Milford Connecticut
Loft Info
125 Old Gate Ln
Milford, Connecticut 06460
203 877 7621
Specialties
Bend on / Bend off, Canvas, Certified Service, Sail Hardware Upgrades, Sail Inspection / Evaluation, Sail Measurement, Sail Repair, Sail Storage, Sail WashingHours
North Sails Experts
Jack Orr
One Design Expert, Sail Expert, Service Expert
Jack.Orr@northsails.com
203 877 7621
860 662 0281
Brian Hayes
One Design Expert
Brian.Hayes@northsails.com
+1 203 783 4238
Ched Proctor
One Design Expert, Sail Designer
ched.proctor@northsails.com
+1 203 783 4239
+1 203 767 6394
Paul Van Dyke
Sail Expert
Paul.vandyke@northsails.com
Sail Loft Services
New Sails
North Sails is regarded as the premier sailmaker for all racing and cruising sailboats. Since the founding of our first sail loft in 1957, we have been the number one new sail choice for world-champion racers, superyachts, one-design sailboats, catamarans, trimarans and casual cruisers. New sail options range to cater to any sailing adventure or budget. North Sails is the only brand in Milford, Connecticut and throughout the Charles Islands region to offer sail built with 3D design and production. Contact our experts to learn more.
Professional Sail Repair
Our sail loft services are dedicated to providing Connecticut with professional sail repairs, maintenance, and upgrades in a timely manner. We know that whether you’re dedicated to racing or cruising, your sails are a major investment, and we’re committed to helping you maximize their performance and lifespan. We recommend an annual inspection of your sail inventory to make sure you are maintaining the intended performance and protecting your investment.
Sail Washing
Keep your boat well maintained and looking clean by washing mold and dirt off your old sails. Washing sails will keep your sail colors as crisp as they day you got them. Contact your local North Sails loft in Milford for details.
Custom Sailboat Covers
Beyond helping sailors find the right new sail, our team also wants to make sure your sails and boat are properly protected from sunlight exposure and weather. North Sails sailmakers are highly experienced at creating a range of sailboat covers that are both common and custom. From mainsail covers, to roller furling headsail covers, to dodger covers, we have a variety of solutions to protect your boat. Contact your local sail loft or expert near you to get started on your next cover.
Contact
Local News
Last week we announced the launch of our new Performance range of foul weather gear that will be available in Spring 2021. Each week, until launch, we’ll unpack how our team conceived the range, the …
X-Yachts are excited to introduce their new model of cruising yacht, encompassing 56 feet of luxury and performance with an emphasis on comfort. The X5⁶ is one of the biggest X-Yachts models ever to be produced …
Time is closing in on the 36th America’s Cup which commences in Auckland on the 6th of March 2021, and with the recent launch of Emirates Team New Zealand’s (ETNZ) second boat, competition is heating …
"We know when we are departing, but we do not know when we will return," recalls Loïck Peyron in this seventh and last episode of our Vendée Globe video series. Although an absent crowd marked …
Would you like to work in a fun fast paced environment with the Worldwide leader in sailmaking? North Sails in Milford, CT is looking for a new Office Manager. Since 1957, North Sails has led the sailmaking …
A record of six women are included on the 33 skipper roster for the Vendée Globe 2020. This is historic, considering only seven women have participated, and six have ever completed the race since its …
Mystic Seaport Museum honored Thomas A. Whidden, President and CEO of North Technology Group, 2004 inductee into America's Cup Hall of Fame and 2017 inductee into the National Sailing Hall of Fame, with the 2020 …
Singlehanded ocean racing is demanding and not for the faint of heart. It is a profession that requires a certain state of mind and a great ability to adapt. "It may not sound like much …
Tom Fortner lived most of his life in Prescott, Arizona, but set his sights on moving to Florida to buy a boat and begin his next life adventure. He took ownership of the Island Packet …
Bonanni is a five-time National and North American Champion, including the 2015 E Scow Nationals, and brings extensive experience in the E Scow class as the North Sails one design representative. An active racer in …
North Sails is pleased to announce that John Baxter and Christina Donnermeyer have joined the Chicago loft team. Baxter, the former owner of Doyle Midwest, brings over three decades of sailmaking industry experience and consolidates …
North Sails Expert Tom Davis is particular about sail storage. He’s shared his best tips below to ensure your sails remain in top shape for next season. Given how strange 2020 has been in many respects, …
It wasn’t flashy imagery or action sports videos that got Steve Calder, North Sails designer, interested in kiting. His love for the sport began when his son decided he wasn’t interested in sailing optis while …
In the Wasatch Mountain Range, the team at Park City Sailing has created a sailing haven, where people from all backgrounds, in all stages of life, have experiences and make memories on the water that …
Pros at the top of the fleet share how the North 9DSX Moth sail takes them through the range of conditions and their personal tuning tips. Shop Moth Sails
First, it was the Around Jamestown record, then it was the Vineyard Race, a mix of excellent conditions and determined crew gave Jason Caroll's MOD70 Argo the opportunity to break, not one, but two records …
Doublehanded sailing has gained momentum globally, as the gateway to getting back out on the water while remaining socially distant. Learn how you can improve your results in the next shorthanded race with our expert …
Making a name for himself in the fiercely competitive Optimist fleet is 14-year-old British sailor Santiago Sesto-Cosby. Having sailed the Optimist for an astounding 10 years, we were eager to find out about his journey …
November 8th, the next edition of the Vendée Globe race is set to start from Les Sables d'Olonne, North Sails has designed the sails for the ¾ of the IMOCA fleet, 17 of which have …
Steering off the wind, on reaches and runs, requires a coordinated effort between helmsman and spinnaker trimmer. The spinnaker trimmer often has as good a feel for performance as you do while driving, and together …
The most important element of upwind boathandling is tacking, though every once in awhile an efficient reef or genoa change could also win you a race. Tacking seems like a minor thing, but the difference …
A: Having higher loads is the biggest issue. Because the boat does not heel and release the load, when the pressure hits it means every aspect of the sails and rigging must be up-specked for …
In 2018, Mr. Enrico Bonatti purchased Kinina, a Swan 78. Why a Swan 78? “I prefer the best quality,” he said. “And the 78 is the right size for me.” Mr. Bonatti then met with …
Owner and co-skipper, Catherine Pourre and co-skipper Pietro Luciani are the winning duo onboard Class40 Eärendil. Together, the pair are the reigning Class40 World Champions, have twice won the RORC Caribbean 600, The Atlantic Cup, …
With nearly 20-thousand miles under his belt, Sam Fitzgerald is no stranger to the challenges of going offshore, especially with only two sets of hands onboard. A naval architect and seasoned Class40 racer, with accolades …
In 2016, Ken and Liisa Bacco set sail from Newport, Rhode Island on December 1st during a snow storm onboard their Oyster 47.5 cutter rig, Altair, to meet up with the Oyster World Rally (OWR) …
A few months ago, North Materials Expert Tom Davis wrote an article titled “What are the Best Sails for Club Racing”. It only seems logical to have a companion piece to that, but with a …
The ClubSwan 36, which made its debut in May 2019, is seeing significant signs of growth. Despite a delay in sailing in 2020, the North Sails team has spent the first half of this year …
Southern Spars, a North Technology Group company, is proud to announce they have joined forces with Magma Structures to deliver a new generation of DynaRigs. The DynaRig concept has proven itself as an effective alternative …
Story by Holley Toppa It’s strange to think that the summer sailing of 2020 in Newport was kicked off with Wednesday night Shields racing. After the start on the first upwind leg, my dad, Mike Toppa …
A: 3Di OCEAN is the newest line of 3Di sails from North Sails, designed and engineered exclusively for cruising. A: 3Di OCEAN is for you if you are looking for a premium cruising product, providing high …
After an exhaustive research and development program, North Sails is thrilled to launch 3Di OCEAN 370, our latest innovative sail product that completes a line-up of 3D molded sails dedicated to cruising. This new product is …
You know when it feels right. It’s that moment when you could almost let go of the wheel and the boat could steer itself. A boat in perfect balance. Racing sailors will go to extraordinary …
North Sails announces an exciting new partnership with leading sailing rally organizers World Cruising Club. The aim of the partnership is to inspire sailors around the world to embark on a cruising adventure, using North …
It’s still a complicated time in many places around the world, and a huge thank you to our entire North Sails team, clients, and friends who have pulled together in a way that is quite …
https://youtu.be/VYQZ87Xp2oo North Sails J/111 experts Seadon Wijsen, Jeremy Smart, Allan Terhune, and Jack Orr combine their knowledge to bring you a webinar on how to optimize your J/111 racing experience. With multiple podium finishes under their …
By Tom Whidden One of the goals for our book, The Art and Science of Sails, is to connect the theoretical with the practical. An understanding of the physics of aerodynamics will help us better trim …
Sail experts Tom Castiglione and Jack Orr based in Milford, Connecticut hosted a PHRF Spring Refresher webinar that will help any weeknight racer/ weekend warrior up-their game for the next series. Here are some take …
https://youtu.be/17qsyQom5j0 J/111 webinar featuring North Sails Class experts Seadon Wijsen, Jack Orr, Jeremy Smart and Allan Terhune. Topics covered include: 2:35 Upwind Trim 39:12 Downwind Light Air & Superlight 44:30 Downwind Soak Mode 10-17 knots 51:34 Downwind Wing on Wing 13-15 …
Fill your social feeds with all things sailing. Each day North Sails is curating our social media channels with content that showcases our passion for being on the water. We're collecting images that inspire us …
Furling and stowing systems used on both Racing and Cruising boats make sailing easier and safer. North Sails experts Keith Church and Austin Powers discuss sails, systems and the best applications for you. https://youtu.be/ycOeXzTtXCg
With the J/109 North American Championships coming up August 13-16, 2020 and the growth in the One Design sprit boats in Chicago, Keith Church and Jack Orr share some insights in boat setup and tactics …
Experts Brian Hayes, Zeke Horowitz with Special Guest Greg Fisher lead a Q+A interactive session, open to all topics. Viewers brought questions and experts shared their answers and expert tips with the group. https://youtu.be/LdlxDxT3wos
Personnel, lofts, clients, and friends of North Sails are navigating this global crisis together. Many of our local Certified Service Centers have taken the initiative in their areas to build masks when possible and support their …
Lightweight, reliable, unique. North 3Di sails are engineered to minimum weight and maximum performance. By eliminating the use of mylar, 3Di will not delaminate. Each 3Di sail is precisely shaped on full-sized molds and built …
No matter where you are in the world, you can prepare for your next event or be ready for when sailing season picks up again by knowing what to look for when it comes to …
North Sails President Ken Read checked in to give us an update on what’s going on at North Sails this week. Ken, like all of us, is working from his makeshift home office in Rhode …
Lightning Class Expert Brian Hayes and special guest Greg Fisher share tips on how the top teams change gears and keep the boat going fast in this interactive live session. https://youtu.be/oj2LtS3WW3M
Do you race, cruise or do both? North Sails offers a broad range of sail materials to meet a wide variety of needs. This can make navigating sail material choices daunting. Depending on whether you …
Our experts have created a variety of articles to help you gain confidence for your next getaway. Topics include battens, weather, safety, durability of cruising sails, and more. Whether you are leaving land behind or …
Hardcore ocean racers and coastal cruisers alike should all make safety at sea a priority. Practices from racing around the world, including the toughest conditions of the Southern Ocean, can apply to sailors of all …
Libby Greenhalgh has navigated around the world twice with the Volvo Ocean Race; she's a director with the Magenta Project and has an offshore resume that ranks her among the top sailors in the world. …
Join Class Champions Zeke Horowitz and Brian Hayes for an informal web talk covering tips on how the top teams change gears and keep the boat going fast! https://youtu.be/Cj-TH9seAu8
There are many ways you can help prolong the life of your sails. Here are some pointers to keep you aligned with our sail care maintenance practices, which can be part of your regular routine …
What happens if you furl your sail the wrong way? - with the sun cover on the inside instead of the outside of the furl? Unfortunately, we see the effects of this in our service …
The North Sails teams around the world have received a bunch of calls and emails recently. A quick Q+A has been put together to help provide you with information on where we are at during …
Thinking about battens? Preparing for a new season is something that is on everyone’s mind. Whether you’re staging your boat to launch, planning an extended cruise, or hoisting your sails for a weeknight club race, …
Cruising sailors demand durability. Yet, durability is not an easily quantified element of sail performance. Predicting durability is a tough challenge, because sails are subjected to so many different forms of use and conditions. That …
Due to our current state of social distancing, we are cancelling the in-person event. If you have not RSVP'd please do so below, and we will still connect you to the fleets/groups you are interested …
For some sailors, “club racing” means a casual jib-and-main evening race aboard a well-stocked cruising boat carrying roller furlers and its anchor and chain in the bow. For others, it means a no-holds-barred weekend race …
People with sailboats use them in many ways, but broadly speaking we define them as either cruising or racing. Cruising might be an hour-long daysail, with only one sail hoisted, or it might last a …
The basic rig dimension for a yacht are generally understood. However, there are some differences in how some sailors describe these dimensions. Here is how we define them at North Sails. I – Height of Foretriangle Elevation …
Jeanneau America announced today that world-renowned American yachtsman and North Sails President Ken Read will campaign the new Jeanneau SunFast 3300 in the double-handed division of the 2020 Fort Lauderdale to Key West race along …
120 sailors attended a two-day Performance Seminar ahead of the 2020 Newport to Bermuda Race, which starts next June. Hosted by North Sails, with special guests Peter Isler and Chris Bedford, topics included weather, sail …
American Yacht Club, located in Rye, NY delivered more summer than fall weather for the 2019 Etchells U.S. Nationals. The hot temperatures created instability in the breeze making it difficult for the Race Committee to …
As the Official Performance Partner, North Sails is hosting three seminars with ocean-racing expert Peter Isler, Race Meteorologist Chris Bedford, and local North Sails Experts to help prepare you for the Newport Bermuda Race. The …
According to the dictionary, “legend” is a person or thing that inspires. According to sailors, it describes a sailor who has performed and contributed to the point of being incomparable. After winning his sixth Lightning …
The 2019 Atlantic Nationals took place at Cedar Point Yacht Club in Connecticut with twenty-seven teams attending the three day regatta. 6-12 knots from east to southeast with moderate to heavy chop made for intense …
RSVP by September 9th and include your favorite summer sailing 📸. We'll pick our favorite 50 and the winners will receive a North Sails hat and a ticket to the Newport International Boat Show.
The 30th Lightning World Championship was held in beautiful Espoo, Finland. Defending champion Javier Conte (ARG) with teammates Ignacio Giammona and Paula Salerno were able to hold off several strong challenges to defend the World …
There was a distinct shift in the vibe at Block Island Race Week this year. The new title sponsor Margaritaville injected the 28th edition of the weeklong regatta with a new energy, impressive onshore activities, …
The Bermuda Race Organizing Committee announces the North Sails return as the Official Performance Partner for the Newport Bermuda Race in 2020, which will include running a number of the hugely popular ‘Performance Seminars’ that …
Block Island Race Week is just around the corner. Our experts created this Tool Kit to help your team prepare for racing in one of the most idyllic sailing destinations on the east coast. Long time …
Sailing the innovative 32-foot Beneteau Figaro 3, Laurent Givry and Sidney Gavignet raced from Annapolis to Newport in just under three days. They say nice guys finish last, but for the 2019 Annapolis to Newport …
North Sails Collection, renowned for its lifestyle clothing and sailing crew collections in Europe has opened a new US flagship sportswear store in Newport, RI .The new store location is significant, placing it in the heart …
The Cedar Point One Design Regatta kicks off the sailing season in Connecticut. After a long winter, fifty teams competing in five different classes were avid to get on the water and have some quality …
North Sails is proud to support the 2019 Vineyard Race. We have teamed up with our expert friends at Sailing Weather Service to provide professional weather forecasting for the event. Sign up below and have …
Who said the lay day should be non-eventful? Not us. The Storm Trysail Club has decided to change things up this year, and proud partners Margaritaville, North Sails and New England Ropes jumped on board …
North Sails is excited to continue supporting the prestigious Cedar Point One Design Regatta, kicking off the sailing season in the New York, Connecticut area. Our North experts will be there to offer your team …
Would you like to work in a fun, and fast paced environment with the worldwide leader in sailmaking? Since 1957, North Sails has led the sailmaking industry with our cutting-edge technology and knowledgable team. We …
North Sails is excited to continue our support of Block Island Race Week. The race, entering its 28th edition in 2019, is one of the Northeast’s most anticipated and attended regattas. The expansion of racing formats …
"The sea is relentless, you never know when it's going to come out and bite you. You simply have to be prepared. The more prepared the better." - Ken Read, North Sails President Let's face it, with …
At one of two North Sails production sites in the United States, three female sailmakers are devoting their highly trained eyes to building the best products for our clients. Regina, Margaret, and Basha all moved …
Development of 3Di began ten years ago and has continued at a rapid and accelerating pace ever since. 3Di is the sum of multiple technologies exclusive to North Sails, making it the ideal platform for …
The North Sails teams from our Portsmouth, RI, Milford, CT and Marblehead, MA lofts will be at the Newport International Boat Show, September 13th - 16th. Enter to win two complimentary day passes for Saturday …
Madison Beach Club hosted the 2018 Atlantic Nationals with three days of good breeze that welcomed 27 teams for some competitive racing. Coming into the last race made for a very tight finish between Steve …
The month of July features a packed schedule of events for the Lightning class this year and the Atlantic Coast Championship, held at Nyack Boat Club, Nyack NY this past weekend, were the featured "mid-point" …
Not all World Championships are won with unlimited budgets and on-hand support staff. Some are won by sailors who are just determined to make their dreams happen. Team Gen5, consisting of Jeffrey Hayden (helm), Brian Hayes …
The 2018 Lightning European Championships were held June 28th-July 1st at the Yacht Club of Greece in Pireaus. Twenty-two teams representing six countries were in attendance for what was a fabulous weekend of sailing. Team …
With over 100 boats and 560 sailors registered, the 2018 Cedar Point One Design Regatta provided great competition for many one design classes in the Long Island Sound waters. Connecticut sailors were joined by teams …
The North Sails loft in Milford, CT is one of two major production sites in the United States. Milford has deep roots in the company’s history and covers a diverse range of skills, often taking …
For many the annual pilgrimage south to the Lightning Southern Circuit is a tradition (to steal from a famous golf tournament) like no other! So, our team of Steve Kirkpatrick, Lightning legend Neal Fowler and …
Gary Grant races his J/120 Alibi doublehanded and regularly beats fully crewed boats in major long distance races. Here’s what he had to say about his sails, his racing program, and his plans for the …
North Sails, the world's leading sailmaker, today announced that it will join the prestigious Newport to Bermuda Race as Performance Partner for the 2018 edition. The event is a 635-mile biennial distance race that draws …
As we come to the end of the sailing season and head into winter, the North Sails global service team is gearing up for a busy period - from helping clients prepare for the Caribbean …
We caught up with Dave and Mary Ellen Tortorello, owners of J/111 Partnership and long-time clients of North Sails. Having competed in a large variety of regional regattas, including coastal and inshore PHRF, the pair are …
Peter Galloway and his team of Ched Proctor, Garin Pace and Judy Lugar had to overcome multiple hurdles, both on and off the race course, to win the 2017 Sonar World Championships hosted by by …
North Sails sail designer and Lightning legend, Ched Proctor has devoted many years and thousands of sailing hours perfecting fast Lightning sail designs. The “King of the South”, a nickname earned by winning a record …
It is fair to say that the Flying Scot Class is one of the biggest supporters of family sailing in the US and the Association strongly supports and encourages families to sail and race together. …
The 2017 Lightning Class Connecticut-Rhode Island Districts were held at Niantic Bay Yacht Club this weekend with 18 Lightnings at the race course. Although the wind forecast was pretty dismal for the whole weekend, we …
No less than 350 sailing fanatics found their way to Connecticut last weekend for the annual Cedar Point Regatta, which was a great turn out for the J109, J105, J88, J70, and Beneteau 36.7 fleets. …
Lowell North diverged from the traditional, artistic approach to sailmaking by closing his eyes. Lowell listened to the numbers. Historically, sailmaking depended on the eye of the craftsman, who drew from experience and tradition to …