Is North Sails Made by Prada?

If you’re a sailing enthusiast, you may have come across the brand North Sails. But have you ever wondered if it’s made by Prada? Let’s dive into the details and find out.

What is North Sails?

North Sails is a well-known brand in the sailing industry that specializes in designing and manufacturing sails, rigging, and other sailing-related products. The company was founded in 1957 by Lowell North, an American sailor who won an Olympic gold medal in the Star class.

Who owns North Sails?

North Sails was acquired by Oakley Capital, a private equity firm based in London, UK, in 2014. However, before that, the brand had been through several ownership changes over the years.

Is North Sails Made by Prada?

The answer is yes and no. In 1997, Prada Group acquired a majority stake in North Sails’ parent company, NSI (North Marine Group).

As a result of this acquisition, Prada became one of the owners of North Sails. However, Prada sold its stake in NSI to Oakley Capital in 2014.

The Connection Between Prada and North Sails

Prada’s involvement with North Sails wasn’t just limited to ownership. In fact, there was a collaboration between the two brands back in 1997 when Prada entered the sailing world with its own racing team. As part of this collaboration, North Sails provided sails for Prada’s yachts during the America’s Cup race.

What Does This Mean for North Sails?

While Prada may no longer be involved with North Sails’ ownership or operations, there’s no denying that their collaboration had a significant impact on the brand’s image and reputation. Being associated with a high-end fashion brand like Prada brought North Sails into the spotlight and helped it reach a wider audience.

The Bottom Line

To sum it up, North Sails was made by Prada in the sense that Prada owned a majority stake in its parent company for many years. However, since 2014, Oakley Capital has been the primary owner of North Sails. Nevertheless, the collaboration between the two brands had a positive impact on North Sails’ brand image and reputation, and it remains a popular choice among sailors worldwide.