All teams signed with the world’s leading glider manufacturer for access to technology, aerodynamic 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 entrants to the 37th America’s Cup. The five teams entered to compete are: NYYC American Magic (USA). 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 wing manufacturer will provide each team with 3Di wing technology, engineers and exclusive access to the North Design Suite, the industry’s most advanced wing design and aerial simulation tool.
“This event is the pinnacle of our sport and a testing ground for sailing technology,” explains Ken Read, President of North Sails and North Technology Group. “Each team will take a unique approach as they try to win the Cup, and our ability to separate each team from the others creates exciting avenues for development. Thanks to this, North Sails continues to learn and is constantly climbing the ladder in terms of product development. He is an incredible resource for the teams and, in turn, for our business.”
For North Sails, the America’s Cup accelerates the evolution of design and engineering, where designers work with aerodynamics and hydrodynamics as one. With each Cup cycle, North Sails advances its learnings to achieve commercially viable innovations for all sailors. Whether for club sailors or Grand Prix programmes, the filtering effect is unmatched.
Teams that compete at the highest level demand individuals and teams that can thrive under pressure, and for this Cup cycle, North Sails have become a requirement. Working closely with the teams, twelve North Sails aerodynamic engineers have signed on to the five teams. 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 is more demanding as we push ourselves to the next level of performance,” explains Burns Fallow, Emirates Team New Zealand Principal Sail Designer and a 35-year veteran of North Sails. “Today, it is not just about designing a sail. We are developing all the structural components of the sails so that these heavily loaded sails achieve the shapes we need at certain speeds.”
North Sails Director of Design and Engineering and INEOS Britannia Sail Designer JB Braun explains: “Two key developments from the 36th America’s Cup were how to get more range out of sails and how to use our materials in new ways to achieve that. scope. As a result, six months after the last race, North Sails made the Helix structured upwind luff available to all racing customers.”
“It’s the holy grail of sail technology and performance,” says Gautier Sergent, head of R&D at North Sails and sail designer for Alinghi Red Bull Racing. “For those of us in this game, you never settle for average, you always want to do better, and our participation in this event gives North Sails its next competitive edge.”
“The America’s Cup is intense, it is demanding, and there is no greater challenge for a sail designer,” explains Marco Capitani, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli sail designer. “AC75s are complex boats and the sails are subjected to extreme loads. Therefore, the sail designers of each team work closely with the other design departments, such as structures, hull, deck and VPP. Close and constant collaboration is essential because we are pushing towards the red line, right on the verge of crossing.”
Barcelona, Spain, is the venue for the 37th America’s Cup, which will take place in September and October 2024. North Sails is also the official supplier of the 3Di One Design sails for the AC40, which will be used in the Women’s and Junior America’s Cup
