North Sails (UK), has announced the appointment of Ian Simkins as One Design Production Manager.

Ian joins the company bringing with him over 16 years of sail making experience. Well known to one-design sailors, Ian has designed and built world and National championship winning sails for classes including the B14, Contender, Lark, Osprey, OK and development class National 12.

The move to North Sails enables Ian to return to his roots in dinghy sail making. Ian is well known for his high level of after sales service and customer contact with both current and former clients, and looks forward to establishing new relationships with North’s established customer base in the one-design sector.

As Production Manager of North Sails One Design, Ian will be responsible for all aspects of the manufacture of a wide range of dinghy and one design sails, as well as after sales service and customer support. Ian is looking forward to his new role commenting: “The move to North Sails is very exciting for me allowing me to return to the Dinghy and One Design market, an area that I have always found both challenging and enjoyable.”

Prior to joining North, Ian was based at the recently-closed Hyde Sails Keelboat loft in Hamble. Ian started at Hyde after the company brought the UK assets of Ullman Sails, which he both ran and co-owned for 14 years.