What began with a single sail stitched together in a modest San Diego loft has grown into one of the most recognisable names in sailing. Lowell North first put needle to cloth at B Street Pier, crafting a Star mainsail in circumstances that could hardly have suggested the scale of what was to come.
Six decades on, the company he founded has become the world's most influential sailmaker, with seven purpose-built manufacturing centres spread across six countries and a workforce of more than 2,000 people. Tens of thousands of North sails reach sailors around the world every year, each one shaped by the same guiding philosophy Lowell North established at the very beginning: rigorous in-house testing and materials development, performance-focused design, careful construction, and dependable after-sales support.
The North Sails group has since extended its reach into apparel and action sports, yet those founding principles have not shifted regardless of how far the business has grown.
In New Zealand, the latest chapter in that story is taking shape across three new Auckland locations. General Manager Richard "Bicky" Bicknell describes the transition as seamless, with the team settled and looking ahead. "The team is thriving in their new spaces and we're excited about what this means for customers and for the future of North Sails in Auckland."
The Sales and Design team has moved to 15 Jomac Place, Avondale, where it shares a modern office with Southern Spars. That pairing creates a concentrated hub of marine expertise, situated just minutes from the sail care facility. Maintenance and repair work is handled at Units B & C, 419 Rosebank Road, Avondale, a purpose-built loft equipped to deliver the efficient, reliable service North Sails has built its reputation on. The One Design specialists, who continue to support the racing community with precision and expertise, operate from 217 Archers Road, Wairau Valley.
The Archers Road site previously served as the main service loft, but that function has now transferred to Rosebank Road, streamlining internal workflows and improving the experience for customers bringing sails in for care and repair.
North Sails' presence in New Zealand extends well beyond Auckland. The Bay of Islands loft remains active, continuing to serve sailors in northern waters. These facilities pair global manufacturing capability with genuine local commitment, giving Kiwi sailors access to the precision, expertise, and support they need.
