People | Lucio Carli

Complete protection - even when racing

The word defender in yachting parlance has been synonymous with the America's Cup for the last 156 years.
But that's all about to change thanks to a new line of cosmetic products aimed at yachting people who want to defend their skin from sun and salt water damage. But hasn't it all been done before? Not quite, according to North Sails as these products are specifically designed for people who spend long periods in the baking sun (during yacht races, for instance).
The man behind North Sails' diversification into the skincare arena is Lucio Carli. Having spent over a decade heading Linea Mediterranea, a branch of the family firm, Fratelli Carli, the Imperia-born entrepreneur played a major role in the development of the North Sails Cosmetics range. "Anyone who goes to sea knows the stress that puts on your skin," he says. "But oddly enough, even after lengthy research, I couldn't find any products on the market that met the needs of people who sail competitively and that sparked off the idea for the project."
It took a further three years of research and development to perfect the range which now numbers nine different products. "We followed a very strict development process. Only after endless tests and very convincing results from the field, so to speak, did we decide to present ourselves to the market." The attraction to North Sails was swift. "You couldn't hope for a better partner," continues Carli. "North Sails has always symbolised excellence in sailing and the project was very enthusiastically received both by the top management here in Italy and by Chairman Tom Whidden". And the results augur well for the future. "The North Sails Cosmetics line is innovative from every point of view. There's no magic formula just lots of research and innovation. Every angle has been covered, including the fact that all the products are biodegradable. The packaging was carefully designed too. The containers are all ergonomic and easy to use. The creams are easily absorbed and non-sticky, which means one less problem for people playing an active role in sailing a boat. Try working a coffee grinder with sun cream all over your hands. Then there's the protection issue. All of the products are effective in preventing damage caused by long exposure to the sun," continues Carli. This is where the innovation comes in. Microsponge, a slow-release system that combats free radicals and atmospheric agents, works to protect the delicate eye area. The North Sails shower gel is wonderfully moisturising, doesn't over-foam and comes in handy biodegradable single-use packages. North Sails has also developed an ingenious solution to the sticky hand problem with a powder product that turns into an instantly absorbed cream once it comes in contact with the skin.
Age Defender, Sun Defender, Touch Defender and Beauty Defender are all members of the new North Sails Cosmetics fleet. "We have our network of retail shops when it comes to marketing and selling the range. But we will be focusing mostly on a dedicated website," continues Carli. But these first four lines in the range are only the start. "We've only just begun," adds Carli. "The whole project will evolve in various different directions to meet the needs of customers who experience the sea as more than just a place to holiday. People who experience it professionally. So even as we speak we're working on new products to add to the range."
(Yacht Capital, n.7/2007)

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