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North Sails Performance foul weather gear is called that for a reason. We’ve refined every detail with performance in mind.

We started our design process by talking to the sailing community, both those within North Sails and those at the very top of the sport; the ranks of America’s Cup, Ocean Race, Vendée Globe and Olympic sailors.

There was no shortage of feedback, ideas or information….

We distilled the fundamental changes that the sailing community wanted to see in their kit – we called them “Mission Critical”. And how did we deliver those changes? We investigated and we innovated. Creating game-changing solutions that sets the benchmark for high-performance marine clothing.

This is foul weather gear for sailors, by sailors – the best you’ll find.

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GORE-TEX® PRO


MISSION #1: construct North Sails Performance clothing in a 100% waterproof, breathable fabric durably tough enough to withstand consistent exposure to the harshest environment, the Southern Ocean.



NORTH SAILS PERFORMANCE SOLUTION: GORE-TEX® PRO

  • Durably waterproof: the only membrane waterproof enough to take the abuse that our sport throws at it.


  • Extreme breathability: a superior level of breathability, sweat is wicked away from the body.


  • Completely windproof: a complete wind barrier - stay warm for longer when exposed to an icy breeze.


  • Unmatched durability: provides long-lasting protection - even in the most extreme conditions.


  • Tested and proven: with 25 years of racing, GORE-TEX® membranes remain the industry benchmark.

PERTEX® Shield Air

MISSION #2: Inshore racing is a truly athletic sport; kit weight, aerodynamic drag and flexibility are critical to performance.


NORTH SAILS PERFORMANCE SOLUTION: PERTEX® Shield Air

  • An extremely breathable technology, that relies on moisture moving through the fibre filaments of the fabric via capillary action.


  • Pertex Shield Air uses an air permeable nanofibre that’s laminated to a lightweight, woven protective layer.


  • The combination creates an exceedingly light, supple material with remarkable stretch properties.


  • The North Sails GP Aero Waterproof jacket weighs in at just 300gms.
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TIGHTWEAVE™

MISSION CRITICAL #3:

  • Stop kit wetting out. 
  • Wetting out is bad; clothing is heavier, less comfortable and it reduces fabric breathability.


NORTH SAILS PERFORMANCE SOLUTION: TightWeave™

  • TightWeave™ is a fabric construction that uses much thinner threads and much tighter weaves.


  • More naturally water repellent - it’s part of the fabric properties, it won’t wash off.
  • TightWeave™ is more durable


  • Won’t leach toxic chemicals into the environment. A win for humans, fish, animals and the oceans.


  • Designed for an optimum mix of capabilities in the different race environments. The number we give each fabric is the total weight of the laminate per square meter in grams.

4DL™

MISSION #4: Stop damp bums and knees and prevent seam failure in high stress areas.


As North Sails Performance investigated, we also found other significant issues with a stitched nylon reinforcement:

  • The nylon patch is thick and heavy, adding unnecessary weight to kit even when dry, and issue exaggerated when wet.
  • A pocket is created between the patch and the fabric of the garment which retains water.
  • The pocket of water and water-absorbent nylon patch take a long time to dry out.
  • The pocket of water causes reverse breathability when the sailor is sat on a hot deck, pulling trapped water into the garment and making the sailor wet.


NORTH SAILS PERFORMANCE SOLUTION: 4DL™

“This is where it really helped to be the world’s most advanced sailmaking firm with a track record for innovation in laminating technology.” Nigel Musto


  • 4DL™ is a new four-layer durable laminated reinforcement


  • No sewing and seam taping a patch significantly reduces seam failure in a high stress zone


  • Zero water absorption - totally impervious to water


  • 30% lighter when dry; significantly higher weight savings when wet


  • Lamination means no water pocket is created behind the patch, taking longer to dry and


  • No reverse breathability occurs, no damp backside and knees
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DuraSeal™


MISSION # 5: Create a neck and wrist seal that doesn’t split and need replacing every 6 months


NORTH SAILS PERFORMANCE SOLUTION: DuraSeal™



  • A super thin, 1.2mm neoprene – incredibly stretchy; forms a completely watertight seal at the neck and wrist.


  • A protective external layer of nylon makes DuraSeal™much tougher, and stops UV degradation.


  • The super smooth rubber glides into place and seals. 


  • No allergic and irritant properties

Polygiene®


MISSION #6: Create kit that stays smelling fresher for longer


NORTH SAILS PERFORMANCE SOLUTION: Polygiene®



  •  A fabric treatment that stops the growth of odour-causing bacteria.


  • The active ingredient is a biocide made of silver chloride, a silver salt that inhibits and guards against the growth of bacteria and fungi. It keeps the material fresh and hygienic.


  • Stays effective through many more washes than any other anti-bacterial treatment.


  • Polygiene® Stays Fresh Technology is bluesign® approved.  
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