NORTH SAILS IN AMERICA’S CUP
All teams sign with the world’s leading sailmaker to access technology, aero engineering, and product performance
North Sails, which has powered every America’s Cup winner since 1987, is proud to be the sailmaker of choice for all entries participating in the 37th America’s Cup. The five teams signed up to compete are NYYC American Magic (USA), Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team (ITA), Alinghi Red Bull Racing (CHE), Challenger of Record INEOS Britannia (GBR), and Defender Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL).
The world’s leading sailmaker will supply each team with 3Di sail technology, aero engineers, and exclusive access to the North Design Suite, the most advanced sail design and aero simulation tools in the industry.
“This event is the pinnacle of our sport and proving ground for sailing technology,” explains Ken Read, President of North Sails and North Technology Group. “Each team will take a unique approach in their quest to win the Cup, and our proven ability to firewall each team from each other creates fascinating development paths. Because of this, North Sails keeps learning and is constantly climbing the ladder in terms of product development. It is an incredible resource for the teams and in turn, our business.”
For North Sails, the America’s Cup fast-tracks the design and engineering evolution, where designers work with aero and hydro as one. With each Cup cycle, North Sails advances its learnings for commercially viable innovations for all sailors. Whether for day sailors or Grand Prix programs, the trickle-down effect is unmatched.
Teams competing at the highest level demand people and equipment that can thrive under pressure, and for this Cup cycle, North Sails has become a requirement. Working in close collaboration with the teams, twelve North Sails aero engineers have signed on across the five syndicates. This elite group includes some of the most talented design minds in the industry, and their collective experience spans decades of innovative sail development.
“Each Cup cycle becomes more demanding as we aggressively strive to the next level of performance,” explains Burns Fallow, principal sail designer for Emirates Team New Zealand and a 35-year North Sails veteran. “Today, it’s not simply about designing a sail. We’re developing all the sails’ structural components so that these highly loaded sails hit the shapes that we need at given speeds.”
North Sails Director of Design and Engineering and INEOS Britannia sail designer JB Braun, explains, “Two key developments from 36th Cup was how to get more range out of the sails and how to use our materials in new ways to achieve that range. As a result, within six months after the final race, North Sails made Helix Structured Luff for Upwind available for all racing clients.”
“It’s the holy grail of sailmaking technology and performance,” says Gautier Sergent, North Sails Head of R&D and sail designer for Alinghi Red Bull Racing. “For those of us in this game, you’re never settling for average – you always want to do better, and our involvement in this event gives North Sails their next competitive edge.”
“The America’s Cup is intense, it’s demanding, and there is no greater challenge for a sail designer,” explains Marco Capitani, sail designer for Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli. “The AC75s are complex boats, and the sails are under extreme loads. As a result, each team’s sail designers work hand-in-hand with the other design departments, such as structures, hull, deck, and VPP. Close and constant collaboration is critical because we’re pushing towards the red line, just on the edge of crossing over.”
Barcelona, Spain, is the host venue for the 37th America’s Cup, to be held in September and October 2024. North Sails is also the official supplier of 3Di one design sails for the AC40, which will be used for the Women’s and Youth America’s Cup events.
Learn more about North Sails involvement in the America’s Cup on northsails.com.
