2021 was a busy year at the North Sails Ireland service loft. With a more regular sailing schedule back in play, we had unprecedented demand and it was such a pleasure to re-connect with so many of our clients and more importantly, help keep you all on the water enjoying your sailing!
We have seen everything from Optimist sails through to Grand Prix yacht sails come through the door with some exciting projects to challenge us along the way. For myself and Matthew O’Gorman (who works with me at the service loft), it has been a super busy year, trying to balance all the service work, as well as new sails delivery and set up along with getting out on the water as often as we can!
Over last winter we helped Project manage the new J/99 ‘Snapshot’ for Mike and Richie Evans, with the boat being staged and prepped at Noonan’s Boatyard (next door to us!), so it was especially gratifying to see and help that project get off to a flying start with an overall win at Sovereign’s Cup as well as some other very notable performances throughout the season.
On the sail modification side, we were especially busy working with our clients to upgrade or re-work their sails to help either extend the usable lifespan or simply fit a modified onboard set up. We recently undertook some sail modification work for Conor Fogerty’s Beneteau Figaro 3 ‘Raw’. It was so nice to get out and test the mods with Conor before he headed off to France with the boat, to make sure all the work had gone to plan and operated as expected.
(Above and below) J2 with Reef point and hanks added using 3Di 5 Ply Spread filament tapes
We also had time to light the Figaro 3 up a little which was nice! It is always great to work with Conor and we wish him all the best in 2022 with his upcoming sailing.
With the 2022 season on the horizon, it is time to get your sails in to us for servicing, so you are ready to hit the ground running. At North Sails, we have access to specific materials and technology that are unique in the sailmaking industry. Our proprietary 3Di product range is industry-leading and requires specific materials and understanding to repair properly. So, it is important that our clients protect their investment in the world’s fastest sails by keeping them maintained with us.
We also offer a full sail cleaning service which can include special anti-fungal treatments as well as water-repellant coatings for older soft sails so get in touch with us to discuss getting your sails and/or covers cleaned up and looking good for 2022.
"Our close proximity to the Dublin clubs and marinas makes collection / drop off easy"
Our close proximity to the Dublin clubs and marinas makes collection / drop off easy, however, we have good processes in place to collect and deliver sails nationwide so no matter where you are located please get in touch.
We are standing by to discuss your specific needs and work with you on your timeline so that you are 100% ready to go in 2022 for what is sure to be another exciting year on the water!
All the best from your North Sails Ireland service team!
The end-of-sailing season is the right time to get in touch with your North Certified Service loft for annual maintenance.
