In 1957, the founder of NORTH SAILS, Lowell North, decided to build the best and fastest racing sails in the world. He succeeded, changing the world of sailing forever. Six decades later, North Sails has grown into the world's leading sail manufacturer, with seven production facilities in six countries and 2,000 employees. The group, which includes the North Sails, North Sails Apparel and North Sails Actionsports divisions, still believes in the core values that have made Lowell North successful: in-house materials analysis and development, performance-oriented design, quality craftsmanship and customer support . In the clothing and footwear field, North Sails manufactures both leisure items and high-end technical clothing and footwear for sailors.