49er and 49erFX © North Sails When North Sails was asked by the 49er and 49erFX classes to propose an update to their current sails, the first step was to collect accurate data about how they were performing and what could be improved. We reached out to Julian Bethwaite, John Clinton, Blair Tuke and Peter Burling, as well as many others who are involved with the class. The feedback was overwhelmingly in favor of better consistency in the sails and more longevity. Our goals quickly became very clear. North Sails takes a scientific approach to sailmaking. The North Design Suite is ...