Why North U?
Because experience matters—and structure accelerates learning.
North U is the training division of North Sails, combining decades of performance knowledge with proven teaching systems. We don’t rely on opinions, trends, or one-size-fits-all solutions. We rely on tested principles, real-world application, and continuous refinement.
What sets North U apart:
We recognize that sailors learn in different ways and at different speeds. That’s why North U offers multiple learning paths—on the water, online, and through trusted reference materials—so sailors can build understanding, apply skills, and reinforce progress over time.
40+
Years of Coaching
50+
Coaches
25,000+
Alumni
100+
National Championships
To make becoming a better sailor faster and more accessible.
North U exists to accelerate learning at every level of the sport. Through expert coaching, proven curriculum, and real-world application, we help sailors build skills, confidence, and understanding—on the water and beyond it.
A sailing community where knowledge is shared, learning is intentional, and performance is within reach.
We believe sailing should be challenging, inclusive, and deeply rewarding. Our vision is a global community of sailors who learn continuously, support one another, and approach performance with curiosity, discipline, and respect for the sport.
Performance, clarity, and people—always in that order.
We value learning that leads to real results, teaching that simplifies complexity, and a culture that supports growth at every stage. We believe in preparation over guesswork, progress over perfection, and coaching that empowers sailors to think, adapt, and improve long after the lesson ends.
As North U enters its next phase, it’s natural—and healthy—to ask questions about where we’ve been, where we are, and where we’re headed. North U’s story is not a straight line. It’s a story of innovation, evolution, and renewal—always driven by a commitment to helping sailors learn faster and sail better.
North U was founded in 1980 under the leadership of Robert Hopkins, with the goal of bringing structured, performance-focused education to sailors who wanted to go beyond instinct and tradition. The original Fast and Smart courses debuted in 1981, introducing a curriculum-driven approach to racing education that was groundbreaking at the time. (Some of those original overhead transparencies still exist—and yes, they’re exactly as retro as you’re imagining.)Through the 1980s and into the 1990s, North U was led by influential figures including Andreas Josenhans and David Dellenbaugh, helping establish North U as a serious voice in performance sailing education.During this same era, Gladstone Sailing Services began offering a competing series of Performance Racing Seminars—working across multiple major sailmakers. Over time, market dynamics shifted, and North U eventually stepped away from offering seminars altogether.
In 1997, North Sails acquired Gladstone Sailing Services and revived the North U brand. This marked a major turning point.Under this structure, North U returned as a comprehensive education platform—offering seminars, award-winning books, media, on-the-water clinics, and coaching. The program combined North Sails’ deep performance expertise with Gladstone’s proven educational framework, creating one of the most respected performance-training systems in sailing.In 2014, North Sails and the broader North Technology Group were sold to Oakley Capital. As part of that transition, North U was spun off from North Sails, and Gladstone Sailing Services was licensed to manage the North U brand independently.
After several years of collaboration on seminars, webinars, and publications, a new chapter began in January 2023, when North U became the Performance Division of American Sailing.This partnership allowed North U to focus fully on what it does best: developing and delivering high-impact performance programs—without the overhead of building a standalone administrative organization. Being part of American Sailing has provided scale, stability, and alignment with a national mission to grow and support the sport.Today, North U performance training is being integrated into both existing and new American Sailing programs, expanding access while preserving the depth, rigor, and culture that have always defined North U.
North U has always evolved to meet sailors where they are—and where the sport is going.What hasn’t changed is our purpose: to make becoming a better sailor faster, clearer, and more accessible.Our future builds on four decades of learning, teaching, and refinement—now strengthened by partnership, shared values, and a growing community of sailors who believe that performance and education belong together.
At North U, we believe sailors learn best when education meets experience. That’s why our programs are designed to work together—on the water, online, and on the page—to support sailors at every stage of their journey.
The NorthU Team brings together passionate sailors and expert instructors committed to building skills, confidence, and connection on the water. From first lessons to advanced performance, the team exists to help sailors learn, grow, and sail better.
Kristen Berry
Director
Nik Vale
CTO
Christy McFerren
Creative Director
Phaedra LeMay
UX Designer
Diona Young
Community Director
