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North Sails One Design Optimist & i420 Sails & Service

Sail1Design partners with North Sails One Design, focusing our efforts on Optimist & International 420 service, sails, and sail development. S1D is a dealer for North Sails in these classes. For more information contact North Sails i420/Optimist Class Rep Tom Sitzmann

OPTIMIST SAILS Blue and white circular North Sails logo featuring a large "N" at the top, "NORTH SAILS" in the center, and a large "S" at the bottom.
Sail1Design’s Tom Sitzmann, a former sailmaker and loft owner, has been evaluating and studying Optimist sail designs since his son Tommy started sailing the boat. Now partnering with North Sails One Design, Tom continues to work on this very unique sail, and with the design and engineering expertise, and legendary success of North Sails, hopes to continue to improve the boat for American youth sailors. Tom will collaborate with North Designer Mike Marshall on new Optimist sail designs. Order a North MNR Optimist Sail.

INTRODUCING A NEW NORTH OPTIMIST SAIL: THE V-Series

A person wearing a helmet and life jacket sails a small white sailboat marked "USA 22796" on a sunlit, slightly choppy river near a shoreline with houses and trees.

 North Sails V-Series!

 

NORTH SAILS V-SERIES OPTIMIST SAIL INTRODUCTION & GUIDE       

After nearly two years of development, testing, re-designing and more testing, North Sails is proud to launch the all-new V-Series Optimist sail. We have streamlined our range to three sail options, all following the design philosophy of the V-Series:

  • Optimist V-1 Mainsail, below 34kg (75 lbs.)
  • Optimist V-2 Mainsail, between 34-42kg (75-93 lbs.)
  • Optimist V-3 Mainsail, above 42kg (93 lbs)

The V-series features a very unique radial design along with one cross-cut panel, which allows both excellent shape-holding durability, and unparalleled tuning potential through the wind ranges. This sail design also reflects a long, in-depth study of all of the new equipment available in the Optimist class (sprits, spars, etc)*, and also how sailors now sail the boat (much more athletically than ever before).

This radial sail delivers unparalleled acceleration and speed throughout a wide range of conditions. A radial sail is more rigid than a conventional crosscut sail. The sail holds its shape and responds more sensitively to trimming and tuning changes. This is the perfect Optimist sail for racers looking to get the absolute most speed and versatility on the race course. Results so far have been very positive.

*The guide below was created for our V-Series sails using an Optimax MK3 Flex spar. Our sail can work with all spars, however it is important to match sail tuning with the bend characteristics of your rig. For more information, please contact North Sails Optimist expert Tom Sitzmann (tom.sitzmann@northsails.com).

Contact: Tom Sitzmann  /  tom.sitzmann@northsails.com  /  443.220.2089

NORTH SAILS V-SERIES OPTIMIST QUICK TUNE                                        Contact: Tom Sitzmann  /  tom.sitzmann@northsails.com  /  443.220.2089

Screenshot of sail adjustment instructions showing a table with tie positions (Top, Middle, Bottom) each set to 2 mm. Text explains adjusting sail depth/shape in different wind conditions and provides further adjustment notes.

A table details sail settings for different wind ranges, showing values for mast rake, sprit, vang, prebender, and center board with notes on tension, slack, wrinkles, and position adjustments. A basic trim note is included below.

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i420 SAILSBlue and white circular North Sails logo featuring a large "N" at the top, "NORTH SAILS" in the center, and a large "S" at the bottom.
The International 420 is one of the most popular junior classes around the globe. With our worldwide contacts and design input, we continue to help refine the racing sails for top performance. Our Blue Ribbon Line of 420 sails is designed for college or high school teams that demand the ultimate in durability. While these sails are not class legal for C-420 Class Association events, this line does allow unlimited customization to cover the branding requirements of each fleet. ORDER North i420 Sails.
For more information contact North Sails i420 Class Rep Tom Sitzmann

MAINSAILS

420 M-9 Mainsail     This new design has a deeper bottom-middle shape than other 420 mainsails. Combined with a balanced shape in the top section, that makes trimming easier. We’ve also added curvature down low to improve performance in vang-on conditions, when high boom-vang tension adds mast bend down low. Easy to trim with good acceleration in a range of conditions. BUY NOW

Designed by North Sails Japan.

Standard Features

  • 420 insignia
  • Sail numbers
  • Spreader window
  • Battens
  • Tell tales
  • Sail bag
  • Class button

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420 M-11 Mainsail   The M-11 Mainsail is a further development of our M-7 design. It has a deeper top and middle to make it powerful to suit heavier weight crew and provides the sail with more twist, allowing you to sail lower and faster in waves with great acceleration. This is a great sail choice for heavier crew and sailing in waves and swell especially. BUY NOW

Standard Features

  • 420 insignia
  • Sail numbers
  • Spreader window
  • Battens
  • Tell tales
  • Sail bag
  • Class button

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HEADSAILS

420 J-12 Jib    The J-12 jib has been updated with a straighter exit straighter and 3 battens to stabilize the leech, which improves power and increases the leech area. Carbon battens are used for minimum weight and maximum durability and performance. A diagram of a white sail with blue outlines, showing panels, seams, and reinforcements typical of a triangular sail used on sailboats. A small logo is visible in the lower left corner of the sail.

Designed by North Sails Japan. ORDER North i420 Sails

Standard Features

  • Window
  • Tack cleat
  • Tell tales
  • Sail bag
  • Class button

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420 J-13 Jib   The New J-13 jib features a pretty flat entry and straighter bottom exit, good for tight windward sheeting and good for pointing. This sail is recommended forexperienced crew, advanced trim.

D esigned by North Sails Japan.  ORDER North i420 Sails

Standard Features

  • Window
  • Tack cleat
  • Tell tales
  • Sail bag
  • Class bag

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SPINNAKERS

420 S-01 Spinnaker    Based on our popular 470 design, this spinnaker performs well on both runs and reaches. It has the largest projected area of all our 420 spinnakers, and the depth is balanced from top to bottom to make trimming easier. Since the sail itself is a little flatter than the S-05, you can play the spinnaker poleA white sail with blue outlines and curved horizontal seams, shown against a plain background. The sail is rounded and full, likely designed for use on a sailboat. height to stabilize it when required.  

420 S-05 Spinnaker  This fuller, more stable design makes trimming easier, especially in choppy water. It has a bit less projected area than the S-01. Designed by North Sails Japan.  ORDER North i420 Sails