From B Street Pier to the world
North Sails traces its origins back to San Diego, where a young Lowell North first stitched together a Star mainsail in a modest loft on B Street Pier. That small beginning proved to be the foundation for a global brand.
Over the following sixty years the business has grown into the world’s most influential sailmaker, operating seven purpose-built manufacturing centres across six countries and employing more than 2,000 people.
Today, sailors around the world rely on tens of thousands of North sails each year. Every one of them carries the same philosophy that guided Lowell’s first design: a commitment to testing and refining materials in-house, shaping performance-led designs, crafting with care, and standing behind the product with trusted service.
The North Sails group has since broadened into apparel and actionsports, but whether on the water or ashore, those original principles remain at its core.
Auckland expansion
In New Zealand, those values are now anchored in three purpose-built Auckland sites. General Manager Richard “Bicky” Bicknell says the relocation has been seamless. “The team is thriving in their new spaces and we’re excited about what this means for customers and for the future of North Sails in Auckland.”
- Sales & Design: Now located at 15 Jomac Place, Avondale, the team works in a modern office shared with Southern Spars, creating a hub of marine expertise just minutes from the service loft.
- Sail Care & Repair: Based at Units B & C, 419 Rosebank Road, Avondale, the new loft is equipped to deliver efficient sail maintenance and repairs, building on North’s reputation for reliability.
- One Design: Operating from 217 Archers Road, Wairau Valley, the specialists continue to support the racing community with precision and expertise.
The Archers Road facility once housed the main service loft, but those operations have now shifted to Rosebank Road, streamlining workflows and improving customer service.
Serving New Zealand sailors
Beyond Auckland, the Bay of Islands loft continues to provide vital service to sailors in northern waters. Together, these facilities strengthen North Sails’ commitment to innovation, collaboration, and service for Kiwi sailors.
With global reach and local focus, North Sails New Zealand is well positioned to deliver the precision, efficiency, and expertise that sailors rely on.
