North Sails Selected to Build Sails for the O’pen BIC

North Sails and the O'pen BIC Class Association recently announced that North Sails has been selected to build the sails for the O'pen BIC. The O'pen BIC, which received official class recognition by the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) in November 2007, is a 2.75 meter long (9-foot) one-design dinghy that is gaining momentum around the world with large fleets in the United States, Italy, France and South America. The first North sails should be delivered with the boat from late Spring 2008 onwards.


"North Sails is always interested in supporting and promoting youth sailing," said Tom Whidden, CEO of North Marine Group. "Our goal of partnering with the O'pen BIC class is to help grow youth sailing by working with a boat design that is fun and competitive for young sailors. In addition to being a great design with its open cockpit and modern equipment, the O'pen BIC is manufactured using a low energy/emissions technique with materials that are potentially recyclable, which reinforces the importance of recycling and keeping our environment as clean and healthy as possible." 


"BIC Sport is very excited to work with North Sails on the O’pen BIC," said Peter Durham, Chairman of the International Class Association. "As the world leader in sailing, North Sails will ensure the highest quality product, the closest possible respect of One Design parameters and a strong sales & marketing partner that can help us boost worldwide awareness of the class."


The O'pen BIC was first launched in April 2006 and has grown into an international sensation in just 18 months, providing an exciting forum for dinghy racing for young sailors. The first U.S. regatta was held in August 2007 at Sail Newport in Newport, RI, with 40 competitors, all under the age of 17. The first European regatta was held with similar numbers from all over Europe. Recognizing the skiff-like performances of the boat, the Class used these events to propose exciting and innovative new race formats including slalom and banana courses, long distance and O’pen Cross (including compulsory freestyle moves). With the focus on fun, the O'pen BIC class continues to grow rapidly both in the US and abroad.


The 2008 O'pen BIC calendar of events is growing rapidly with fun events focusing on participation being planned worldwide. For more information, please visit: http://class.openbic.com.

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