Verified Nov 2026
Electronics & Software
·
Newport, Rhode Island
·
Since 1957
North Sails is a sailmaker founded in 1957 and headquartered in Newport, Rhode Island, United States. The company designs and manufactures custom sails, sail repair services, and technical sailing apparel and footwear. It employs an estimated 1,000 to 5,000 people and reports estimated annual revenue of $250 to $500 million. It serves the marine sector, including professional racing teams, recreational sailors, and luxury yacht owners. In 2026 it announced a new loft in Fréjus, France, and became the technical apparel sponsor of the Louis Vuitton 38th America's Cup.
North Sails at a glance
Revenue
$250-500M
Est. band
Employees
1,000-5,000
Founded
1957
Headquarters
Newport, Rhode Island
Import activity
170
Industries
Automotive
Electric Vehicles
Renewable Energy
Industrial Equipment
Consumer Goods
Sourcing and import activity
From US customs bill-of-lading records
US sea imports
170
Named foreign suppliers
27
Top origins
Sri Lanka · New Zealand · China · France
Shared foreign counterparties do not establish that these companies buy from North Sails.
What this tells a buyer
The company opened a new Mediterranean loft in Fréjus, France, in June 2026, following a 250 m² workshop announced in Saint-Tropez in October 2026.
North Sails produces custom sails, including 3Di sails, along with sail repair and maintenance services, technical consulting, and technical sailing apparel and footwear.
The company is privately held, is part of the North Technology Group, and was named technical apparel sponsor of the 38th America's Cup in May 2026.
Source: US customs bill-of-lading records and public filings · Last verified Nov 05, 2026
Overview
North Sails is a sailmaker founded in 1957 and headquartered in Newport, Rhode Island, United States. The company designs and manufactures custom sails, sail repair services, and technical sailing apparel and footwear. It employs an estimated 1,000 to 5,000 people and reports estimated annual revenue of $250 to $500 million. It serves the marine sector, including professional racing teams, recreational sailors, and luxury yacht owners. In 2026 it announced a new loft in Fréjus, France, and became the technical apparel sponsor of the Louis Vuitton 38th America's Cup.
At a glance
Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
Founded | 1957 |
Headquarters | Newport, Rhode Island |
Employees | 1,000-5,000 |
Revenue | $250-500M (estimated) |
Primary capability | Electronics & Software |
What North Sails makes
North Sails produces custom sails, including 3Di sails, along with sail repair and maintenance services, technical consulting, and technical sailing apparel and footwear.
Trade and customs footprint
The company opened a new Mediterranean loft in Fréjus, France, in June 2026, following a 250 m² workshop announced in Saint-Tropez in October 2026. US customs bill-of-lading records list 170 inbound shipments across 27 foreign suppliers, with top origins including Sri Lanka · New Zealand · China · France.
Latest developments
2026-10-05 — North Sails is setting up a 250 m² workshop in the heart of Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez (boatnews.com)
2026-06-11 — North Sails Opens a New Mediterranean Loft in Fréjus, France | North Sails (northsails.com)
2026-06-03 — NORTH SAILS AND YACHT CLUB ITALIANO CONSOLIDATE LONG-TERM PARTNERSHIP | North Sails (northsails.com)
2026-05-22 — Cowes Week Announces North Sails as Title Sponsor | North Sails (northsails.com)
2026-05-12 — North Sails Becomes Official Technical Apparel Sponsor of the Louis Vuitton 38th America's Cup | North Sails (northsails.com)
2025-11-14 — North Sails Opens One of the World's Largest Sail Lofts in Genoa | North Sails (northsails.com)
Company details
The company is privately held, is part of the North Technology Group, and was named technical apparel sponsor of the 38th America's Cup in May 2026. North Sails was founded in 1957, has an estimated 1,000-5,000 employees, and is headquartered in Newport, Rhode Island.
Frequently asked questions
What does North Sails make?
North Sails is a sailmaker founded in 1957 and headquartered in Newport, Rhode Island, United States. The company designs and manufactures custom sails, sail repair services, and technical sailing apparel and footwear. It employs an estimated 1,000 to 5,000 people and reports estimated annual revenue of $250 to $500 million. It serves the marine sector, including professional racing teams, recreational sailors, and luxury yacht owners. In 2026 it announced a new loft in Fréjus, France, and became the technical apparel sponsor of the Louis Vuitton 38th America's Cup.
Where is North Sails headquartered?
North Sails is headquartered in Newport, Rhode Island (449 Thames St, Newport, Rhode Island, 02840).
When was North Sails founded?
North Sails was founded in 1957.
How big is North Sails?
North Sails has an estimated 1,000-5,000 employees, with revenue in the $250-500M range (estimated).
Does North Sails import from overseas suppliers?
US customs bill-of-lading records show 170 inbound shipments for North Sails, with top origins including Sri Lanka · New Zealand · China · France.
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Last verified Nov 2026. Is this your company? Request a correction.
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