which is a signal that the mast is free to bend forward as well as to leeward. Forward bend creates a flatter main that can be sheeted tighter without stalling the leech, which will also help pointing ability. Light Air and Chop When chop is introduced into the picture, a loose rig is still good, but you may find that the rig will pump too much as the waves get larger. This is normal, but in order to temporarily stabilize the rig for a set of bigger waves, pull on enough backstay to snug it up. This should minimize the pumping of the rig and headstay and keep a more consistent sail shape through the chop. As soon as the patch of chop is over, release the backstay to put more sag back in the headstay. On boats that employ in-haulers or weather sheet the jib to increase pointing ability, be careful not to overdo it. The jib leech can become prone to stalling, which can be particularly slow in waves. We encourage you to experiment, not only with your headstay sag but with your sheeting technique. Keep notes of what works and what doesn’t, and you’ll quickly master the art of headstay sag. READ MORE

NORTH CLIENTS SWEEP J/70 DIYC WINTER SERIES Versatility of North Designs Prevails. Congratulations Team Savasana! Series winners at full power in Tampa Bay .©Photoboat.com Sailing at the Davis Island J/70 Winter Series #3 was beautiful once again! The wind was strong out of the northeast on Saturday, 14-18 knots and a balmy 76 degrees. Sunday was just as nice with winds 8-14 knots and a high of 78 degrees. The race committee did a fantastic job to get the 50-boat fleet a total of seven races over the course of two days, making for a competitive weekend of racing. Congratulations to Brian Keane and team Savasana for winning the weekend with four bullets on the scoreboard. The result secured Savasana the J/70 Winter Series overall victory. Keane used the North XCS-2 mainsail, J-6 jib and the AP-1 spinnaker. We are especially happy for our clients finishing 1,2,4,5, taking the top two podium spots over the course of the series. When we asked Brian for his comments on the weekend, here’s what he said: “We saw a variety of conditions throughout the Davis Island Winter Series which put a lot of demands on the sails. The versatility of North sails was key to our success in Davis Island. We could power up in the light air with flat sea state without inducing excessive drag. We could also quickly and efficiently de-power in windy conditions. Bottom line, we like working with North Sails because the versatility of their products allow us to consistently achieve top results.” Our experts Tim Healy and Will Welles attended all the three events, helping clients and sharing everything they learned throughout the series. North Sails is a proud sponsor of the Davis Island Winter Series and the Friday Porch Series. Our team is happy to help competitors to get up to speed so they can be ready for the racing. Here are Tim and Will’s tips from the event #3: Tim’s Tips: Acceleration Off The Starting Line Preset controls: Set the backstay, outhaul, cunningham, and jib halyard before the start to minimize movement while boat is accelerating at start. Mark sheets and know the powerup and full speed settings for that condition: Take notice of your marks on both the windward and leeward jib sheets, as well as main sheet. This is done prestart, always leave enough time to get to the race area and sail most of first beat to check marks, get heading numbers, and gauge speed with other boats. When the boat is going well and trimmed for speed, make note of the position of your marks. Acceleration Sequence: Keep the vang loose for pre-start and only pull vang-on after you are fully sheeted in. Your crew should hit the rail and hike. Try not to move in for adjustments, if possible. Crew should quickly give speed and height feedback to driver and main trimmer. Main trimmer makes the final trim on the main and the jib, while the forward two crew stay out on the rail keeping the boat steady. Skipper should focus on accelerating and getting the boat up to max speed right at the start. Pointing will come after target speed is met. Will’s Tips: Shifting Gears In Puffy Conditions De-powering Sequence: Drop the traveler down. Pull backstay on. Vang sheet. Pull main cunningham on. Pull jib halyard on if wind speed has increased on average. Weather sheet off in the puffs. Pull back in the lulls. (In light to medium breeze we play the leeward sheet and leave the weather sheet on). The reverse of this sequence is used when we look for power. Main cunningham is the last thing we pull on and the first thing that comes off when looking for power. In a big lull we also ease a little backstay and bring the traveler up a couple inches. The key is to get good wind information from the crew on the rail, so you can prepare for the puff. I like to hear about the big puffs and the long lulls, which allows me to keep the boat at a constant angle of heel, making it easier to maintain maximum boat speed. In case you missed our notes from event one and two: Tips from Series Opener | Takeaways from event #2 Get ready for the Spring sailing season with the fastest J/70 sails from North. Contact your local J/70 expert today! Will Welles’ New Wave, 2nd Place. ©Chris Howell Greiner Hobbs’ Dark Horse, 9th place. ©Chris Howell Douglas Strebel’s Black River Racing. ©Chris Howell READ MORE

ORC PLANOVI ZA JADRAN U 2019. foto: Hrvoje Duvančić - www.regate.com.hr Udruga ORC jedriličara u nastojanjima da još više populariziraju sustav po kojem rade su za sezonu 2019. pripremili još jednu novost. U stvari riječ je o malo razrađenijem pristupu lanjskoj inicijativi, a u svakom slučaju o akciji koja bi mogla biti zanimljiva još širem krugu jedriličara na krstašima. U sezoni 2018. pokrenuta je rang ljestvica koje je rangirala jedriličare koji su bili sudionici na deset regata koje su se bodovale po ORC Club sustavu razvrstanja, regatama koje nisu u sklopu D-Marin CRO ORC Cup-a koji se jedri po ORC International-u. Osnovna ideja je bila povezati regate koje jedre na duljim rutama i da po mogućnosti budu "offshore" što je više moguće. Kako takvih regata koje bi u potpunosti zadovoljavale tu definiciju nije bilo previše, a i u cilju bolje promocije odlučeno je da se uključe i regate koje se već dulje vremena jedre po ORC-u i na kojim se generalni pobjednik dobiva iz ove skupine. Tako se dobila lista na kojoj su se našle Jadranska, Komiška, Južnodalmatinska, Trka oko Krka, Regata 1000 otoka, Galijola, Viška, Regata oko Dugog otoka i Jabuka. Iako je u nazivu ove ljestvice stajalo "offshore" ipak zbog Komiške, Južodalmatinske i Viške to nije bila baš "čista" ljestvica regata koje se jedre na stvarno dugim rutama. Unatoč tome, cijela akcija je dobila pozitivne reakcije jedriličara uz određene sugestije da se još više približi većini koja ipak nije toliko zaražena višednevnim jurcanjima na dugim relacijama. Zato se unutar Udruge ORC jedriličara ove godine odlučilo formirati i tzv. "inshore" ljestvicu regata koje se jedre po ORC Club-u, a za ekipe koje više vole otvoreno more da se pročisti njihov popis regata. Izvorni popis dugih regata skraćen je za spomenute tri regate koje se u principu ne uklapaju u ovaj koncept, a dodana je jedna novost iz Kvarnerskog akvatorija. Članovi YC Croatia iz Opatije su odlučili napraviti još jednu pravu zimsku dugu regatu, kombinaciju Jabuke i Sv.Nikole. Ruta je vrlo jednostavna... start ispred marine Ičići, baze YC Croatia, pa oko otočića Suska i natrag u Ičiće. Promotivno izdanje regate će biti oglašeno za posade, a ovisno o interesu jedriličara organizatori razmišljaju i o otvaranju regate za dvojce. Ova regata bi bila posljednja za offshore ljestvicu u 2019. dok cijeli popis izgleda ovako: Datum Regata Okvirna duljina 26.04 - 01.05. 13. Jadranska regata 220 NM 20.09 - 22.09. 6. Trka oko Krka 55 NM 22.09 - 25.09. 6. Regata 1000 otoka - 1. etapa 280 NM 26.09 - 29.09. 6. Regata 1000 otoka - 2. etapa 280 NM 27.09 - 29.09. 37. Galijola 80 NM 25.10 - 27.10. 5. Regata oko Dugog otoka 110 NM 08.11 - 10.11. 16. Jabuka 90 NM 22.11 - 24.11. Susak za posade 100 NM Sustav bodovanja ostaje jednak sustavu iz 2018. i količina skupljenih bodova najviše ovisi o duljini rute na kojoj se regata jedrila. Ideja je jednostavna, što je regata dulja veća je vrijednost osvojenog mjesta. foto: Hrvoje Duvančić - www.regate.com.hr Tri regate koje su maknute s offshore ljestvice prebačene su na inshore ljestvicu. Uz njih su dodane još četiri koje su također popularne među našim jedriličarima, a neke od njih imaju dugu povijest bodovanja po ORC-u. Također se nastojalo da se zastupe regate po cijelom Jadranu, pa ih ima od Kvarnera do Dubrovnika, a za razliku od gornje tablice u kojoj se može primijetiti da su regate većinom smještene u jesen, inshore su raspoređene od proljeća do jeseni: Datum Regata 01.03 - 03.03. Karnevalska regata 06.04 - 06.04. Gladuša 2019 27.04 - 28.04. 17. Zlarinska regata krstaša 24.05 - 26.05. 28. Komiška regata 02.08 - 04.08. Južnodalmatinska regata 13.09 - 15.09. Lošinjska regata 18.10 - 20.10. 75. Viška regata Princip bodovanja je drugačiji nego kod navigacijskih regata. Temeljna prednost koju će neka od regata imati je broj sudionika prijavljenih po ORC-u. Što ih bude više vrijednost bodova za osvojeno pojedino mjesto će biti veća. Formula po kojoj će se taj element uzimati u obzir izgleda ovako: BROJ BODOVA = 100 + 300*LOG(BROJ SUDIONIKA NA REGATI) - 200*LOG(MJESTO OSVOJENO NA REGATI) Istina, nije baš uobičajeno logaritme i slične matematičke funkcije viđati prilikom slaganja rang ljestvica ali treba napomenuti da gornja formula nije izmišljena za ovu prigodu već je preuzeta od "modelara" koji ovakav način bodovanja za svoju rang ljestvicu koriste već više od desetljeća. Prvi bodovi će se podijeliti već za mjesec dana na Karnevalskoj regati u Biogradu i to će ujedno biti prva regata u 2019. koja je uključena na jednu od ORC ljestvica. Obje ljestvice će bodove dodjeljivati jedrilicama, a ne kormilarima. Drugim riječima, otvara se prostor kalkulacijama i lakšem planiranju osvajanja vrha ljestvica, pogotovo ako ekipe koriste jedrilice iz chartera. Element vlasništva je ovdje posve nebitan, a nije loše spomenuti da je velika većina jedrilica u charteru je uredno premjerena i posjeduje potrebni certifikat. A za kraj je ostala bazična ljestvica za čije osvajanje jedre sudionici D-Marin CRO ORC Cupa. Kao što se iz imena vidi, sponzor ovog natjecanja je još uvijek D-Marin koji i dalje sponzorira regate za Cup koje se jedre u nekoj od njihovih marina, a to bi u principu bile sve osim Uskrsne regate koja je pod kapom PBZ Leasinga. foto: Hrvoje Duvančić - www.regate.com.hr Sponzorstvo D-Marina se i dalje koristi za smanjivanje troškova održavanja regate, pa su svi oni koji uplate godišnju članarinu u Udruzi ORC jedriličara i dalje pošteđeni startnine na regatama (osim Prvenstva Hrvatske gdje participiraju s dosta manjim iznosom). S druge strane od ove godine na Uskrsnoj regati se ponovno plaća startnina koje također nije bilo u posljednje vrijeme. Također više neće biti ni Open skupine, već će se jedriti isključivo po ORC-u, tako da ako planirate do Hvara u travnju provjerite da li imate valjan ORC certifikat! Broj regata koje će se ove godine jedriti za Cup je smanjen za čak dvije. Dosadašnja praksa je pokazala da regate koje se organiziraju u rujnu i listopadu imaju veliki problem s okupljanjem dovoljnog broja posada koje su najčešće spriječene obavezama u charteru. Tako su u službenom kalendaru ostale samo proljetne regate, a na jesen će se jedriti samo Prvenstvo Hrvatske: Datum Regata 09.03 - 10.03. Zadar ORC Cup 10.04 - 13.04. 23. Uskrsna regata 03.05 - 05.05. Šibenik ORC Cup - Pre worlds 13.11 - 15.11. Prvenstvo Hrvatske S obzirom na ovogodišnje ORC Svjetsko prvenstvo koje će se jedriti u Šibeniku od 31. svibnja do 8. lipnja u Udruzi se nadaju značajnijem porastu broja sudionika na regatama za Cup, dok bi se na Šibenik ORC Cupu u svibnju mogla naći međunarodna konkurencija na regatnom polju pored Zlarina. U svakom slučaju, bar po pitanju ORC-a, očekuje nas zanimljiva sezona! READ MORE

LOCAL SAILORS MAKE WAVES IN MIAMI, FL, USA © Martina Orsini / Star Class North Sails Ireland would like to congratulate Robert and Peter O'Leary for a fantastic result at the Star Class Junior World Championships in Miami. For this regatta Robert and Peter swapped positions in the boat with Robert taking the helm. Competition was extremely tough as it always is in the Star class but the Brothers just got better and better as they became more comfortable with their new roles winning the final race of the regatta. Imagine what they could have achieved with some real solid practice! Talking to Robert and Peter after the regatta they were quick to praise their boat speed generated in part by their North Sails. Peter has been a Star customer of North Sails since 2010 and has played a large part in developing the sails they are using today. To echo his own words, "once you have confidence in the kit it's easier to spend more time with your head out of the boat." Now straight after the Junior Worlds the Brothers are swapping back to their more familiar roles with Robert back in the crew seat for the Walker Cup and the MidWinters. North Sails Ireland would like to wish them all the best going into the final races of the Star midwinters today in Miami. We will be watching. Good Luck! © Martina Orsini / Star Class READ MORE

CODE VITORLÁK - FUTTATOTT ÉS ÉLES MENETEKHEZ „CODE” vitorláknak a specializált, gyors, lapos, betekerhető bőszeles vitorlákat nevezünk, amiknek a keresztmérete 50%-75%-a az alsóélnek. Ezek a vitorlák az Upwind orrvitorlák és a bőszeles vitorlák (spinnakerek/gennakerek) közé esnek. CODE vitorlák különösen hatékonyak a nagyteljesítményű egy- és többtestű hajóknál. A CODE Zero 75%-os keresztméretének köszönhetően, bizonyos osztályokban spinnakerként is felmérhető. A személyre szabott vitorlaformák, az elsőélre terhelő vitorlastruktúrának köszönhetően páratlan sebességet és stabilitást nyújtanak. 3Di CODE vitorlákban magas felbontású teherviselő szálak alkotják a szerkezet. A paneles vitorlák esetén a legoptimálisabb panelelrendezés, a választott anyagnak megfelelően. VÁLTOZATOK Code Zero (75% smg) spinnakerként felmérhető Code 70 (70-74% smg) bőszeles VMG Code 60 (60-69% smg) „Reacher” Code 50 (50-59% smg) „Tight Reacher” JELLEMZŐK • Helix Luff (Code Zero) • optiomalizált vitorlaforma • elsőélterhelésre tervezett struktúra • Soft Clew • állítható élkötelek • vitorlaszám, országjelzés • hitelesített felmérés • North zipzáras zsák OPCIONÁLIS • Helix Luff (Code 70) • Future Fibres Torquelite betekerős elsőél • SailKote Plus • egyedi grafika READ MORE

3Di ENDURANCE - GYORS, ELLENÁLLÓ, SOKOLDALÚ Föld Körül Vagy A Versenypályán 3Di Endurance a legellenállóbb változata a 3D formázott kompozit vitorláinknak. Az ENDURANCE az eredeti 3Di változat folyamatos továbbfejlesztése, ami legjobb teljesítményt a legnagyobb tartóssággal egyesíti. Az összes 3Di termék előnyét ötvözve az ENDURANCE vitorlákat egy speciális, felszíni gyantával, átitatott külső burkolat még ellenállóbbá teszi a külső, mechanikus behatások ellen (lobogás, hajtogatás, gyűrés, súrlódás és UV sugárzás). Sok vitorlázónak ez komoly előny, az enyhe súly és vastagság növekedés ellenére is. 3Di ENDURANCE ideális választás: • amennyiben a legfejlettebb túravitorlákat szeretné • ha tartós nagyteljesítményű versenyzésre is alkalmas vitorlát szeretne • egy szett vitorlát használna versenyzésre és túrázásra egyaránt VÁLTOZATOK + AJÁNLOTT FELHASZNÁLÁS ENDURANCE 760 : Ultra PE / Aramid ENDURANCE 780 : Ultra PE / Carbon / Aramid tavi túrázás, tengeri túrázás, tavi versenyzés, tengeri versenyzés, óceáni versenyzés, többtestűek ELÉRHETŐ VITORLATÍPUSOK standard nagyvitorla / átmenőlatnis nagyvitorla / árboc és boom betekerős nagyvitorlák / betekerős és nem betekerős orrvitorlák ENDURANCE ELŐNYEI • 3D formázott kompozit szerkezet • legellenállóbb 3Di vitorlák • meghatározó teljesítmény a tengeri vitorlák között READ MORE

CROSS-CUT - KÖNNYEN ELÉRHETŐ TARTÓSSÁG Mindennapi és Általános Használatra NPC Horizontál szabású vitorlákat nagy szakítószilárdságú NorDac Fill™ Polyester szövetből készítjük. North Sails már több mint 50 éve finomítja a NorDac anyagokat, jellemzőjük a lehető legsűrűbb szövés, a jó alaktartás, a kiemelkedő ellenállás a mechanikai behatásokra és a magas UV ellenállóság. NPC CROSS-CUT ideális választás: • olyan csúcsminőségű vitorlát szeretne, amelyek megfelel a költségvetésnek • magas élettartamú vitorlát szeretne • könnyedén, egyszerűen vitorlázna VÁLTOZATOK + AJÁNLOTT FELHASZNÁLÁS NorDac Fill Low Aspect (LA) : 2.5/1-nél kissebb magasság/szélesség arányú vitrolákhoz tervezve NorDac Fill high Aspect (HA) : különösen alkalmas magasabb, keskenyebb vitorlákhoz. taví túrázás, tengeri túrázás, óceáni túrázás, klub versenyzés ELÉRHETŐ VITORLATÍPUSOK standard nagyvitorla/átmenőlatnis nagyvitorla/árbocba és boomba tekerős nagyvitorlák/betekerős és nem betekerős orrvitorlák NPC CROSS-CUT ELŐNYEI • magas minőségű dacron szövet • könnyen kezelhető • versenyváltozatok sebességre és tartósságraoptimalizálva • széles spektrumú szélviszonyokra • horizontál szabással, a hátsóéllel párhuzamosra igazítva a legalacsonyabb nyúlás érdekében READ MORE

NPL SPORT - VILÁGVEZETŐ LAMINÁLT ANYAGOK Verseny Paneles Vitorlák NPL SPORT vitorlákat a nagyteljesítményű NORTH SAILS Xi Race laminált anyagból készítjük, amit a világ legfejlettebb gyártósorán állítunk elő. Az eredmény: kivételes minőségű kötés, minimális agasztóanyag felhasználásával. Az iparágban egyedülálló eXact™ eljárás lehetővé teszi, hogy gyártás közben módosítsuk a teherviselő szálak irányát a teherviselő hálón belül. A precíziós eXact eljárás előnye a hagyományos fix szövésű hálóval szemben, az anyagba fektetetett kevesebb, de hatékonyabb teherviselő réteg. NPL SPORT ideális választás: • osztályelőírás nem engedi a 3Di technológiát • kedvezőbb árú vitorlákat szeretne versenyzéshez • magas teljesítményű ”CODE” vitorlákhoz VÁLTOZATOK + AJÁNLOTT FELHASZNÁLÁS Xi RACE : tiszta Mylar külső rétegek, fekete Twaron/Technora® teherviselő szálak, eXact X-háló Xi RACE T : kiegészítő egyoldalas taffeta Xi CODE : könnyebb (0.75mil) külső film Xi CODE T : kiegészítő egyoldalas könnyű taffeta one design/tavi versenyzés/tengeri versenyzés ELÉRHETŐ VITORLATÍPUSOK standard nagyvitorla / átmenőlatnis nagyvitorla / square top nagyvitorla / verseny orrvitorlák / CODE vitorlák NPL SPORT ELŐNYEI • vezető paneles vitorla a one design és klub versenyzésben • erősebb, könnyebb, kisebb nyúlás a többi laminált anyaghoz képest • egyedülálló mélynyomásos gyártósor, integrált eXact variálható hálókészítővel READ MORE

3Di NorDac - ERŐS, LETISZTULT , VARRÁS NÉLKÜL A Dacron Vitorla Újrafeltalálva 3Di NorDac egyesíti a kompozit 3D sablonon formázott technológiát a megbízható, tartós polyester szálakkal, amiket a vitorlázók évtizedek óta bizalommal használnak. Az eredmény egy innovatív vitorla, simább felülettel és permanens aerodinamikai formával. Az exkluzív gyártástechnológiának köszönhetően, magasabb teljesítményt lehet elérni a hagyományos teherviselő szálakkal. North Sails kifejezetten a kisebb és közepes méretű hajók számára fejlesztette a 3Di NorDac-ot. 3Di NorDac gyorsabb, könnyebben kezelhető, elérhető árú és nagyon tartós. 3Di NORDAC ideális választás: • értékeli a nagyszerű formájú vitorlákat • szeretné hajójából kihozni a legnagyobb teljesítményt • tartósságot és a kitűnő értéket várja • paneles szövet vitorláknál nagyobb teljesítményt szeretne VÁLTOZATOK + AJÁNLOTT FELHASZNÁLÁS 3Di NORDAC : 100% Polyester tavi, tengeri és földkerülő, kis és közepes méretű hajókra ELÉRHETŐ VITORLATÍPUSOK standard nagyvitorla/átmenőlatnis nagyvitorla/árbocba és boomba tekerős nagyvitorlák/ betekerős és nem betekerős orrvitorlák 3DI NORDAC ELŐNYEI • egy részből álló, 3D formázott kompozit vitorla • 100% polyester, a legtartósabb anyag • fehér szín, kiváló ellenállással a mechanikus behatásokra • változó anyagsűrűség, irány és rétegek a terhelések szerint • integrált latnizsákok, erősítések és reff struktúra • magas UV tűrés READ MORE

RADIAN - RADIÁL SZÖVÉSŰ FORRADALOM Alacsony Nyúlás A Szövetvitorlákban Saját szabadalmú NPC Radian egyedi vitorlaszövetünk, nem laminált polyester, radiál paneles konstrukciókhoz készül. A hosszirányú, egyenes szálak közé, speciálisan formázott keresztszálakat fonunk. Ez teszi lehetővé, hogy a vitorlákat radiál szabással, szofisztikáltabb panel elrendezéssel készítsük, mint a hagyományos horizontál szabásúakat. NPC Radiannal vitorlázók film és ragasztás mentesen élvezhetik a szabás előnyeit és az alacsonyabb nyúlást. NPC RADIAN ideális választás: • szeretné a polyester szövet tartósságát • szeretné a triradiál szabás fejlettebb szerkezetét, nagyobb formastabilitását • kis, közepes méretű verseny, túraverseny hajója van • one design osztályban versenyez, ahol előírás a szövet anyaga VÁLTOZATOK + AJÁNLOTT FELHASZNÁLÁS NorDac Radian : magas szakítószilárdságú polyester, szabadalmaztatott szövésminta, melemine impregnált bevonat NorDac Radian OLY : exkluzív „magas molekula tömegű” urethane „OLY” bevonat (One Design vitorlákon) tavi túrázás, tengeri túrázás, tavi versenyzés, tengeri versenyzés, one design és klub versenyzés ELÉRHETŐ VITORLATÍPUSOK standard nagyvitorlák / átmenőlatnis nagyvitorlák / square top nagyvitorlák / árbocba és boomba betekerős nagyvitorlák / betekerős orrvitorlák / nem betekerős orrvitorlák NPC RADIAN ELŐNYEI • polyester szövet bizonyított tartóssága • magas szakítószilárdságú polyester szabadalmaztatott szövéssel • magas ellenállás a mechanikai hatások és az UV károsodás ellen • one design verseny nyerő teljesítmény READ MORE

PREPARATION FOR THE SCOR REGATTA North Sails Charleston Is Always On Your Team 2018 SCOR Regatta 📸 Priscilla Parker The North Sails team in Charleston will be on hand to lend support to all teams in preparation for the the upcoming SCOR Regatta. Taking place February 15 - 17, all teams will have the support of local experts John Bowden, Tripp Fellabom and Ervin Grove as they prepare their crews and boats for the collegiate regatta. Kicking off on February 15th at 1pm in Carolina Yacht Club, the North experts will be available to provide guidance on crew handling, placement and maneuvers. | Notice of Race Carolina Yacht Club Sailing Center | Friday February 15th | 1pm READ MORE

NORTH U AT COLUMBIA YACHT CLUB Bill Gladstone Shares Advice on Tactics & Speed It was great to have our old friend & former Evanston resident Bill Gladstone back in Chicago at Columbia Yacht Club for the first of our winter seminars. In conjunction with CASRA and Columbia Yacht Club, our objective this winter is to give all involved sailors the opportunity to invest time in the development of their sailing knowledge base. "If nothing else, it helps keep the memory of warmer sailing days alive as we wait for the next season on the water. We are inspired when knowledgeable sailors let us know they came away with a few bits of clarification or a deeper knowledge of tactics at these events." We had 80+ participants on a cold, snowy Wednesday night for Bill’s introductory North U. survey seminar on “Tactics Tips & Go Fast Topics”. The North U courses take a full day, each discussing Speed and then Tactics, so Bill had his work cut out trying to fit as much as he could into two hours. Bill began his seminar with the “pyramid of success” for sailboat racing. Starting with a foundation of Boat Handling, he emphasized the importance of practicing with specific drills and tips on increasing proficiency of captain and crew alike. With better Boat Handling, you can then start to focus on increasing your Boat Speed, which in turn will allow you spend more effort on maximizing your Position on the race course. Sailboat racing is a bit like chess, in that the maximum enjoyment comes from mastering the mental aspects of the game; but you cannot get to that point until you first know how all the pieces can move! Those sailing components include boat handling, crew teamwork, boat & equipment prep, understanding sail shape & trim, steering, & more – all topics that are dealt with, in detail, at the full North U Speed course. Thank you, Bill, for a very enjoyable learning experience. We hope to see in March at another event! Upcoming events include: March 2: Chicago March 3: Milwaukee March 3: Chicago - CYC Monroe Meet'n'Greet March 13: Chicago - Chicago Mac Strategy Seminar READ MORE

STARTING STRATEGIES, SAIL TRIM + TUNING New Year, New Skills With Your Local Experts Wednesday March 20 | 6:00PM The margin between a mid-fleet finish and winning is often less than 2%. At our racing seminars, you will learn the fundamental concepts and nuanced techniques that can deliver your winning margin. Join North Sails experts Chuck Allen, Tim Healy, Will Welles, and Mike Marshall for a night dedicated to starting strategies, sail trim and tuning. RSVP today for this complimentary seminar, open to all boats, and join us in March at the Portsmouth, RI loft READ MORE

PARABÉNS A TODOS OS VELEJADORES NORTH SAILS PELOS RESULTADOS NO SEIXAL Na regata do passado fim-de-semana, o Francisco Uva e o Augusto Castelo Branco tiveram uma grande prestação e subiram ao podium como 2º e 3º classificados, respectivamente. Francisco Uva Photo Credits:Luis Fráguas Augusto Castelo Branco Photo Credits: Luis Fráguas As velejadoras Katharina Leite e Matilde Bandeira fizeram, também, um excelente trabalho! A Katharina conquistou o 1º lugar e a Matilde o 3ºlugar, em Feminino. Katharina Leite Photo Credits: Luis Fráguas Matilde Bandeira Photo Credits: Luis Fráguas Entre os onze primeiros classificados foram 6 os velejadores North Sails. Competiram com os modelos de vela R-1 o Francisco Uva e a Matilde Bandeira, com a R-2 o Augusto Castelo Branco, com a R-4 o Salvador Baptista-Fernandes e o Maxx de Groot e com a R-5 a Katharina Leite. Não podemos deixar de referir que o velejador Maxx de Groot está na sua primeira época de competição. Parabéns pelo bom trabalho! No final, o Francisco Uva consolidou, assim, a sua posição no ranking centro, mantendo-se no primeiro lugar da tabela. Agora é continuar a treinar com empenho, pois Vilamoura está mesmo à porta! Até lá, não deixem de nos consultar para mais informações sobre as North Sails. Photo Credits: Luis Fráguas Contacte-nos já hoje! Sail Fast and Good Luck! READ MORE

THE NEW NORTH SAILS LONG BEACH Your Team Has Moved To Long Beach. Visit Our New Location, Open Now North Sails is excited to announce the opening of our new loft in Long Beach, CA. Managed by local experts Bill Herrschaft and Zack Maxam, the North Sails loft previously based in Costa Mesa has moved operations to a new location: 5752 E 2nd Street, Long Beach, CA 90903. Open now, the new loft is ideally located in Long Beach, the racing hub of central California and is in close proximity to serve local clubs including Long Beach Yacht Club and ABYC. The new location will be convenient for sail pickup and drop off and service work on the extensive dinghy fleet in the area. Working in close partnership with North's West coast superyacht hub in San Diego, the majority of larger sails will be transported and serviced in San Diego where the extensive floor space is designed to handle any service needs. North Sails has a long history in the Long Beach area, stemming from the original location in the late 70's. The team is excited to return to the area as the new location allows full coverage and support for clients based in Marina Del Rey down through to Dana Point, with Long Beach as the central hub. "One of the many benefits for everyone in the relocation effort is that we can now provide customer service to a broader range of territory, and we have a great location for clients to visit and talk about their sails" - Bill Herrschaft, Loft Manager The new loft is a fresh addition to the downtown Long Beach area and a prime space for clients to meet with the sales and design team. Contact your local team at 949-645-4660 and make sure you stop in and visit. READ MORE

NEW OK DINGHY CLASS LEADER Singlehanded Champion Takes Lead In Sail Development © Robert Deaves Charlie Cumbley came into sailing through his family. “My grandpa worked for a boat builder, and then I got started just for leisure,” he says. “I wasn’t involved in any junior race teams. I just went out and found any boats I could sail, and that’s how it progressed until I got relatively serious in Finn sailing in my late teens and ended up meeting Paul Hobson. For my sins,” he adds, laughing. Hobson invited him to join North Sails One Design in 2006, which Charlie describes as “an awful long time ago.” Today his title is One Design Sales Manager for the UK and gets involved in “everything from Optimists to J/80s.” He’s recently been named class leader in the OK Dinghy. By his own estimate, Charlie has won something like fifteen national championships “across a little range of vessels.” He earned a spot on the podium at many international OK events the last couple of years and was winning the 2018 OK Dinghy Europeans until the last race, when he lost a tight battle with Star champion Freddy Loof. Though he feels he has the most experience in singlehanded boats, Charlie also sails Etchells and J/70s. “Nothing gets too stale, which is quite nice. And,” he adds, laughing, “I’ve got someone else to blame.” © Robert Deaves OK Resurgence When Charlie first started sailing the OK, the fifty year old class was just starting what he calls its second wind. “130 boats at the 2018 Worlds; it’s definitely on the up.” Older designs like the OK are coming back, he thinks, because people get tired of just going fast. “They like getting back into a boat where the racing’s really close and really tactical.” And unlike the Finn, “you don’t need to be a monster of a guy” to sail the OK, though there are plenty of Olympians (like Loof) in the fleet. “Sailors who maybe aren’t quite as strong as they used to be can get involved in this class, and if they’re good, they can have some decent results. People always like doing well, don’t they?” The OK offers enough tweakability for retired Finn and Star sailors, thanks to its origins as a trainer for the singlehanded Olympic class. The masts are carbon, “not quite as exotic as the Finn mast, so it’s not like a small mortgage to buy one, but they’re quite nicely refined now. The new boats they’re knocking out are really nice bits of kit.” © Robert Deaves Sail Development The class is strong in northern Europe and also in New Zealand and Australia. Charlie says having design groups in both hemispheres helps ensure year-round progress. “They can push on things through their summer, when it’s our winter and a bit quieter, and vice versa. They give help and feedback and design input, and then I compare it to what we’re getting over here, and then we make a decision on where we go. So, there’s been quite a lot of development in 2018. The sail that won the Worlds was the Kiwi design, which was great. Our UK design was third and leading up until the last race.” North offers three different OK sail designs, so there’s something for everyone regardless of “where you sail, how heavy you are, and how stiff your mast is.” For big events, each competitor can measure in two sails. “You could quite happily measure in a full and a flat sail, which is what I do and what other guys do. You end up with a two sail inventory.” And each design has a large crossover, he clarifies, “so that you don’t get into that situation where you’re sailing round in five knots with a sail that’s designed purely for 20 knots and pulling your hair out.” Mast stiffness used to be a large variable, but over the last few years the masts have become more one design—which means sail design can be more refined as well. “All the sails are built with custom luff curves to fit the mast,” Charlie says, “ just like we do in the Finns for the Olympic guys. It’s pretty customizable.” Charlie travels quite a bit to sail, so when he’s home he tries to spend as much time as possible with his wife and two kids. His older daughter is almost big enough for Optimists, which means “I’ll become an Optimist parent. Scary things happen then!” As for the OK Dinghy, Charlie hopes to one day step on to the top of the Worlds podium—but not in 2019, since he couldn’t make it to New Zealand. “Hopefully, the Kiwi guys nail the Worlds and we’ll sit down after that and have a little chat and see things we can improve on,” he says. “Work on through the season. With more good sailors coming in, you need to keep pushing, getting those little details right.” © Robert Deaves READ MORE

SAIL POWER: DEPOWERING & POWERING-UP By Bill Gladstone This article is derived from the North U Trim Seminar. North U offers seminars, clinics, books, media, online training, and coaching. Visit NorthU.com to Learn More In the previous segment we explored sail shape and sail power in moderate air, and how proper shape varies with sea state. In this segment we explore Angle of Attack in moderate air trim and also techniques for de-powering in heavy air and powering-up in light air. Moderate Air Trim Angle of Attack At full power in moderate air we adjust the mix of depth and twist to suit the conditions – adding depth and twist as chop increasing to improve acceleration and create a wider steering groove, or trimming with less depth and less twist for higher pointing and higher speed in smooth water. Meanwhile we adjust and fine tune angle of attack through steering and traveler to maintain full power, speed, and balance. Much of the time this falls largely to the driver – footing off when underpowered or feathering up when overpowered to keep the boat at full power. As we push to the high end of moderate air, and particularly in puffy conditions, a helm response alone is not enough. In these conditions playing the traveler is also critical to maintaining proper heel, balance, and speed. (On boats without a traveler there are alternate techniques, covered in Sail Controls, later.) When the main trimmer is doing a great job the angle of heel and helm load will not change – the trimmer will play the traveler as the wind changes, down in the puffs and up in the lulls. When perfectly executed the main trimmer is really driving the boat upwind, with the rudder following along as a trim tab. Fig. 401 Angle of attack is controlled both by the driver and sail trimmers. Increase power by bearing off or trimming in; reduce power by feathering up or lowering the traveller down. Pulling the traveller up and sailing higher might provide the same speed at a higher angle. It would be worth a try… Heavy Air De-Powering In overpowering conditions sail power can be reduced by reducing angle of attack, by flattening the sail depth, or by increasing twist. Each reduces power, but which is preferred? Often it is best to start to de-power by flattening sails while keeping closed leeches to maintain pointing ability. This is the case as the wind often builds more quickly than the waves, so we get relatively smooth water in a building breeze. In chop or waves it may be preferred to use twist to control power while maintaining depth for acceleration. If steering is difficult, then de-powering with twist can create a wider, more forgiving steering groove. Most commonly, the de-powering progression would include changes in both depth and twist. Angle of attack is played moment to moment by the driver and trimmers to maintain speed, pointing and balance at full power: neither overpowered nor under-powered. A core challenge of upwind sail trim is achieving not just the correct total power, but the correct blend of angle of attack, depth and twist; and then adjusting total power and the mix to keep up with ever-changing conditions. Fig. 402. The boat shows great trim in fresh breeze, with sails flat and twisted, and the traveler down. Note the modest heel and balanced helm. Note also matching shape of the jib and main. Steering in Waves When the boat is difficult to steer in the waves that often means it is out of trim. If you’re underpowered as you squeeze up and knocked on your ear as you bear off it is not bad steering – it’s poor trim. Adding some twist and depth will create a wider steering groove and provide more punch to get through the waves. We are often told to steer up the faces and bear off down the backs of waves. We’re going to change that: If the boat is well trimmed it will find its own best path through the waves. You can help by playing the traveler (or sheet if vang sheeting) rather than steering with the rudder. Fig. 403. For best performance in waves set up with some depth for punch and with twist to provide a more gradual onset and release of power. Light Air Trim Less than Full Power And what about light air, when we don’t have power to trade? When sailing in underpowered conditions we sail with a wide angle of attack to increase power, a deep sail shape for added power, and as little twist as possible without stalling airflow. As we’ve seen in earlier segments, trimming to the wind gradient often requires substantial twist in light air. The wide angle of attack and deep sail shape that add power in light air are also prone to stalling, so substantial twist in needed in lighter winds to encourage airflow and prevent stalling. Fig. 404. In light air we maximize power with a wide angle of attack, deep sail shape, and just enough twist to prevent a stall. Re-Powering In a fading wind the chop will often linger so power is added with depth as the breeze fades while twist is maintained to preserve a wide steering groove. One final bit We’ll see more on this theme of Mix of Power throughout the remaining Upwind Trim segments. We’ll also address the balance of power between the main and jib as part of our ongoing mix of power discussion. Pro Tip (wink wink) To protect your reputation as a sail trim expert NEVER make a change in trim as the breeze fades. Here’s why: In a building breeze pretty much any change you make will improve speed, so when you see a puff coming, make a change. The puff hits and voila – performance and your reputation improve. In a fading breeze, no matter what you do, performance will suffer. If you make a change as the breeze fades then your reputation will suffer along with performance – DON’T do it. © Copyright Bill Gladstone READ MORE

NORTH SAILS CONFIRMED AS SUPPLIER TO STAR + STRIPES TEAM USA The New, All-American Team Have Picked The World’s Leading Sailmaker In Its Quest For A Historic Victory 📸 Stars + Stripes Team USA North Sails is proud to announce they have been selected to supply sails and design expertise to Stars + Stripes Team USA, one of the American challengers for the 36th America’s Cup. This follows the news (Nov 2018 ) that North Sails is the sailmaker of choice for defender Emirates Team New Zealand, and Challengers Prada Luna Rossa and INEOS TEAM UK, who are all vying to win the oldest trophy in international sport. JB Braun, Director of Design and Engineering for North Sails, will also serve as technical director for Stars + Stripes Team USA. In doing so, JB joins an enviable roster of North Sails designers who are currently embedded with North Sails’ confirmed teams. They all bring with them expertise and innovation to a highly complex and competitive challenge in building a boat to win this event. As part of his role, JB will be looking at how to maximize all the elements that make the ‘Engine above Deck’ on these powerful foiling monohulls. He will also lead further development and optimization of the design package Star + Stripes Team USA have purchased from Emirates Team New Zealand. 📸 Stars + Stripes Team USA JB Braun commented: “I have been involved in the America’s Cup for over 18 years and in that time I have seen technology and innovation change things beyond recognition. But one thing remains the same – the fastest boat wins. That means every part of your boat, from the carbon hull and foils to the mast and sails, with an emphasis on the sailing team, have to be the very best and able to sail faster and smarter.” “Our challenge this time, with a new boat and much to learn, is how we ensure we are sailing the boat close to optimum trim a higher percentage of the time than our competition. I am excited to be a part of Stars + Stripes Team USA and see how we develop the boat and team into a winning unit.” Braun’s expertise with America’s Cup programs is rivaled by few. His America’s Cup career began with Young America in 2000, then he joined Stars + Stripes in 2003, followed by 12 years with Oracle Team USA. Braun was an integral part of the aero design and analysis that helped Oracle Team USA make their famous comeback during the 34th America’s Cup in San Francisco. Staying true to their American roots, Stars + Stripes Team USA will work closely with the North Sails design and construction team in Minden, Nevada, the birthplace for North’s 3D sailmaking innovation. Ken Read, President of North Sails, commented: “We pride ourselves at North Sails as having the best minds, known for pushing boundaries and finding answers to challenging problems. There is no doubt that this new boat will be cutting edge and very fast, but how you combine this new aero package with crew limitations and reliability will be the key to victory. JB is a proven success in the America’s Cup but more than that, he understands how to bring all the elements of design, technology and innovation together to create something that delivers. I am delighted that he has been able to join another Stars + Stripes team, this time with a new generation of sailors and a whole different ball game. I can only look forward to watching how things move from the design process to the sailing stage and where the teams get to with this new rule.” Stars + Stripes Team USA Co-Founder Mike Buckley (L) and Helmsman Taylor Canfield (R) 📸 Stars + Stripes Team USA READ MORE

3Di BRINGS WINGS TO NEW HEIGHTS AT THE J/88 MIDWINTERS Five Bullets Guarantees The Title in St. Pete © Chris Howell Taking on a new sailing challenge is nothing new for Mike Bruno. Through nearly 3 decades of racing he and his team have raced, and succeeded, in several different boats. So when the J/88 launched onto the scene Mike jumped in and the Wings program had a new sailing challenge to conquer. Fresh of their recent win at JFest in St. Petersburg we wanted to know more about the Wings team and their thoughts on their 3Di sails. Mike, first of congratulations to you and your team on Wings for your continued success in the J88. Can you share with us a little bit about your sailing background and how long have you been sailing in the J88 class? Thanks! We are having fun with Wings and continue to learn more and more about sailing the J88 fast. As how we got this far, I started out as casual cruising sailor and began racing about 25 years ago. I would say that in the past 15 years or so we have gotten fairly serious about racing and being competitive. We had a Jonmeri 40’ named Karjala, which I built and raced for many years, then a series of ‘Wings’. First was a J/124 I raced for 2 years. It was a nice boat but we found it to have a tough rating to sail, so we traded it for a J/122. The J/122 really was a great step and I successfully campaigned that boat, with a few partners, for 8 years initially, as a one design. The J/122 program brought us some great results including winning the North American title twice and a Rolex award at a NYYC regatta. That brought us to the current Wings, the J/88, which I bought the 3 years ago. We have really enjoyed this program and had great wins including the inaugural J88 North Americans as well as a big win at Key West Race Week. The pictures from the JFest Regatta in St. Petersburg made it appear that you had good breeze for the event. Did the conditions match up with the pictures throughout the championship? St. Petersburg Yacht Club runs excellent events and Tampa Bay can be a bit “challenging” so you really never know what you will get on any given day, especially in the winter. That said, the sailing conditions at the JFest were certainly fair. Across the entire event I’d say the breeze ranged from 8-20 knots. I think the cooler conditions (locals may call it “unseasonable”) played a role in how much pressure we had throughout the weekend. Also, Tampa Bay is quite shallow so there was a reasonable amount of sea state but the very steady breeze overall and significant shifts kept every team on their toes and working hard looking for opportunities to be gained via tactics and gear changing. Can you tell us a little bit about your team, who does what and how long have you all been together? The team is really made up of a large group of great friends and awesome sailors and, like many others, we find we are rotating in and jumbling pieces for any particular event to make sure we, not only do well, but have fun. For JFest Midwinters I held the tiller and had Chris Morgan, a local Floridian, trim main and work with me on our overall speed. Stu Johnstone was our tactician and really had a great feel for the bay the entire weekend. Tim Randall ran the pit for us while Mike Booker did all the headsail trimming and Stephen Yip ran the bow. Looking back through the weekend what were the keys to your success at the mid-winters? It’s a great question as it forces me to look back and try to pinpoint a few things I think we did really well. 1. The biggest thing was we were just able to sail a bit higher and faster than the fleet much of the time. A lot goes into that for sure. The team really worked hard on proper rig tune and working the sails and trim constantly to maximize the boats potential but our new North 3Di sails were probably the most significant difference in our ability to make that happen. 2. Our crew work was excellent! As a skipper knowing that your team can execute any maneuver at a seconds notice and pull it off without a hitch is a huge confidence builder for the entire boat. It seems that at almost every mark rounding we seemed to gain 1-3 boat lengths. 3. I mentioned earlier that Stu Johnstone called or tactics for the weekend and he was really on tactically this regatta Stu didn’t miss anything which also gave us terrific confidence. We did make a few mistakes in the event, including being over early at the start in 2 races.In the last race we were over (again) and we started, probably, 300 yards behind fleet but Stu kept us in the game, and we kept using our boat speed and crew work to do all we could to gain distance and we still nearly won the race!! I guess maybe the new saying is “When you have a great team and fast sails it’s never over until it’s over!”. What are your 2019 sailing plans for the J88? Wings has a very full 2019 sailing calendar. We have already done the Egmont Key Race and St. Pete J Fest. Up next in February is the St Pete NOODs then we head up to Charleston Race Week in April. From there the team will go back north for the American Yacht Club Spring and Fall, Cedar Point One Design Regatta, Block Island Race Week, possibly the New York Yacht Club 175th Regatta as well as J Fest in Newport with a focus on the J88 NAs in mid October. Thanks Mike and congratulations again. Sounds like you have a full schedule set with an awesome team. Good luck the rest of the year, have fun and sail fast! Learn about North 3Di products for the J/88 Class. READ MORE

DIE NÄCHSTE MESSE STEHT VOR DER TÜR SuisseNautic in Bern Vom 20. - 24. Februar finden Sie uns an der SuisseNautic in Bern in der Halle 3.2 am Stand E02. Gerne können Sie schon heute einen Termin mit uns abmachen: 071 680 00 80 READ MORE

NORTH SAILS TAKE TOP HONOURS AT THE BAY OF ISLANDS SAILING WEEK A record-breaking number of boats turned out for the 2019 CRC Bay of Islands Sailing Week, with yachts carrying North Sails taking top honours in many divisions. Ker 40 Icebreaker 📸 Lissa Reyden A total of 116 yachts entered this year, up from just over 100 in 2018, and an extra Island Racing division had to be created to accommodate all the entries. The biggest winner of the regatta was local boat Kia Kaha, skippered by Chris Hornell, an older TP52 which took out the South Pacific PHRF Championships trophy with a local crew and an inventory including many North sails. Division A was won on line by TP52 Mayhem, with a full North Sails wardrobe. But everyone was a winner who got to spend three days sailing around one of New Zealand’s most beautiful bays, enjoying near perfect conditions with 8–12 knots and sunny skies every day. North Sails designer Magnus Doole, sales and marketing manager Andrew Wills, loft manager Guy Hewson and master sailmaker Casey Bellingham raced on different boats in the highly competitive B division. Doole and the crew on Ker 40 Icebreaker came out on top, winning on line, PHRF and general handicap, after taking out every race on line. Doole says conditions were perfectly suited to Icebreaker, which was utilising a new North 3Di mainsail and number 1.5 jib. "The 1.5 design is based on the latest-generation TP52 Super Series mould, and we definitely had a noticeable VMG gain in its range," he says. "We decided that with the configuration changes we had made to the boat, we wouldn’t get a new number 1, but get a 1.5 and focus on having a great result in this regatta, where we knew conditions were often in that 8–12 knot range." There was a slight hiccup on the last day, when Icebreaker started prematurely and had to go back, but they quickly managed to get back out in front, before the first mark. "We had boat-speed to burn when we needed it," Doole says, adding that the Bay of Islands "is a pretty great place to go yachting." Also in the B division, Stomp 38 Titanium (now owned by Bellingham and his brother) finished second and Clockwork (with Hewson aboard) third on PHRF, while Soto 40 Alegre, with Wills in her crew, finished second on line. 📸 Lissa Reyden Boats with North sails also took honours in the various Island Racing divisions, where yachts sail longer courses around the beautiful Bay. Ran Tan, with North general manager Richard Bicknell on board, won Island Racing A on PHRF and general handicap, with Bull Rush third on general; First Picasso took out general handicap in Island Racing B; Rattle n Rum was first on PHRF in Island Racing C, and Black Magic first on PHRF in Island Racing F. The sportsboat division provided some close and exciting racing, with pro sailor Stu Wilson and his crew on Shaw 7 Angry Dragon, using North sails, taking out line and handicap honours. North One Design manager Derek Scott steered Magic 25 w-8 Up to second place on general handicap. There was also tight racing in the Young 88 division, where North Sails expert Matt Kelway sailed aboard Flash Gordon, using a North Sails main cut to the new radial design. "We had a really great week, doing two windward-leewards and a harbour race each day," he says. "It was all tied up going into the last day and we had close racing the whole time." Kelway says it’s great to see Bay of Islands continuing to be so well supported by local sailors, with the fleet this year reaching record numbers in the event’s 17th year. "It’s fantastic that there were so many boats, and so much interest in the island racing divisions. You can do windward-leewards anywhere, but people want to get out and see the islands and what the Bay has to offer." READ MORE

NEW MELGES 24 3DI SAILS SHINES IN MIAMI Bruce Ayres’s Monsoon Dominate The Bacardi Winter Series If there is one thing that is a constant at North Sails it is our team is never satisfied. We are constantly working to make better and faster sails and the recent 3Di development for the Melges 24 sails is not different. The North M24 team, along with sail designer Mike Marshall, spent time in Miami for the Bacardi Winter Series working with M24 teams, including teams Monsoon and Lucky Dog, on the new 3Di designs. The results were amazing with Monsoon combining 3Di speed with a talented team of sailors to win the event. North Melges 24 expert John Bowden caught up with Stars + Stripes Team USA Skipper and Monsoon’s tactician Mike Buckley to get some insights on the success of his team along the series and his impressions on the new 3Di mainsail for the Melges 24 class. Mike, congratulations again to the team on Monsoon. You had an incredibly impressive score line at the Bacardi Winter Series with top 5 in the all races of both events. Can you share with us a few key points, in your opinion, are some of the keys to success with your Melges 24 program? Thank you, John, fun sailing against you and the other teams in the class. Sailing with the team on Monsoon is always fun as we work really hard and complement each other quite well. That said, there are some key points that we really focus on that I think any team can utilize to improve. Keep it simple, no home runs. Pass a boat or two each leg and trust the process. Speed, good crew work, no major errors. Though these may seem overly generic I really feel this helps us gain the consistency you mentioned and keeps the team prepared for success. You guys were very open to work with the new 3Di mainsail and spend time with our team optimizing the sail. How did the North 3Di main respond and perform in the range of conditions? The sails certainly performed really well across quite a broad range. We were happy with our speed which made my job easier! Did you make any changes to your tuning for the new 3Di main? That is a good question. The Melges 24 is a fairly high tech boat with strict one design rules so making sure the tuning is spot on for every condition is critical. We found that we are tending to sail a little bit tighter on our rig tensions, on average, with the 3Di main. Also, we found we were trimming a bit harder across the board. Not a huge amount but certainly something we talked about which, possibly, gave us another gear at times. What do you see as the biggest advantage of changing to the new 3Di main? One thing that is great about sailing with Bruce and the team on Monsoon is we always try to be on the front of the technology shift. When sailing in tight, competitive fleets like the Melges 24, it is fairly important to be leading the pack when looking for a competitive edge. Having that technology available in the Melges 24 and being open to test and lead the way made the path to using 3Di a great option. Monsoon is one of the best Melges 24 teams in the fleet. How are you preparing the 2019 season and what do you attribute your team’s success? We have a really fun team to compete with and I think that’s important. As we build Stars + Stripes Team USA I always have in the back of my mind the fantastic culture we have on Monsoon. We all want to hike harder for each other, we all want to trim better for each other, I want to hit shifts for my teammates. It’s not easy to find that chemistry but it’s probably the most important aspect of sport. Congratulations Team Monsoon! Power your Melges 24 with 3Di sails. Lucky Dog powered by the North 3Di jib for the Melges 24 class. READ MORE

THEIS PALM TAMES THE DRAGON Introducing Our New Class Leader Theis (far left) racing with his team African Queen celebrating the win at the 2018 Gold Cup. ©sailpix.fi North Sails expert Theis Palm, has been appointed class leader for the Dragon. Theis has sailed on a lot of different boats in his 42 years as a sailmaker—including the Crown Prince of Denmark’s Farr 40 and his Dragon. He’s won eight world championships (Soling, Yngling, H-boat, Dragon, and 1/4 Ton), 3 Gold Cups (Dragon and Nordic Folkboat), two Europeans (Dragon and X-79), and 28 Danish Nationals in a whopping nine different classes. He feels lucky to sail almost exclusively in One designs. “On a one design sailing day you sail one hundred percent of you time spend, but on a big boat you only sail forty percent and the rest of the time is organizing.” He’s based out of the loft in Herlev, Denmark, less than half an hour northwest of Copenhagen, though he spends a lot of time traveling to regattas. Palm began sailing in the Optimist in 1968, and moved on to other dinghies like Europe, Flipper and OK, before an opportunity to sail with double gold medalist Poul Richard Hoj Jensen led him to sail small keelboats. He was part of a medal-winning Danish Olympic training squad, and his team finished 3rd at the Pre-Olympics in 1995. He has been working as a sailmaker since 1977, and spend five years as Head coach for Danish Olympic Sailing Team up to the 2004 Olympics in Athen. He went to his first Dragon regatta in 1998. “I like the Dragon because it’s a true three person boat. It was designed back in the 1920s, and it’s a very sensitive boat which makes it fun to sail. Many very good sailors sail the boat up to a high age, and that is great.” He also enjoys the high level of competition. The annual Gold Cup has “between 10-15 boats that could win. There’s not many classes where you have so many boats that can win an event. There are many good sailors and a lot of professional sailors from Russia, England, Germany and United States. “I had been helping some Russians teams and then they actually switched over to our brand. I am a little bit happy about that because they are pretty strong in the class at the moment, and most of them are using our sails. So that has been a good effort there.” ©sailpix.fi Palm enjoys sharing his expertise with other Dragon teams and also helping North’s design team fine-tune the sails. “I’ve been sailing a lot in my life, so I have a good feeling for how sails should look to be fast… and I started sailmaking when we made them 2D on the floor. Understanding that can help to transfer good designs into 3D is a Big advantage.” Dragon class rules currently limit sail materials to woven cloth, which he says limits the design options to improve already fast sails. “We have very nice shaped Dragon sails, so it’s hard to find another two to three percent in the sails. Maybe you find it in a very, very narrow wind range, but we build huge crossovers sails so you don’t take the wrong sail. We’ve been very conservative with designs, because we are hard to beat.” His customers also appreciate design stability. “They know our product. I have sailors who order a new sail and say, ‘No changes please? Good, I can use same mark on my mainsheet. Don’t change anything because we are fast!’ We have a very good product line.” Because development happens very slowly, Palm focuses “more on the service, or the tuning, or the setting on the boats, where you can move clients to be better. I like helping them to better understand what happens with the sails when you tune the rig. That’s why it’s so important to meet clients in the field.” And Palm says North Sails will be ready to evolve when the class is ready. “The company is really looking into the future all the time. 3Di on smaller keelboats is an outstanding product. I hope in the next five years we can convince many One Design class to change their class rules.” Until then, Palm will keep learning new tricks and passing them along to other Dragon sailors. “There are so many things to trim on the boat and the rig, it really makes a difference even if you make very small changes.” Interested in sails for your Dragon? Contact your local expert today. READ MORE

WHIRLWIND WEEK AT THE TORONTO INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW 10 Days of All Things Sailing for North Sails Toronto What a jam-packed 10 days it was for our Toronto crew at #TIBS2019. While the weather was less than favourable the first weekend, it was still a great time with friends old and new. Our reps from Kingston (George Jackson), Quebec (Miro Balcar) and Hamilton (Doug Folsetter) also joined us for the show! Office manager, Louisa Sonosky, shares how “the show was an amazing way to kick off the New Year and get people thinking about sailing again.” Everyone was able to put a little bit of summer in their winter and start getting ready for summer 2019. In addition to our local team, Bill Gladstone of North U, along with Geoff Moore, was on hand presenting North U Seminars during the first and second weekend. Gladstone & Moore shared information on Tactics, Tips & Tricks as well as Upwind Sail Trim in the hour-long complimentary sessions. NEW this year was our 3Di RAW 360. Boats with North 3Di RAW sails command podiums worldwide in the most competitive events and classes. For 2019, North has applied this advanced technology to 3Di RAW 360, a new product tier which combines 3Di's signature shape holding with an easy to read, easy to trim, and notably long-life racing sail that is perfect for Club Race sailors with smaller boats. Sales expert, Hugh Beaton, says “this is an exciting new product that is pushing North Sails technology to club racers and the local racing circuit.” The Toronto crew of North Sails would like to say a big THANK YOU to everyone who stopped by and supported the team! READ MORE

CARIBBEAN COMEBACK Experts Share Thoughts About the 2019 Season Antigua Sailing Week ©Paul Wyeth According to Andrew Dove, North Sails Caribbean Area Manager based in English Harbor, Antigua, 2019 is on track to be the best year ever for sailboat racing in the islands. “We’re having a good year,” Andrew told us, when we caught up with him just after the New Year. “The work is piling in. The Caribbean is foolproof, it’s friendly. And obviously this is one of the ideal places in the world to sail.” Mike Toppa, who is based at North Sails in Fort Lauderdale and races several Caribbean events, agrees that 2019 is going to be a great season. “After the hurricanes last year, regattas were at maybe 80 percent capacity; this year it seems like everyone’s making up for lost time. We’re all ready to get racing again.” Organization Increases Numbers Good planning—of the overall winter calendar, and of regattas—is part of the reason for increased participation across the board, Mike thinks. “The Caribbean Racing Association has done a really good job coordinating all the schedules around the Caribbean so they don’t overlap. People have the ability to go to any regatta they want without missing out on another they might want to do. All of the events have stepped up their game with good, well-trained, race committees. Laying out courses, managing the regattas as people expect at a world class level.” “Mike is quite right,” Andrew says. “There’s definitely professional management for racing in the Caribbean. The people who don’t live here participate for a whole range of reasons, but one is that the racing is very good nowadays.” Andrew is predicting that the Caribbean 600 will have a record number of entries this year. All the events are growing, Mike adds. “It must be something that’s calling people in. Definitely an optimistic feel.” Les Voiles de St Barth © Paul Wyeth Antigua: Great for Cruisers, Racers, and Duty-Free Each Caribbean season begins with the Salty Dawg Rally, a group of cruisers who travel south in tandem each autumn. Usually their destination is the Virgin Islands, but last year’s hurricanes sent them to Antigua—and they liked it so much, a large number came back again this year. “For that week,” Andrew says, “there were events every night. We organized a 3Di evening at the loft, we had videos going, and we were giving away crepes and drinks. Most of the people didn’t have a clue what 3Di was, but now they appreciate its real advantage. And it was quite the party.” Antigua has become a favorite hub for larger yachts as well because of its easy logistics, Andrew explains. “In the past it was difficult to ship things in and out; now it’s very easy to get provisions and sails delivered. And we’re very lucky with North Sails, they now allow us to deliver sails to the boats and catch up with the paperwork afterwards. Which means that when people come to regattas here and leave things for the last moment, it’s not a disaster.” Docks of Antigua in English Harbour Yacht Transports Another reason the Caribbean is attracting more boats is that it’s now easy to get there without sailing across open ocean. “In Fort Lauderdale,” Mike says, “a lot of yacht transport ships come in from Europe with a lot of the same boats you see on the racecourse. There are direct ships to St. Maarten and Antigua and different places. The costs are coming down, convenience is up, the scheduling is a lot more regular, and it’s definitely an option a lot of people take advantage of.” Multihulls Multiply Andrew says he’s been noticing a larger percentage of multihulls joining the Caribbean regattas. “Five years ago, you’d see one or two. Now there’s a class or even two classes of them.” Adding a widely accepted French handicap system has made it easier for regattas to handle scoring. At the opposite end of the size and age spectrum, he adds that Antigua will host the 2019 Optimist Worlds in July, out of Nelson’s Dockyard in English Harbor. “That’s a major event because of the number of participants—not only the children but parents and staff. It’s offshore racing because they sail a few hundred meters and they are out to sea.” Antigua Sailing Week © Paul Wyeth 3Di: Fewer Overnight Repairs For this year’s regattas, Andrew plans to race with his customers by day and repair sails by night—though with 3Di, he says, the volume of repairs are way, way down. “In the past whether it be string sails or even 3DL, we would have to do sail repairs throughout the night. Now at big regattas, we’re asked to do small modifications but we’re not actually repairing the sails.” As 3Di NORDAC becomes more popular with cruisers, he predicts that repairs will drop off even more. “Fortunately we have a growing number of customers; if we didn’t, we’d be losing business.” 3Di is a huge advantage over laminated sails in the Caribbean, Mike agrees, because heat and humidity don’t affect 3Di. “We see it here in Florida too; all of a sudden sails are lasting six or seven years. Whereas a string sail would last three years. One of our customers has a 37m Dubois sloop,” Mike continues. “Their 3Di sails are three years old and are doing the St. Barth’s Bucket this year. I was talking to the captain the other day and asked how the sails are holding up, and he said they look like they’re brand new. They’re excited to race and they’ve got the sails to do it.” “I actually don’t think we can overstate the change 3Di has brought into our market,” Andrew adds. “People here go sailing for more than a couple of hours, so it’s a real advantage. The only big repairs we have now are non-3Di.” “You’ll get your evenings back,” Mike replies, chuckling. Onsite pop-up loft, St. Barth READ MORE

OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST ŠIME FANTELA LATEST TO JOIN NORTH SAILS World’s Leading Sailmaker Recruits Olympian To Grand Prix Team Sime Fantela (L) and Mihovil Fantela (R) after winning their gold medal in the 49’er class at the 2018 Sailing World Championships in Aarhus, Denmark. North Sails today announced that Šime Fantela will be joining the Grand Prix segment, putting to use his experience across a range of classes. Šime will work closely with Grand Prix Segment Leader Paul Westlake, helping the design and product development teams to quantify their ongoing innovations. After winning gold in the 470 class at the 2016 Olympics, Šime has his sights firmly set on a second Olympic gold medal in Tokyo 2020—this time in the 49er. He’s also sailing as strategist in the 52 Super Series on the newly launched Bronenosec. North Sails Global Head of Sales John Welch commented: “We are really delighted that Šime has agreed to join North Sails. Not only is he a great sailor with a wealth of experience, but he is a huge asset to our pro sailor network, working across sail development and testing. We firmly believe that we need the best people out on the water pushing our sails to the limits and it is only in doing this we are able to give our customers what they want – the best product for whatever type of sailing they are doing. Through the addition of Šime to our team, we continue to learn from the best of the best to deliver the highest performing products.” Paul Westlake added: “With such depth of experience and raw talent, Šime can help us develop our understanding of sailing campaigns and Grand Prix boats even further. He is an exciting, talented sailor and is quickly turning into an important opinion leader who can help us engage and inspire the younger generation of pro sailors. We believe that the North Sails team and technology can enhance his challenge for Gold in Tokyo and in turn we can learn so much from him, competing at the highest level of the sport. In order to continue to innovate we need to be challenging ourselves to think differently, and through working with Šime we see a great opportunity to do that.” Šime commented: “I was delighted to have been asked to work with North Sails alongside my Olympic campaign. I really believe that I need to surround myself with the best possible people and to work in the best possible environment in order to become not only a good sailor, but also the most technically skilled sailor I can be. I have always been interested in the technical side of sailing and I really enjoyed making sails for myself in my campaign for Rio 2016 – I know how important it is to know everything you can about the sails you use in order to get the most out of them.” “There is no better place to continue growing my knowledge than joining the greatest team in the world, North Sails. I am excited to be working with some of the best designers out there as well as the technically most advanced computer programs that exist. I look forward to learning more about how to apply them both to my campaign but also to help others get more from their sails and understand as much as they can about their ‘engine’.” 📸 Star Sailors League / Gilles Morelle READ MORE

ŠIME FANTELA NAJNOVIJI CLAN EKIPE NORTH SAILS Vodeći svjetski proizvođač jedara regrutirao je olimpijca za svoju Grand Prix ekipu Šime Fantela i Mihovil Fantela, nakon osvajanja zlatne medalje u klasi 49er na prvenstvu svijeta u Aarhus-u, Danska. Kuća North Sails objavila je da će se Šime Fantela pridružiti njihovoj ekipi za Grand Prix i svoje dugogodišnje iskustvo upotrijebiti u više segmenata. Šime će surađivati s voditeljem odsjeka Grand prix, Paulom Westlakeom, i ekipama za dizajni i razvoj proizvoda s ciljem inovacije. Nakon zlata u klasi 470 na Olimpijskim igrama 2016. Šime je odlučan u namjeri da uspjeh ponovi i 2020. u Tokiju, a odnedavno je i strateg u 52 Super Series nove posade Bronenosec. Predsjednik prodaje North Sails John Welch kaže: "Oduševljeni smo što se Šime pridružio našoj kompaniji, jer on nije samo izvrstan jedriličar s golemim iskustvom, nego i važan dodatak našim timovima koji se bave razvojem i testiranjem jedara. Čvrsto smo uvjereni da naša jedra na vodi mogu najbolje testirati samo najbolji jedriličari, jer samo tako možemo klijentima ponuditi vrhunsku kvalitetu – najbolje jedro za njihov brod i njihov stil plovidbe. Šime će našem timu ponuditi svoje znanje; od njega ćemo mnogo naučiti o tome kako stvoriti proizvod spreman za vrhunske performanse." Paul Westlake dodaje: "S tolikim iskustvom i tolikim urođenim talentom Šime će nam pomoći da još bolje razumijemo kako misli i plovi vrhunski jedriličar i njegov Grand Prix brod. Šime je vješt, nadaren jedriličar koji evoluira u jednog najvažnijih jedriličara našeg vremena i koji će nam pomoći da privučemo pažnju i nadahnemo nove generacije profesionalnih jedriličara. Vjerujemo da će ekipa North Sails i tehnologija koja nam stoji na raspolaganju pomoći Šimi da ostvari svoj cilj, zlato, u Tokiju, a zauzvrat ćemo mi od njega naučiti od njega sve što zna o natjecanju na najvišoj razini. Da bismo mogli ponuditi inovacije potrebno je razmišljati u drugim okvirima od ustaljenih, a suradnja sa Šimom važna je i velika prilika da to postignemo." Šime Fantela prokomentirao je buduću suradnju: "Bio sam oduševljen kad su mi North Sails predložili suradnju. Uvjeren sam da se potrebno okružiti najboljim suradnicima i raditi u najboljim mogućim okolnostima da se postane ne samo dobar jedriličar, nego i najvještiji jedriličar koji mogu biti. Uvijek me zanimala tehnička strana jedrenja i bilo je lijepo surađivati na izradi jedara za natjecanja u Riju 2016. - znam da je važno znati sve o jedrima da biste iz njih znali izvući najbolje." "Nema boljeg mjesta za nastavak razvoja mojeg jedriličarskog znanja od najbolje ekipe na svijetu, North Sails. Uzbuđen sam pri pomisli na suradnju s najboljim dizajnerima i na najnaprednijim kompjuterskim programima koji postoje. Veseli me i što ću naučiti više o tome kako da primijenim naučeno u pripremama i natjecanjima, ali i pomognem drugima da dobiju više od svojih jedara i razumiju sve što znaju o pogonu svog broda.” 📸 Star Sailors League / Gilles Morelle READ MORE

ROYAL CORK YACHT CLUB U25 ACADEMY North Sails Ireland enjoyed a great day out on Friday with the Royal Cork Yacht Club Under 25 Academy. We were looking at some new 1720 3Di Nordac upwind sails and the North 1720 T-6 Class spinnaker complete with the EY logo. EY have sponsored the U-25 squad and as part of that North Sails Ireland were delighted to be involved with the provision of a new spinnaker complete with the EY Logo. We were blessed with amazing conditions for the photo shoot on Friday, 10 knots of wind, 10 degrees temperature and even the odd glimpse of the sun! As well as the official pictures we had our own media guys on the case Young Productions who were filming on shore and flying the drone to give a different view on proceedings. We would like to wish the U-25 squad good luck for the 2019 season and we look forward to playing our part as the season unfolds. Please take good care of that new spinnaker!! Sail FAST! READ MORE

CONSEJO NORTH SAILS Revisamos el significado de las principales medidas de una embarcación según definición de la federación internacional de vela, World Sailing. I – Altura del triángulo de proa: Distancia entre la intersección del stay de proa con el palo y la línea de cinta (el nivel de la cubierta). J – Base del triángulo de proa: Distancia horizontal entre la base del estay y la cara de proa del mástil P – Altura de grátil de la mayor: Distancia desde la parte superior de la botavara (la posición más baja del puño de amura) y el extremo superior de la mayor (el punto más alto al que se puede izar el puño de driza). Esta distancia está delimitada por bandas de color. E – Pujamen de mayor: Distancia horizontal medida desde la parte posterior del palo a la altura de la botavara y el punto más a popa de la botavara, marcada con una banda de color, donde alcance el puño de escota de la mayor. ISP – Altura de driza de spinnaker: Altura de la driza más alta del spinnaker hasta la línea de cinta. READ MORE

REUNIÓN FAMILIAR North Sails escogió Barcelona para su reunión anual de responsables comerciales de todo el mundo. 40 miembros de la familia North Sails participaron en la convocatoria para analizar la situación actual de la velería en cada mercado, valorar las acciones realizadas este año y planificar la próxima temporada, en la que se incorporarán interesantes novedades al catálogo de la marca. La elección de Barcelona como sede del evento resultó un éxito absoluto, y los participantes pudieron disfrutar de la gastronomía española protagonizando una entretenida edición especial de Master Chef. READ MORE

PROVEEDOR OFICIAL DE LA 36 AMERICA’S CUP Tres de los cuatro sindicatos confirmados para competir por la 36 America’s Cup han elegido North Sails como proveedor oficial de velas. 📸 Luna Rossa Challenge Se trata del defensor Emirates Team New Zealand y los desafíos Luna Rossa e INEOS Team UK. Los tres equipos se beneficiarán de los más de 35 años de experiencia en America’s Cup que posee la velería líder mundial, que ya trabaja en el desarrollo de la revolucionaria vela flexible que equiparán los monocascos voladores de esta edición, los espectaculares AC75. READ MORE

BARCELONA MARINE STORE, NUEVO PUNTO NORTH SAILS North Sails inicia un acuerdo de colaboración con Barcelona Marine Store, centro de suministros y servicio consagrado a la náutica con una ubicación privilegiada en Marina Vela Barcelona. 📸 Ben Zucker Su eslogan ‘don’t worry about a thing’ refleja la vocación de Barcelona Marine Store de “ayudar al cliente”, como indica desde la firma Toni Belles. "Todos somos navegantes, y ofrecemos soluciones personalizadas de forma similar a como un médico de cabecera hace con sus pacientes". Como nuevo Punto North Sails, ofrece servicio de entrega y recogida de velas para su mantenimiento, además de ejercer de lugar de encuentro entre clientes y el equipo comercial North Sails. "Este acuerdo nos permite estar más cerca de nuestros clientes y beneficiarnos de la experiencia y el excelente servicio de Barcelona Marine Store", destaca Luis Martínez Doreste, director comercial de North Sails España. READ MORE

DOMINIO EN LA ROLEX SYDNEY HOBART La 74 edición de la clásica oceánica del Hemisferio Sur reunió a una heterogénea flota de 85 barcos, incluyendo cinco supermaxis de 100 pies de eslora. La Rolex Sydney Hobart partió de la bahía de Sídney el 26 de diciembre y dejó estampas históricas como la de cuatro de los supermaxis remontando juntos el río Derwent, en la aproximación final a Hobart. La victoria en tiempo real correspondió al Wild Oats XI patroneado por Mark Richards y con la navegación del español Juan Vila. El coloso australiano batía así su propio récord al sumar su noveno triunfo en 14 años. El título absoluto bajo fórmula IRC fue para el RP65 Alive de Phillip Turner. Ambos equipos eligieron velas North Sails, pero además la firma dominó los podios de las diferentes clases, incluyendo presencia en los tres primeros clasificados en tiempo real y en los absolutos de ORCi e IRC. Desde North Sails España felicitamos a todos por sus resultados y les agradecemos su confianza en North Sails. 📸 ROLEX / Studio Borlenghi READ MORE

(NUEVO) AÑO DE RÉCORDS El año 2018 ha sido especialmente prolífico para los clientes North Sails. 📸 Arthur Daniel Varios de ellos han establecido marcas históricas que se han convertido en récords a batir en diferentes disciplinas: En febrero, el Rambler 88 de George David completó la RORC Caribbean 600 en 1 día, 13 horas, 41 minutos y 45 segundos; en marzo, el Maserati de Giovanni Soldini navegó entre Hong Kong y Londres en 36 días, 2 horas y 37 minutos; en mayo, el Warrior de Stephen Murray realizó la Antigua Round the Island en 3 horas, 55 minutos y 38 segundos; en agosto, el Imerys Clean Energy de Phil Sharp completó la Sevenstar Round Britain & Ireland en 8 días, 4 horas, 14 minutos y 49 segundos; en noviembre, el IDEC Sport de Francis Joyon finalizó la Route du Rhum en 7 días, 14 horas y 21 minutos; en diciembre, el Baltic 130 My Song de Pier Luigi Loro Piana –con nuestro compañero Nacho Braquehais a bordo–, estableció el nuevo récord de la RORC Transatlantic (3.000 millas entre Lanzarote y Grenada) en 10 días, 5 horas, 47 minutos y 11 segundos. Enhorabuena a todos ellos, y gracias por confiar en North Sails. READ MORE

HELIX, LO ÚLTIMO DE NORTH SAILS PARA VELAS DE PROA Bajo la denominación HELIX, North Sails propone la eliminación del cabo antitorsión en velas de proa con una solución que logra una óptima redistribución de cargas, garantizando las prestaciones asociadas al 3Di con una reducción de peso sin precedentes. Ya disponible para todas las esloras. 📸 North Sails / Ian Roman Los diseñadores de North Sails comenzaron a trabajar sobre el concepto de vela d eproa sin cabo antitorsión junto a Oracle Team USA y Emirates Team New Zealand durante la 34 America’s Cup, cuando el radical diseño de los barcos implicó cargas extremas sobre las velas de proa 3Di. El desafío en diseño e ingeniería supuso proporcionar una solución en la que las cargas de las velas de proa fueran redistribuidas desde el cabo antitorsión/estay de proa y repartidas por la vela. Conocido en el seno de North Sails como Load Sharing Technology (Tecnología de Reparto de Cargas), este concepto, cuando se combina con la estructura de grátil 3Di HELIX Luff, es la respuesta de North Sails a lo que otros podrían considerar concepto de vela de proa sin cable. JB Braun, director de ingeniería y diseño de North Sails, explica: "Intentar reducir las cargas en barcos y aparejos al tiempo que se mantiene la tensión del estay de proa se ha convertido en una tendencia y ha abierto el campo de las ideas en diseño para reconsiderar la importancia de los cabos de grátil, y en el caso de las velas HELIX, transferir las cargas desde un cabo antitorsión tradicional y redistribuirlo por la vela. La tecnología 3Di encaja mejor con la aplicación de reparto de cargas porque todas las velas 3Di están realizadas con capas de cintas en diversas orientaciones y profundidades para optimizar la distribución de cargas por la vela. Las propiedades de distribución de cargas intrínsecas al 3Di, unidas a la estructura de grátil 3Di HELIX Luff, alejan efectivamente la dependencia de cargas del cable/estay de proa y la redistribuyen por la estructura de la vela, reduciendo potencialmente las cargas totales". Es precisamente la optimización en la redistribución de cargas por la vela lo que permite conservar las prestaciones de la tecnología 3Di. "El principal avance con las velas HELIX consiste en que la redistribución de cargas permite a la vela de proa proyectar hacia adelante la estructura en la parte frontal de la vela para conseguir tensión del estay de proa y proyección del grátil, al tiempo que reduce las cargas en el barco, el mástil y el aparejo”, continúa JB Braun. “El diseño enfatiza la estructura innovadora de grátil Helix Luff sin apenas carbono visible, una manipulación del diseño 3Di que proyecta la vela hacia adelante, presionando el grátil hacia la proa del barco. La Tecnología de Reparto de Cargas, unida al HELIX Luff, está permitiendo a North Sails volver a imaginar tanto enrolladores de velas de portantes (Código Cero y velas tipo A3), como velas de través, e incluso traducirlo a ciertos tipos de velas de ceñida. Es casi como un nuevo punto de trimado. La tecnología 3Di, unida a las herramientas del potente North Design Suite, permite mapear y desplazar las cargas para ofrecer velas más ligeras, eficientes y hermosamente lisas". Sin límite de eslora Las velas North Helix no están limitadas a una eslora o tipo de embarcaciones, sino que pueden aplicarse a casi toda clase de barcos, desde diseños IRC de mediana eslora a TP52, Imocas, Volvo, WallyCento o maxis de 100 pies, e incluso superyates. El feedback recibido recientemente del TP52 Spookie de Steve Benjamin utilizando velas North HELIX indica que registran aproximadamente la mitad de las cargas de amura que un Código Cero convencional, con protección de grátil similar o incluso mejor. Esto significa menor arrufo del tope de palo, menor flexión lateral, carga de botalón significativamente inferior, cabos, winches y equipamiento de cubierta... Todo con una vela que proyecta mejor y crea más fuerzas de avance. Se reducen muchas de las cargas de cualquier tipo de barco, y para un diseño nuevo existe un potencial significativo de reducción de peso a lo largo de toda la embarcación. En opinión de Ken Read, presidente de North Sails Group: "Las velas HELIX son el último avance del 3Di, una tecnología en la que en North Sails invertimos la mayoría de nuestros esfuerzos en I+D. Normalmente avanzamos sin demasiada ostentación, porque conseguir velas más ligeras, rápidas y eficientes es la base de North Sails. Los grandes avances logrados con Helix y la Tecnología de Reparto de Cargas, especialmente en velas de través y enrollables de largo, es la reducción del peso total y la habilidad de ajustar realmente el borde de entrada de la forma de la membrana con un cable o cabo de gratil muy pequeño. No los grandes y pesados cabos antitorsión que se han estandarizado. Estamos muy emocionados con el abanico de oportunidades que ha abierto para la utilización del 3Di en este proceso". (Extracto del artículo publicado por Seahorse Magazine) READ MORE

NORTH SAILS AUF DER 50. BOOT DÜSSELDORF Die Bedeutung der Boot Düsseldorf für die Wassersport Branche zeigt sich auch in der kontinuierlichen Beteiligung der Marke North Sails. Am Dienstagabend erhielt die deutsche North Sails Vertretung vom Bürgermeister der Stadt Düsseldorf ein besonderes Dankeschön. Als eine von lediglich sechs Firmen wurde Sie für Ihre 50-jährige Messebeteiligung geehrt. Um dem mittlerweile internationalen Charakter der Messe gerecht zu werden, beraten bis zu 10 Sales Experts aus fünf Ländern unsere Kunden auf dem Messestand. Insgesamt sind in Spitzenzeiten mehr als 25 North Kollegen auf der Messe vertreten. Einer von ihnen ist dieses Jahr North Sails President Ken Read. Im Interview mit Segelreporter.com zeigt er sich beeindruckt von der Messe, spricht über Technik, Innovation und über Olympia. Reinhören lohnt sich. Noch bis Sonntag, 27. Januar steht unser North Sails Team um Sales Manager Stefan Matschuck in Halle 11 auf Stand H24 direkt für Sie zur Verfügung. READ MORE

RED BULL KING OF THE AIR Counting Down To The Main Event In Cape Town, South Africa Make sure you’re following @northkiteboarding to find out exactly what day the competition is called within the two week window, so you can watch the livestream at redbull.com. Want to tune into the world’s most jaw-dropping big-air contest? The Red Bull King of the Air competition, proudly sponsored by North Kiteboarding will be returning to Kite Beach, Cape Town on the 26th January, until the 10th Feb. It’s all about the amplitude as contestants go head-to-head in a “flag out” competition format. During the two week weather window riders will only face-off in the perfect conditions – wind speeds of over 30 knots are ideal for providing the perfect swell from which to boost some extreme maneuvers. The field for 2019’s Red Bull King of the Air will be made up of top nine riders from the 2018 edition as well as nine wildcards and video entrants. After much deliberation the last nine participants have been chosen, securing their place for the showdown on the windiest day during the waiting period in early 2019. Confirmed for the 2019 event is defending champion Kevin Langeree, as well as North athlete Nick Jacobsen. He is currently the only person in the world with a set of North prototype kites. Nick won the event in 2017, however missed out on a chance to defend his title last year due to injury. READ MORE

DRAGON CLASS SPEED READING A Helmsman’s View North clients lead the pack to the podium at the 2019 Worlds in Fremantle ©Tom Hodge Media The Dragon World Championship in Fremantle kicked off the 2019 racing season on a high note for North Sails, with North customers making it a clean sweep on the podium claiming Gold, Silver and Bronze medals. We talked to Grant Gordon, Silver medalist and first owner-driver about his campaign build up, crew and choice of equipment. Team Louise Racing, second place finishers ©Tom Hodge Media You have had a fantastic 12 months in the Dragon class. Tell us about your year and setting up the campaign? The 2018 season saw our team change format to sail four up on our Dragon. The first step in this process was to scout for talented sailors, and we soon identified two excellent additions to the team. Jimmy Williamson joined us as jib & spinnaker trimmer and Sophie Weguelin in the role of bowman and extra pair of eyes on board. Ruairidh Scott, with whom I have sailed regularly, continued in his key role of tactician and mainsail trimmer. Spending time on the water would unmistakably be critical, and we teamed up with my friend and former Dragon World Champion Klaus Diederichs and the FEVER team. Together we ran a two boat training camp on Lake Garda; which was an ideal venue to prepare for sailing in Fremantle. Your speed this year has been regularly commented on by fellow competitors. Can you explain a little about how you have achieved this so consistently? Naturally, we have worked on tuning the rig using the North Sails Tuning Guide as a start point which gives you instant speed out the blocks. From there it’s just fine tweaks in changing winds and sea states as well as finding the optimal trim settings for the sails depending on the conditions. Making sure the boat is well balanced is critical so you can avoid using any unnecessary helm adjustments. As helmsman, I have focused on finding the right heel angle upwind and working with the trimmers to maintain this. Through our training time in Lake Garda, we were able to find trim settings which worked for us and allowed us to be fast consistently. ©Tom Hodge Media What sails/equipment did you use and why? We took delivery of a new Pettricrow V6 Dragon in February 2018. Once the mast was tuned correctly, we were confident that we had an accurate platform to build on. The North sail inventory is made of standard production sails, including an A-7+ Mainsail, R-5 Spinnaker, and V-6M and V-6H Genoas. The heavier wind conditions in Fremantle most often favored sailing with the Heavy Genoa. The combination of the A-7+ Mainsail and V-6H Genoa was very fast in the 14-22 kts wind range we often raced in Fremantle. We have also been equally fast with the V-6M medium Genoa in other venues throughout 2018. What would be your top tip be for success in the Dragon class? Assemble a team of talented sailors who respect each other and sail together as often as possible. During training, work hard to address your weaknesses. During the race, when the going gets tough, never give up; it isn’t over until you have crossed the finishing line! ©Tom Hodge Media 2019 Recommended Inventory North Sails has been prominent in the class for many years. We are trusted and supported as our sail products are well developed. Our clients finished first through fourth overall at the 2019 Worlds, all using North Sails Mainsails, Genoas and Spinnakers which speaks for itself. Louise Racing’s recommended products are: A-7+ Mainsail, LM-2 Mainsail, V-6L Genoa, V-6M Genoa ,V-6H Genoa, BR-9 Spinnaker, and the R-5 Spinnaker. To upgrade your racing program to World Championship winning sails, contact your local Dragon expert for more information. ©Tom Hodge Media READ MORE

AMAZING RESULTS FOR NORTH SAILS "What an amazing year 2018 was for North Sails Ireland and its clients", Nigel Young, manager of North Sails Ireland says. © Bren Fogarty "We are extremely proud of these results and it's really great to play a part in the success of so many winning teams around the country and beyond. The depth of these accomplishments and the spread of classes is down to the hard work and dedication of the North Sails Ireland team, our products and of course our great clients. It is almost impossible to pick stand-out results from the 2018 list but I asked my North Sails Ireland colleagues Prof O'Connell and Shane Hughes for their thoughts. Over to you guys!" Maurice "Prof" O'Connell (with North Sails Ireland since October 2007) "It was impossible to pick but I had to try. Stand out inshore boats for me were Dave Cullen's team on "Checkmate XV" and Andrew Algeo's team on "Juggerknot". Standout offshore results were in ISORA with "Mojito", "Aurelia" and "Windjammer" taking overall and class wins". Dave Cullen has been a North Sails client since 2007 and Andrew Algeo since his J24 days in 2001. The Half Ton Cup was a particular highlight for "Checkmate XV" and of course their ICRA Boat of the Year award. Dave had these kind words to say: "North Sails have been powering "Checkmate XV" and my previous boat "King One" for many many years. I am constantly impressed with their superb quality and attention to detail in design, production and after-sales service. Our 2018 season was a great success - we are always fast. Keep up the good work Prof and the North Sails Ireland team". It was also fantastic to see Andrew and his team (including my Olympic Star class crew-mate Ben Cooke) taking the J-109 Nationals 2018 title this year (in addition to winning the inaugural WAVE Regatta and the J109 East Coast Championships). It was the icing on the cake for him in a very competitive One Design class. © Fiona Brown Andrew said: “The team on Juggerknot enjoyed the 2018 J/109 and IRC1 season immensely. Better than expected results certainly helped in that and the advice and after-sales service from Prof O'Connell and the North Sails Ireland team played a large part in our achieving those. The products and after-sales support is fantastic, and we have no hesitation in returning to North for "Juggerknot 2" in 2019. Keep up the great work guys!" Shane Hughes (Started with NSI Oct 2016) "As Prof says it's hard to chose but the stand out result for me was with Eleuthera GS44 Owner Frank Whelan. Frank has been a North Sails client since 2014 and the turnaround from a slow start at Cork Week to finishing with FIVE straight wins and taking Class Zero / One victory was fantastic. He also lifted trophies in Dublin Bay and in Schull at GAS Calves week. The upwind boat speed was the difference and the new 3Di 780 J2 (Medium Jib) was a big part of that.” Frank said: “Working with North Sails has offered the Eleuthera team some real advantages. The New 3Di medium jib performed really well for us in a variety of conditions and the service and support from the North Team is ever present and valuable to us.” Nigel Young (Founded North Sails Ireland in March 2004) "What an amazing list of results. Great credit must go to Prof and Shane for making so many of these happen. Stand out for me personally was the Mermaid "Innocence" owner Darragh McCormack who was a new North Sails client in 2018. We had the absolute minimum amount of time to meet, consult sail, photograph, re-design and build his new sails for the 2018 class Nationals. For Darragh to win the Championships was the highlight of the year for me". See the full story here: Mermaid Fairytale Darragh said: "When I contacted North Sails they treated me as an equal and when we discussed my needs, they listened. I quickly felt comfortable working with them and the sails worked amazingly well from the start. Winning the first race with the new sails gave me immediate confidence to go on and win the Nationals. Thanks guys for a great job" The Final Word from Jonny Swan! Jonny had this to add: "I made the decision in 2018 to move to North Sails Ireland. Nigel Young and Shane Hughes have been superb. I cannot thank them enough for all they have done and having Nigel on board in Cork Week and the recent Half Ton Cup in Belgium was a great addition to Harmony. His input contributed to the best result I have achieved out of the 4 half Ton Cups I have competed in and also a significant result in Cork Week where we won the prestigious Harbour Race by a comfortable 2 minutes from over 90 boats that started on the one start line. The expertise and quality of the North Sails product have significantly improved the performance of the boat" What can I say except a big THANK YOU to all our clients and for their kind words. As one of my old mentors used to say, "nothing happens until someone sells something!", but the selling of the sails is just the beginning of the journey when you work with us. Next time you are thinking about new sails there is only one place to go... North Sails Ireland. Take a look below for all our clients results from 2018. Download Victory List Sail FAST. READ MORE

TRIM TALK AT FOYNES YACHT CLUB Friday 15th February at 19.30. Presented by Nigel Young & Shane Hughes North Sails Ireland would like to offer the members of Foynes Yacht club and visitors a presentation on the latest theory and techniques for improving and refining upwind trim and boat speed. The presentation draws on the North U syllabus so successfully used around the world by North Sails representatives and includes the use of North Sails proprietary Sail Trim Simulator to help illustrate some of these trim solutions. Upwind Sail Trim & Boat Speed Topics Covered: This session shows how the angle of attack, depth, and twist combine to control upwind speed, pointing and balance; and how to change the trim to improve performances as conditions change. Mainsail trim Jib trim Helming in light, moderate and heavy air All are welcome, members and visitors. No entry fee. READ MORE

FRANCISCO UVA NO TOPO DO RANKING CENTRO O velejador de Optimist, Francisco Uva, posicionou-se no Topo do Ranking Centro, ao conquistar o 1o lugar na II PAR, depois dos 3o lugares alcançados na I PAR e na Regata de Natal. Photo: Luis Fráguas Parabéns ao Francisco por esta vitória, resultado da consistência do seu trabalho! Na terceira prova da época, realizaram-se cinco regatas, nas quais velejadores North Sails somaram três vitórias. Augusto Castelo-Branco venceu duas regatas, com a sua North R-2 e Francisco Uva venceu uma, utilizando a North R-1. Para saber mais sobre as velas North Sails contacte-nos já hoje por email para office.cascais@northsails.com ou por telefone para o 916 857 896. Good Luck & Sail Fast! READ MORE

VELEJADORES DE OPTIMIST FECHAM O ANO NA XMAS NORTH SAILS CLINIC Foi com grande satisfação que recebemos 14 velejadores de Optimist, de cinco clubes nacionais, na nossa Xmas Clinic. Depois de treinos de Natal, seguidos das festividades da época, é com admiração que olhamos para estes pequenos-Grandes velejadores como uns guerreiros. Foram três dias de empenho a trabalhar com base no enorme gosto que têm pela Vela. Com idades compreendidas entre os 8 e os 14 anos, estes Opti Kids mostraram grande sentido de união e entre-ajuda nos diferentes níveis em que se encontram. Trabalharam em equipa e isso deu-lhes oportunidade de ensinar e aprender através das partilhas que fizeram. Vicente Pinheiro de Melo (North Sails) e Pedro Bolina (Treinador convidado) foram os responsáveis pelo acompanhamento do grupo. Foi com entusiasmo que contámos com a presença e colaboração do velejador convidado Frederico Melo, que participou na última edição da Volvo Ocean Race. "Foi um prazer poder acompanhar a clínica de Optimist organizada pela North Sails Cascais. Foi bom ver um grupo grande de jovens velejadores a tirarem o máximo partido desta excelente iniciativa." Frederico Melo Trabalharam-se vários aspectos técnicos com a gama das velas “R” (R1,R2,R4,R5) e os velejadores tiveram oportunidade de observar/ testar modelos de velas North Sails. Ficamos satisfeitos com as evoluções verificadas entre as clínicas de Setembro e Dezembro e fechamos o ano com objectivos traçados para a continuação da época. Continuar o bom trabalho para alcançar resultados ambiciosos, à escala de cada um, é o desafio lançado. "Do que gostaste mais/menos? Gostei mais de estar com os velejadores e com os treinadores e, claro, aprender. Gostei menos... de nada... gostei de tudo." Francisco, 13 anos "O que foi mais importante para ti? As aulas teóricas foram muito produtivas!! E é algo que eu valorizo muito." Katharina, 13 anos "Em que aspecto saíste mais forte? Mais confiança na vela." Salvador, 12 anos "Do que gostaste mais/menos? Eu gostei do trabalho de grupo e do convívio." Constança, 12 anos À Marina de Cascais deixamos o nosso agradecimento, o seu apoio foi fundamental para o sucesso desta actividade. Queremos dar um especial obrigado à equipa de Marinheiros que foram incansáveis e prestaram um serviço de excelência. Continuaremos a marcar presença nas próximas regatas de Optimist para apoiar os nossos velejadores e estamos, sempre, disponíveis para dar mais informação sobre a nossa actividade, em Portugal. A todos os velejadores, que são para nós um motivo de orgulho, desejamos um Ano de 2019 cheio de força, empenho, concentração e sobretudo um ano de Objectivos Alcançados! Good Luck & Sail Fast! READ MORE

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS WITH BOOT DUSSELDORF Growing Together With The World's Largest Boat Show L-R: Stjepan Marinovic, Ken Read, Daniel Schroff, Hinnerk Muller, Stefan Matschuck, Jen Christensen, Gunnar Bahr, Thomas Jungblut The North Sails team is toasting 50 years of attending the Dusseldoft Boat Show. Our local loft in Germany is one of six brands that have been a part of the show since 1969. Last night the show showed their appreciation by delivering North Sails a bottle of champagne chilled in an engraved ice bucket. “This show has been crucial for North Sails in building a strong local and global market like few events can,” remarked Stefan Matschuck, country manager for North Sails. Our brand has been around for over six decades, and we’ll be around for many more. Our 50-year presence at Boot Dusseldorf is proof that the global business sees Germany as an essential market. Our stability and position as market industry leader ensure North Sails is an excellent choice for racers and cruisers, Superyachts and one design classes. Boot Dusseldorf is open through Sunday, January 27th. You can visit Stefan and his local team in Hall 11, Booth H24. READ MORE

SCOTT’S SECRETS TO WIN PAPER TIGER NEW ZEALAND NATIONALS Start well. Keep moving. Don’t rest downwind. A strong fleet of forty-six Paper Tigers battled for the 2019 New Zealand National title on the waters of Evans Bay. North Sails expert Derek Scott dominated the regatta with five bullets in the 8-race event followed by Dylan Tayler in second and Heyden Percy in third. A full North Sails podium! We caught up with Derek to learn about his secrets to win in such convincing way: Derek, Congratulations! What were the conditions during the Nationals? We had a good mix of conditions at the Nationals. The first day was 15 knots at the start of the first race, building to 20 knots by the end. The second race started in 24 knots and built quickly to above 30 knots. Hence the racing being called off for the rest of the day due to excess wind and quite a bit of damage. The rest of the regatta was sailed in shifty conditions with the wind ranging from 5-15 knots. How long have you been racing the Paper Tiger? Do you sail other one-design boats? This is my second season in the Paper Tiger. Before the Paper Tiger I have sailed a whole bunch of one-design boats ranging from Olympic 470 to Etchells. Eight races, five bullets and a second-place discard for a total of only nine points – Amazing consistency in a 46-boat event! What were the three key factors for such great results? START WELL: The first and biggest aspect is to get a good start and get into the first wind line or shift after the start gun. In the Paper Tiger if you are in 3 kts more wind than another boat the speed difference is huge. KEEP MOVING: Keep the boat moving fast all the time. Sounds simple but you need to keep full concentration when sailing Paper Tiger as it is easy to “get out of the grove” and the boat will slow down. DON’T REST DOWNWIND: Keep the intensity up once you have rounded the top mark. Don’t treat downwind as a time to rest. I work harder on the reach than I do upwind. Make sure the sail is trimmed perfectly and you have powered you sail up to get max speed. If there are waves, make sure you are trying to catch as many as you can and rest when the race is over. What’s next in your calendar? This week I will be sailing in the Bay of Islands Regatta in the sportboat division on a Magic 25. The next Paper Tiger regatta is in Auckland on the 2nd and 3rd of February with a few more regattas around the country in February and March. The Paper Tiger season ends with the International Championship when the Australians bring a fleet of 10-20 boat and we all race and have fun together. Full results Learn more about the North Sails products for the Paper Tiger. READ MORE