New appointments

Jeremys join North Sails UK

North Sails UK has made two new key appointments, Jeremy Robinson (above) joins sales and Jeremy Elliott has joined the design team.

Since John Welch took over as Managing Director of North Sails UK last October the company has seen a 74% increase in sales and production. John Welch joined North Sails UK from North Sails Group, North America where he was responsible for the growth and development of the 3DL product. John has a formidable track record for implementing changes to manufacturing and business systems as well as a racing pedigree that includes time as trimmer on Juno IV, member of the British Southern Cross Team and the sail co-ordinator with the Winning British Admirals Cup Team in 1989.

Jeremy Robinson has a sizeable list of sailing accolades dating back to 1979 and has been sail-making since 1985 for his family owned business, Sobstad Sailmakers UK, and gained further experience at the Sobstad loft in Connecticut. Jeremy has produced winning designs for IRC Championships, Mumm 30 European Championships and 505 World Championships. Jeremy was jointly responsible for the set up of the membrane division at the China Sail Factory in 2002 and has worked on sails from Olympic Classes to Maxis. Jeremy will form an integral part of the North UK sales team, and will work with customers to find the most efficient sail solutions, as well as adding a tactical strength to their programs.

Before undertaking his role at North Sails UK Jeremy Elliott was a GBR Challenge America’s Cup sailing team member and design analyst. He has also worked in yacht hydrodynamic testing and as a technical consultant to America's Cup, Volvo Ocean Race and Olympic Teams. Jeremy sailed on the winning TP52, Stay Calm in Key West Race Week 2006. Jeremy is responsible for the R&D on custom projects, production design, evaluation and the implementation of new production systems. Almost every technical advance in modern sails has come from North and this team will continue to create faster and more durable sails.

"I believe that this team is one of the most experienced and talented in the World. We can deliver seamless, innovative design technology and we will drive our research and development forward. The addition of the two Jeremy’s will strengthen the existing talented sales and design teams,” said John Welch, Managing Director, North Sails UK.