North Notes

3DL: SUPPLY AND DEMAND

In Yachting magazine's 1994 Honor Roll (May issue), North's new and patented 3DL seamless sailmaking process was named the "Most Significant Design Breakthrough -Sails." The magazine described a 3DL sail as "...lighter, truer to its design shape, stronger for a given weight, and able to handle a broader wind range." Indeed, 3DL has dominated Grand-Prix racing in 1994, from the Mumm 36 to IMS Class I. While 3DL's instant success has been gratifying, the demand for 3DL has been significantly greater than the supply. In December '94, North opened a new 35,200 square foot 3DL manufacturing facility in Minden, Nevada, where four molds and two gantries will be operating and as many as 80 people working two 10-hour shifts. Gary Weisman, former loft manager of North Sails San Diego, is plant manager and vice-president in charge of production; Steve McElvain, the former plant manager of North Manufacturing San Diego, has been appointed production manager, and Luc Dubois, who developed 3DL for North with J. P. Baudet, will be operations manager. For the foreseeable future, the 12,000 sq. ft. 3DL-manufacturing plant in San Leandro, CA, will continue building 3DL sails, including those for International America's Cup Class yachts and windsurfers.

North's new 3DL™ manufacturing facility in Minden, Nevada features two massive computer controlled gantries that travel on rails over four adjustable sail molds. The plant will answer a rapidly growing demand for 3DL sails worldwide and allow the technology to be applied to club racing and cruising markets.

NORTH PURCHASES DOUGHERTY MARINE

· North Sails Group Inc. has acquired a controlling interest in Dougherty Marine, a manufacturer of high-quality powerboats, headquartered in Edgewater, FL. The company was founded in 1991 by Bob Dougherty and son Stephen. Bob was a senior vice president and chief engineer with Boston Whaler for more than 30 years. Dougherty Marine offers 17- and 18-foot center-console fishing machines, as well as dual-console walk-thru/windshield versions of the same boats. Also offered is a wide-body (8'6") fishing machine, as well as a walk-around cuddy-cabin model. A 21-foot dual-console walk-thru boat will debut at the end of this year, and in early '95, Dougherty will add a 24-ft. center-console fishing machine to its line. Dougherty's boats are recognized for their rugged construction, balanced handling and abundance of features.