North Sails

Sector
Consumer
Fund
Fund II
Year
2014
Location
USA
Status
Current

North Sails is a leading marine action sports business.

Key facts

The America's Cup

100%

of teams select North sails

Proprietary technology

20+ yrs

of simulation sailing data

Platform for growth

10+

add-ons, creating a diversified sports business

North Sails manufactures high-performance sailing and sportswear products.

NS Cover Image

The sail of choice in the America’s Cup

North Sails has focused on innovation ever since the business was founded in 1957. The company is renowned for its 3Di model, the sail of choice for the world’s most prestigious sailing contests.

The product of many years of research and innovation, 3Di sails are engineered to be lighter and faster than traditional sails, thanks to a unique, patented manufacturing process.

100% of America’s Cup and SailGP teams select North as their development partner and sole supplier, leveraging the company’s 20+ years of sailing data and unrivalled proprietary technology.

Our investment 

Oakley invested in North Sails in 2014. We’re helping the business grow on a global scale by leveraging the heritage of the sail brand and by diversifying the business.

Following a decade of acquisitions supported by Oakley, today the North Sails group comprises multiple brands including North Sails, Quantum Sails, Doyle Sails, Southern Spars, Future Fibres, North Windsurfing, North Kiteboarding, Mystic and others.

Learn more about North’s brands here

Market dynamics 

North Sails is the leader in its market. An active M&A strategy has increased the range of marine sports the Group caters to and has widened its total addressable market. It has also created a diverse family of brands that together generate highly-repeatable revenue streams underpinned by a resilient, UHNW customer base.

Our origination network helps us source investments others cannot. Often, we are the first institutional investor in our portfolio companies.

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