Whidden's leadership in the design and manufacturing of technologically advanced sails at North Sails is significant.

Blackaller drew a salary from North Sails while competing in international regattas.

It is made by North Sails of Mylar, a plastic that the sailmaking firm also uses for its high-tech boats.

North Sails is an international sailmaker with operations in 29 countries.

North Sails is the world's largest sailmaker, with annual sales of $110 million in 2011.

North Sails introduced the 3DL line of upwind sails in 1992.

In late 2007, the Cuben Fiber Corporation was acquired by North Sails.

North Sails says they will continue to supply the materials to competitors on an as available basis.

In 1957, he founded North Sails in San Diego, a world wide company producing sailing equipment.

He also orchestrated the decentralization of the company in 1983 and negotiated the purchase of North Sails in 1984.