Every journey begins with a decision, and @FrancescaFrankieClapcich's next one may be her boldest yet. On Sunday, Clapcich set off on the @TransatCafeLOR, her first major test as skipper of Team Francesca Clapcich Powered by @11thHourRacing. It marks the beginning of a four-year journey toward the @VendeeGlobeTV 2028, the ultimate solo, non-stop race around the planet. In this interview, we look behind the surface of competition to see the person within. Francesca shares what it means to embrace the unknown, rediscover the thrill of being a rookie, focus on the journey over only results, and the responsibility every sailor holds toward the ocean. As Official Apparel Supplier to Team Francesca Clapcich Powered by 11th Hour Racing, North Sails Apparel is proud to accompany her on this journey. Discover the full story 👉 https://www.northsails.com/blogs/north-sails-blog/north-sails-named-official-apparel-supplier-to-team-francesca-clapcich-powered-by-11th-hour-racing Learn more about North Sails 👉 https://www.northsails.com/pages/sails 🎥 Atila Madrona | Marin Le Roux | @polaRYSE #NorthSails #NorthSailsApparel #FrancescaClapcich #11thHourRacing #VendeeGlobe2028 #TransatCafeLOR #Sailing #PerformanceWithPurpose #OceanRacing

After countless hours sailing, testing, and competing in the J/70 Class, we have updated our tuning notes and tips to help you reach race winning speed quickly with our World Championship winning sails. In this video, North Sails expert Allan Terhune walks you through the latest setup, tuning, and trimming techniques to help you hit the water fully prepared. What you’ll learn: • Accurate mast setup, rake, and pre bend checks • Shroud tension and repeatable reference marks • Main, jib, and spinnaker trim for changing conditions • Downwind modes, handling, and faster maneuvers • Practical sail care to protect shape and extend life Want to keep improving your J/70 setup? Explore more tips and class insights on northsails.com and reach out to your local North expert for hands-on tuning advice. J/70 Tuning Blog 👉 https://www.northsails.com/blogs/north-sails-blog/j70-tuning-guide Find your loft 👉https://www.northsails.com/pages/sail-lofts Find your J/70 sails 👉 https://www.northsails.com/pages/j-70-class Learn more about NorthSails.com 👉 https://www.northsails.com/ North Sails J/70 sails are built to win. Engineered for speed and refined through testing, they deliver reliable performance in every condition. #J70 #NorthSails #SailFaster #J70Worlds #AllanTerhune 🎥 Hannah Lee Noll

At @hamiltonislandraceweek 2025, the brand-new Gunboat 68 Slingshot made her regatta debut in style. Flying at 19 knots with the coffee machine still on she proved both her pace and comfort across the Whitsundays. Day 3 brought victory in the Multihull Racing division after 32 nautical miles of challenging racing, showcasing the balance of speed and versatility that defines the Gunboat platform. Boat captain Maddy McLeay, primary trimmer Nathan Gulliksen, and North multihull expert Ben Kelly guided the program through relentless sail changes and hull-flying moments, powered by a complete North 3Di inventory. Developed to deliver ultimate shape-holding, strength, and responsiveness, the sail package gives Slingshot the edge to perform at the top of her class, whether racing hard or pushing long miles offshore. ⚡️ With racing in full swing, Slingshot has already shown why she’s one to watch in the Multihull Racing scene. 🌊 Learn how North 3Di sails power champions 👉 https://www.northsails.com/pages/3di Learn more about North Sails 👉 https://www.northsails.com/pages/sails #NorthSails #HamiltonIslandRaceWeek #HIRW25 #MultihullRacing #Gunboat68 🎥 Fynn Sprott | Atila Madrona

The opening race at @hamiltonislandraceweek 2025 delivered everything the Whitsundays are known for. And Marcus Blackmore’s Hooligan hit the track with intent. For navigator Andy Green, fresh off his Admiral’s Cup win, it was “a fantastic navigator’s event,” with transitions, tidal channels, and the big decisions that define racing through the islands. The program has been racing together for nearly two years, keeping a consistent core crew and working closely with North Sails to log hours, refine sail designs, and evolve the package season after season.⚡️ Launched in 2024, Hooligan is the latest generation TP52, already collecting wins at some of Australia’s toughest IRC events. Sailing alongside the team is North expert Alby Pratt, continuing the development journey that began when the boat was first launched. The result is a fine-tuned sailing programme in the Whitsundays, which has proven to deliver top-level results in Australia's most competitive TP52 fleet. Racing is in full swing and the stage is set for what promises to be an exciting week ahead. Stay tuned. Learn how North 3Di sails power champions 👉 https://www.northsails.com/pages/3di Learn more about North Sails 👉 https://www.northsails.com/pages/sails #NorthSails #HamiltonIslandRaceWeek #HIRW2025 #TP52 #YachtRacing 🎥 Fynn Sprott | Atila Madrona

With 25 World Championship titles and an Admiral’s Cup victory already to his name, Vasco Vascotto knows what separates good from great in offshore racing. Now back on the Admiral’s Cup podium with wallyrocket 51 Django in Class 1, Vascotto reflects on the real key to performance: trust. Trust in the sails, the designers behind them, and the crew that brings it all to life. In this video, he shares how collaboration — between sailors and sailmakers, strategy and design — translates into performance when it counts. From shaping conversations to shaping sails, it’s a team effort from design loft to racecourse. Learn how North 3Di sails power champions 👉 https://www.northsails.com/pages/3di Discover why 3Di sail technology is a must-have for serious racers 👉 https://www.northsails.com/blogs/nort... #NorthSails #North3Di #AdmiralsCup #VascoVascotto #SailDesign #offshoreracing

Karl Kwok’s Beau Geste and Beau Ideal continue to showcase all-round performance at the Admiral’s Cup. Representing the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club and powered by North Sails, both campaigns have proven themselves across offshore and inshore racing conditions. Beau Geste, a TP52 trimmed by North expert Simon Daubney and supported by sail designer Dave Lenz, is racing with a finely tuned #North3Di inventory. In light, tactical conditions and strong tide, the team demonstrated sharp execution and reliable boat speed. In the AC2 division, Beau Ideal has impressed with strong downwind pace and consistent decision-making, securing a hard-fought line honours result on Day 2 in a highly competitive fleet. With a deep sail inventory, experienced crew, and precision design support, both yachts are strong examples of North-powered performance at the highest level of international team racing. Learn about North 3Di technology here: https://www.northsails.com/pages/3di Discover why North 3Di is a must-have: https://www.northsails.com/blogs/north-sails-blog/the-reason-north-3di-is-a-must-have 🎥 Atila Madrona #NorthSails #BeauGeste #BeauIdeal #AdmiralsCup #3DiPower #NSVictoryList #YachtRacing #PerformanceSailing #TP52 #OffshoreRacing #InshoreRacing

Niklas Zennström’s Rán stormed to line honours in the first offshore of the 2025 Admiral’s Cup driven by a fresh North Sails inventory and on‑board expertise from North veteran Bouwe Bekking. Bekking shares what made the race so good, reflects on the conditions, the performance of the Carkeek 52, and how North Sails continues to push development. “For me, that’s what sets North apart. Even when you’re already at the top, you keep moving forward.” Learn how North 3Di sails power champions 👇 https://www.northsails.com/pages/3di Follow North Sails for more Admiral’s Cup action and offshore insights. #YachtRacing #NorthSails #AdmiralsCup #RanRacing #OffshoreSailing #North3Di #FastnetRace #SailingInnovation #PerformanceSails

“The Fastnet has always been a big goal for us – that’s what the boat was built for.” North Sails expert Mike Henning, tactician and race manager on Ino Noir, dives into how the team is approaching today’s offshore opener. James Neville’s Carkeek 45, launched in 2023 and racing under the RORC burgee, was purpose‑built for offshore competition. Now it’s time to prove it. With rating optimization in mind, the team worked closely with North Sails to refine a lean, offshore‑ready inventory. Using Helix Structured Luff technology, Ino Noir carries fewer sails with more range, maximizing aero performance, cutting load on the boat and rig, and supporting IRC goals. “A lot of testing, a lot of sail trials, but making sure they’re all spot on for the racing.” Learn how North 3Di sails power champions 👇 https://www.northsails.com/pages/3di Explore Helix: more range, less load 👇 https://www.northsails.com/pages/helix #YachtRacing #NorthSails #AdmiralsCup #FastnetRace #North3Di #OffshoreRacing #northsailsperformanceclothing #sailing #sailfast

Ric de Turckheim’s NM54 Teasing Machine has crossed oceans and topped leaderboards in some of the world’s toughest offshore races. Now she’s back at the 2025 Admiral’s Cup, representing Yacht Club de France in the AC1 fleet. Boat captain Quentin Bouchacourt breaks down why this machine is lethal offshore: a full North Sails 3Di inventory plus Helix sails engineered for endurance and range, ready for whatever the racecourse throws at it. Learn how North 3Di sails power champions 👇 https://www.northsails.com/pages/3di Maximise range, slash loads: Discover Helix Structured Luff 👇 https://www.northsails.com/pages/helix #YachtRacing #NorthSails #AdmiralsCup #TeasingMachine #OffshoreSailing #FastnetRace #North3Di #HelixStructuredLuff #Sailing #SailFast

Back at the Admiral’s Cup – 25 Years On. Tim Powell and the Rán Racing crew are suiting up for the Admiral’s Cup with a fresh North Sails inventory and a strong history behind them. Niklas Zennström’s Carkeek CF 520, will team up with Nola, the MAT 1220 owned by longtime friend Taavet Hinrikus, forming a Baltic-rooted duo representing Sweden and Estonia. “We’ve worked with the North Sails design team to keep upgrading the sailplan — every new sail is an evolution,” says Powell. “This boat was built for offshore, and now we’ve dialed it in for inshore too.” Backed by decades of experience and some of the fastest sails on the water, Rán is ready for a big return to one of yacht racing’s most respected competitions. Learn how North 3Di sails power champions 👉 https://www.northsails.com/pages/3di Discover why 3Di sail technology is a must-have for serious racers 👉 https://www.northsails.com/blogs/north-sails-blog/the-reason-north-3di-is-a-must-have Follow North Sails for more from the Admiral’s Cup and beyond. #NorthSails #AdmiralsCup #RanRacing #OffshoreSailing #YachtRacing #North3Di #FastnetRace #SailingInnovation #PerformanceSails

Double Olympic medalist, Volvo Ocean Race winner, and North Sails expert Ian Walker is calling the shots as strategist onboard Privateer for the 2025 Admiral’s Cup and Rolex Fastnet Race. The Cookson 50 is backed by a world-class offshore crew, including maxi legend Juggy Clougher, and powered by North Sails. The team is also fully kitted out in North Sails Performance Clothing, ready for whatever conditions the Solent throws their way. For Walker, this campaign is a full-circle moment, returning to the waters where he once watched Admiral’s Cup legends and dreamed of joining them. “The Solent’s a tricky place. You’ve got to manage the tide well… there’s a lot of things you can hit,” Walker shares. “It’s great to see the area so vibrant again. For us at North Sails, this is our showcase, we want to make sure the teams are looked after.” With deep local knowledge, offshore experience, and North-powered performance, Privateer is ready to take on one of the toughest tests in offshore sailing. Learn about North Offshore Racing Sails: https://www.northsails.com/pages/offshore-racing Discover North 3Di: https://www.northsails.com/pages/3di #NorthSails #AdmiralsCup #FastnetRace #Privateer #OffshoreRacing #North3Di #Sailmaking #YachtRacing

With the return of the Admiral’s Cup just days away, North Sails expert Ruaridh Wright takes us behind the scenes aboard Ino Noir, James Neville’s Carkeek 45, as they prepare for one of offshore sailing’s most historic events. Based at our Gosport loft in the UK, Ruaridh has been working closely with the Ino Noir team since the start of their program, supporting everything from sail design and rig tuning to real-time performance adjustments. As mainsail trimmer, he’s also deeply involved in key decisions that influence how the boat sails, including shaping, depth, and luff curve optimization. “We’ve got a brand-new set of sails for the Admiral’s Cup,” says Ruaridh. “It’s a big moment, not just because of the racing, but because this event has been long missed. It all culminates in the Fastnet, which is on every sailor’s bucket list.” Racing in Class 1 under IRC, Ino Noir will compete across a mix of inshore and offshore disciplines, culminating in the legendary Rolex Fastnet Race. The Admiral’s Cup returns to Cowes this summer after a 22-year hiatus, with two-boat teams representing clubs and nations in a format that celebrates both legacy and evolution. North Sails is proud to support Ino Noir and all the teams flying the North logo at the 2025 Admiral’s Cup. Explore North Sails Offshore Racing Sails 👉 https://www.northsails.com/en-es/pages/offshore-racing Learn about 3Di technology 👉 https://www.northsails.com/pages/3di #NorthSails #AdmiralsCup #OffshoreRacing #Sailing #Racing #FastnetRace

Some events raise the bar. At the 2025 ClubSwan One Design Worlds in Porto Cervo, North-powered teams topped every class – a result that speaks to more than just boat speed. These wins are years in the making: built on trust between sailors and sailmakers, long-term collaboration, and the drive to keep evolving. The real win? Watching teams we’ve worked with for seasons step up, perform, and deliver when it counts. Read about North 3Di technology: https://www.northsails.com/pages/3di Contact a North Expert: https://www.northsails.com/pages/new-sail-quote 🎥 ClubSwan Racing #NorthSails #SwanOneDesign #ClubSwanRacing #North3Di #sailing

Top of the J/70 class at Kiel Week. 🇩🇰💨 Danish sailor Sten Mohr and team delivered a standout performance in Kiel, making the most of the conditions and their North Sails setup. From upwind power to downwind speed, their sails delivered the consistency and control it takes to win one of Europe’s biggest regattas. “We still have a lot to learn,” said Mohr, “but with the sails we have, everything felt plug and play.” 🔗 Learn more on J/70 sails from North: https://www.northsails.com/pages/j70 🔗 Find your nearest North Sails loft: https://www.northsails.com/pages/sail-lofts 🔗 Explore the Sail Finder tool to find the perfect sails for your needs: https://www.northsails.com/collections/sail-finder #NorthSails #J70Class #NSVictoryList #KielerWoche #OneDesign 🎥 Liquid Words Communications

Get race-ready with expert insights from North Sails pros Alan McGlashan and Matt Allen in this Marblehead to Halifax prep session. In this webinar, you'll learn about sail inventory selection, pre-race prep, on-the-water repairs, and post-race sail care—everything you need to maximize performance and extend the life of your sails. Perfect for anyone gearing up for the Marblehead to Halifax Race or looking to sharpen their offshore sailing knowledge. Find your nearest North Sails loft: https://www.northsails.com/pages/sail-lofts Explore the Sail Finder tool to find the perfect sails for your needs: https://www.northsails.com/collections/sail-finder #NorthSails #Sailing #MArbleheadtoHalifax #offshoreracing #Alan McGlashan #MattAllen