After three years of collaborative sail development North Sails 3Di technology is to make its Olympic debut at the Paris Games this summer with the 49er and 49erFX dinghy classes.
Olympic debut at the Paris Games this summer with the 49er and 49erFX dinghy classes.
North Sails was chosen after a bidding process that included sail testing.
“Our goal was to double the expected performance life of pervious class sails, significantly reducing the number of sails purchases over a sailor’s career,” explained North Sails designer Mike Marshall. “Consistency of both manufacturing and shape, along with longevity, are key benefits 3Di brings to the class.”
The latest generation of 3Di 49er and 49erFX sails were developed using North Design software, the same software that the sailmaker used to create the sails for the America’s Cup boats.
Features of the 3Di sales include precision engineering paired with zero-Mylar construction that provides shape and detailing.
We believe that fast sailing is more fun.
North Sails president Ken Read
“Our ability to precisely place the 3Di spread-filament tapes enables North designers to uniquely optimise a sail to handle loads and sail strain,” added Mike. “The resulting 3Di is a customised structure that provides the most efficient use of power.”
North Sails has worked with Olympic classes for 60 years and around 16 current staff are former Olympians.
With an eye on the next Olympic Games, North Kiteboarding has registered a new Formula kite product to be one of the officially recognised products that the sailors can use in Los Angeles in 2028.
“North Sails is known for being at the forefront of innovation within sailmaking,” said North Sails president Ken Read. “We’re constantly developing our products and now, more than ever, looking for ways to make sailing more attractive to the younger generations.
“Whether it’s upgrading the 49er sail package, supplying the AC40 one design sails for the Women’s and Youth America’s Cup, or getting young sailors into high performance boats early in their journey, we believe that fast sailing is more fun.”
