Team Vodafone Sailing

One of the best aspects about our time in Auckland has been the opportunity to continually see the performance optimizations that Kiwis make on their sailboats.

Last month, I got an up close look at Simon Hull's Orma 60 Team Vodafone Sailing (VPLP designed/formerly Michel Desjoyeaux's Géant).  Hull's boat had some slight performance modifications made for the new summer sailing season which included rudder winglets and a new set of North Sails 3Di.

Team Vodafone Sailing with North 3DL sails during last year's summer season.
Waitemata Harbour, Auckland - NEW ZEALAND (November 2012)

Team Vodafone Sailing looking like a meaner sailing machine with her new 3Di sails and the addition of foils.
Waitemata Harbour, Auckland - NEW ZEALAND (October 2013)

The Orma 60 was hauled out near the Silo Marina at the former Prada base for the Luna Rossa AC72.

Rudder winglets were designed by Pete Melvin.  They were built & fitted into existing rudders by New Zealander George Jakich

workmanship details, north sails loft auckland

It is well worth a visit to the loft at North Sails Auckland to be able to see up close the beautiful stitching and craftsmanship that goes into the high performance sails made there.

Amanda Hargreaves, Sailmaker
North Sails New Zealand. Pakenham Street, Auckland - NEW ZEALAND (October 2013)

Jay Prestt, Sailmaker
North Sails New Zealand. Pakenham Street, Auckland - NEW ZEALAND (October 2013)

Andrew Mueller, Sailmaker
North Sails New Zealand. Pakenham Street, Auckland - NEW ZEALAND (October 2013)

Guy Hewson, Sailmaker
North Sails New Zealand. Pakenham Street, Auckland - NEW ZEALAND (October 2013)

Tina Coleman and Ben De Fluiter, Sailmakers
North Sails New Zealand. Pakenham Street, Auckland - NEW ZEALAND (October 2013)