New addition to North Sails: Pierre Mortefon in an interview - "I've shown that I'm ready for challenges"

With Pierre Mortefon, North Sails has brought none other than the four-time world champion onto the team. The Frenchman has experienced a lot of turmoil in recent years when it comes to sponsors - first the separation from Duotone, then the PWA ejection of its sailing outfitter in the middle of the season. As part of North Sails' offensive, Mortefon is now returning to his roots, so to speak, as his star once rose with the "old" brand of the same name. Chris Yates from the PWA asked Pierre about his new sponsor.

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Hey Pierre, congratulations on your move to North Windsurfing. After a turbulent year with sponsors last season, it must feel great to have everything sorted out so early this time, right?

Thank you! It's a really nice moment for me to finally announce this. It's been a crazy year with ups and downs. I'm very happy with how I managed the whole year and with my results last season. I kind of needed a big break and haven't been on the water much in the last few weeks, I've just been in the waves a bit. But I've been thinking and discussing a lot. It's a big step, a big change, and I didn't really expect it so soon after the event in Japan. But the project, the ideas and the motivation really convinced me. That was a crucial point and made me want to do it. I really appreciate having strong support and great expectations. I was also looking for stability and a solid project for the coming years. To be honest, the last few seasons have been very successful, but the uncertainty has cost me a lot of energy. Now I felt it was important to create a good basis to continue progressing at the highest level.

The last few seasons have been very successful, but the uncertainty has cost me a lot of energy."

You achieved a lot of success with North Sails at the beginning of your career - how does it feel to return to the brand that started it all?

I've spent most of my career with North Sails. I got my first good contract there, then my first photo shoot, my first race win, my first event win and so on. So it definitely feels special. The brand has been a staple in windsurfing for a long time. It's also known for being at the top in sailing. It's great to have such a big machine behind you and to feel that support again. Of course, it also means a bit more pressure, but I'm ready for it. The other day my dad was still wearing an old hoodie from that time, which made me smile. The circle is slowly closing, but it won't really be complete until we have success together again.

How does it feel to be travelling on North equipment again?

This logo is iconic and something special for me. It continues to evolve and change after all these years. The introduction of the foil has certainly redefined the overall concept of sails and changed it a little - even for the fins. So it's different from seven years ago. We are already in the process of adapting the equipment and the sails. The plan is to get to the top quickly and that will work. I'm impressed by the quality of all the accessories, booms and all the details!

The circle is slowly closing, but it will only really be complete when we are successful together again!"

What are your goals for 2026?

Clearly, to be at the top in both disciplines. It's a big challenge, but I think I showed last year that I'm ready for challenges. Being supported by a strong team now is an advantage and I want to show them that we have made a good choice by working together. I also really enjoy windsurfing, even though the last few years have not been the easiest. It's the best sport in the world, in the water, and I want to keep the fire alive!

Thank you very much and good luck!