One of the exhibitors at Ocean Talks 2025 is pioneering sailmaker North Sails, part of the North Technology Group (NTG). Ahead of the event, NTG's chief sustainability officer, Mădălina Preda, tells BOAT about the inspiration behind its work. Formerly the communication specialist at Greenpeace International and the brand managing editor at Patagonia, Preda is now steering NTG to go beyond marine sustainability to become Ocean Positive. She is at the forefront of efforts to protect the ocean.
How did North Sails come about?
Founded in 1957 by aerospace engineer and pioneering sailmaker Lowell North, North Sails is a global leader in sailmaking, action sports and apparel. We boast an impressive legacy marked by groundbreaking innovations that have revolutionised sailing. From Grand Prix racing circuits to weekend family adventures, our sails embody six decades of boundary-pushing engineering. We don't simply make sails; we craft instruments of possibility, each one a testament to our dedication to exceptional performance.
What sets North Sails apart from other sailmakers in terms of innovation and performance?
I have to start with our 3Di sails – they're quite simply built differently. Instead of layering materials that can separate over time, we create a single, moulded membrane using ultra-thin fibre tapes arranged in precise patterns. There's no film, no delamination — they're just durable, lightweight sails shaped on full-sized moulds for consistent performance. This is how we engineer sails that hold their shape longer and perform reliably across diverse conditions.
Then, our North Design Suite™ software empowers the most talented sail designers in the world to successfully and repeatedly create the best shapes in the industry. This proprietary suite of software virtually builds a 3D model of a sail and rig to determine the ideal flying shapes, as well as the stresses and strains occurring in the sail and rig. The same tools that serve our America's Cup designers are used for every sail we create, ensuring consistent quality and performance across our range. It’s one of the competitive edges that keeps North Sails and our clients in a class above the rest.
Finally, our team partnerships are unique in the industry. We test our materials and designs with the world's top sailing teams - from America's Cup winners to Olympic medalists and solo ocean racers. This drives continuous improvement in our products. The results speak clearly: North Sails has powered recent winners across sailing's most demanding competitions, from the America's Cup to the Vendée Globe.
What recent innovations has North Sails pioneered?
In 2024, we asked ourselves a fundamental question: how do we honour the oceans that fuel our sport? NPL Renew became our answer - a sailcloth made from 90 per cent bio-based and recycled materials that earned the DAME Design Award in November 2024.
This innovation represents our belief that protecting marine environments and delivering exceptional performance are not mutually exclusive goals. Renew is only a first step. As soon as we launched it, we already started working on its evolution. The focus now is on how to create a fully circular sail that can be recycled into quality new material at the end of its life. This means working with a network of existing partners as well as new ones to develop blends and processes that don’t yet exist on the market. Our goal is to introduce proven lower-impact fibres and processes into our materials matrix and give our designers a wider breadth of tested resources to experiment with.
Next, there is Aerotech, which draws from aerospace engineering principles to create the first breakthrough in spinnaker materials in generations. Available in two variants - Aerotech P for high-load asymmetric sails and Aerotech N for deeper sailing angles - this ultra-light woven cloth delivers strength and precision across the full spectrum of competitive sailing, from intimate one-design fleets to the raw power of Maxi racing.
And sometimes the most significant advances come from questioning basic assumptions. Our Helix Structured Luff technology transforms the sail's structural elements into aerodynamic advantages. Through data-driven design, we create sails that perform effectively across wider wind ranges while reducing loads on your boat's systems. It's engineering that works with the wind rather than simply capturing it.
How do your cutting-edge materials contribute to sail durability and efficiency?
For NPL Renew, rigorous research and testing are fundamental to the North Sails approach to incorporating sustainable materials. We diligently evaluate evolving materials, ensuring authenticity with thorough testing in our state-of-the-art Research & Development Lab in Minden, Nevada and in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Trials on the water further assess performance and sail shape. The final raw material blend is optimised and manufactured at our North Sails factory in Sri Lanka.
For 3Di, Mylar film is a versatile material with many uses, but performance sails aren't one of them. North Sails' zero Mylar 3Di construction method creates exceptionally durable sails that resist stretching, UV degradation and, most importantly, delamination. A streamlined sail shape delivers less drag, more drive and greater effectiveness across a wider wind range.
North Sails designers pair our bespoke computer software and analytics with full-sized 3D moulds to precisely match ideal aerodynamic shapes to all types of boats. The smooth, one-piece sails are more durable and resistant to stretch. The effective lifespan of a 3Di sail is considerably longer than the competition.
3Di sail structure starts with the world's lightest, strongest, most durable filaments, less than the width of a human hair. This allows North designers to engineer the sails 20 per cent lighter for equal strength or 20 per cent stronger for equal weight compared to any competing sail on the market. With zero Mylar construction, every ounce of a 3Di sail's structure goes towards performance.
Does North Sails have a programme for old or damaged sails?
Yes, we've developed a comprehensive End of Life Policy that reflects our commitment to the oceans that inspire us. Every sail deserves multiple chapters in its story and our goal is that zero sails end up in the landfill or become incinerated.
Our approach follows four cascading steps: first, Repair, through our heritage service at any North Sails loft; second, Resell, via partnerships with trusted platforms like Resail; third, Repurpose, through collaborations with 727 Sailbags in Europe and Seabags in North America, transforming old sails into new products; and finally, for the fourth step Recycle, we are currently testing material-specific recycling programs for carbon, aramid, and polyester sails to launch in 2025 and 2026.
For North Sails, this isn't only about environmental responsibility, but making sure we are honouring the craftsmanship and resources that go into every sail we produce.
Now in its eighth year, Ocean Talks, sponsored by the Ocean Family Foundation, will return to London on 12 June 2025, celebrating ocean conservation efforts in the week running up to World Oceans Day. Tickets are free but guests must register their attendance.
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