Best Sailmaking Company - Sailmaker North Sails Employee Review

Good products, leader in the industry

Management sets expectations too high

On the whole, both hourly and salaried employees a a great group tow work with. If you're a sailor and looking for an opportunity to work within the sailing world, North Sails may be one of the best choices. Compensation is reasonable though hours can be long with little notice of necessary "crunch" demands. The is little doubt that the company is indeed the industry leader in both technology and size.

North Sails has gained much of its market share through the acquisition competitors and has with each acquisition seen its upper level managment increase. This has resaulted in a top heavy management structure populated by many great sailors but significantly lacking in ability. There were many and projects where I was required to report to 4 or 5 supervisors daily. Much of North's financial success has come from vertical integration but this has also lead to infighting between division heads. Upper management seemingly supports this friction by adjusting internal cost structures to benefit which ever division is currently the company darling.