SETTING STANDARDS

 

It only takes a fleeting glance at the action from Auckland to realise how quickly times change. Cutting-edge technology has kept the America’s Cup moving forward for 170 years, but seldom has the march of progress been more staggering than at this edition of the sport’s oldest international competition. At the 36th America’s Cup presented by PRADA, performance is measured in watts and flight time, while boats are crewed by finely tuned athletes covered in armour.

But beyond these frontline innovations, the drive for constant improvement runs throughout America’s Cup culture. Team and race managers look at every aspect of performance, and push partners and suppliers hard to maintain the standards that have positioned the America’s Cup as sailing’s state-of-the-art.

Few companies know the game better than North Sails. The company’s sails have powered every America’s Cup winner since 1980, and all but one of the current AC75 fleet are flexing its new twin-skin mainsail designs. Innovations like these not only create a winning edge on sailing’s biggest stage, but also filter down through the sport for years to come.

The president of North Sails Group is Ken Read – an America’s Cup veteran known to race followers as one of the voices of the event’s live commentary team. Read’s presence in Auckland is just a part of his company’s commitment to the Cup which also reaches behind the scenes – where North Sails is supplying wet weather gear to event officials and production staff, along with a 130-strong cadre of RNZYS volunteers patrolling the race course.

North Sails’ ethos of excellence extends to off-the- water, as showcased in North Sails’ official clothing collection for the event. Recycled fibres, fabrics and components make up nearly every element of the AC36 x North Sails collection. By partnering with the America’s Cup, the brand is shining a light on its commitment to sustainable performance, and setting an example for others to follow.

For more than three decades, the maker’s famous roundel badge has been a quayside fashion staple – and an urban beacon for sailing style and performance. Despite its popularity, in 2018 North Sails decided to honour its ocean pedigree and chart a more sustainable course. An environmental management system was implemented across the company’s operations, and today more than 70% of North Sails’ products are fully recycled.

The Perth Jacket illustrates the transformation perfectly. The shell jacket is an evolution of a classic North Sails silhouette, updated with a modern stretch-weave fabric comprising the equivalent of 15 PET bottles. Official event badging and reflective, carbon-tape detailing underscore the design’s modernity.

With many America’s Cup followers confined to Northern Hemisphere climates, the full AC36 x North Sails collection is well stocked with jackets and coats. Thermal insulation on the mid-weight Auckland Jacket is provided by PrimaLoft®BioTM padding – an advanced fibre that is both recycled and biodegradable.

Elsewhere, high-frequency welding replaces traditional stitching – eliminating thread and harmful adhesives, while adding comfort and technical aesthetics.

Tops and caps like the Women’s Valencia Polo and Foxton Cap also use fully recycled polyester weaves to repel water and moisture. The brand’s sustainability pledge extends to eliminating one-way packaging from the collection, and proceeds from all sales support the Ocean Family Foundation – an initiative that evaluates and funds ocean conservation projects.

As a brand born on the water, North Sails intends to protect its home. Visit the official store of the 36th America’s Cup presented by PRADA to discover how.