North Sails Apparel has today announced a brand-new partnership with GB1 – Britain’s America’s Cup team, representing the Challenger of Record, Royal Yacht Squadron Racing Ltd, for the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup. North Sails Apparel will become the exclusive supplier of technical sailing gear to the British America’s Cup team and the official licensing partner of the GB1 Technical Clothing Capsule Collection.
As the Official Technical Clothing supplier, North Sails Apparel will provide GB1 with high-performance outerwear engineered to meet the demands of elite competition. Designed for the intensity of America’s Cup racing and tested on the water in real conditions, each piece delivers maximum protection, comfort and freedom of movement.
Alongside the team kit, the GB1 Technical Clothing Capsule Collection will feature a variety of men’s and women’s apparel, complemented by a range of accessories. Blending functionality with contemporary style, the collection gives fans the opportunity to feel part of the team. The first drop will be available ahead of the Preliminary Regatta in Cagliari, Italy (21st - 24th May) and includes polo shirts, t-shirts and caps inspired by the GB1 race kit.
The America’s Cup is the oldest trophy in international sport and remains one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events. First contested in 1851 around the Isle of Wight, the event has long represented the pinnacle of performance in sailing. As the birthplace of the Cup, Britain’s challenge carries particular significance as the team looks to win the trophy for the first time in its 175-year history.
North Sails Apparel is part of North Technology Group which has played a defining role in America’s Cup history for more than four decades. Since 1980, the sailmaker has supported every Defender and Challenger in the competition, building an unrivalled legacy of technical excellence, innovation and performance at the very highest level of sailing.
CEO of North Sails Apparel, Cédric Georges said: “Our partnership with GB1 represents the coming together of two brands united by a shared commitment to excellence and the relentless pursuit of performance. Britain is where the competition began and we are proud to support the team as they pursue the world’s oldest international sporting trophy.”
Team Principal of GB1, Sir Ben Ainslie added: “North Sails is one of the most iconic names in our sport, with an incredible heritage in the America’s Cup and across sailing worldwide. To have their support as we prepare for the next campaign is hugely significant. At this level, every detail matters, and having world-class technical apparel that performs in the toughest conditions gives our athletes and team the confidence to focus on what matters most.”
The partnership also extends to the Athena Pathway, with North Sails Apparel supporting both the Women’s and British Youth America’s Cup teams. As runners-up in the inaugural Women’s America’s Cup in 2024, Athena Pathway has already demonstrated its competitive edge on the global stage and continues to play a critical role in developing the next generation of elite British sailing talent.
SHOP THE GB1 X NORTH SAILS COLLECTION
The first collection will be available to purchase via northsails.com from Friday 15th May 2026 as well as at the Preliminary Regatta in Cagliari, Sardinia. A second collection will be released ahead of the 38th America’s Cup in Naples, Italy in 2027.