It is with mixed emotions to announce that Jeff Todd will be leaving North Sails after 23 years. Jeff has been a staple to North Sails in Annapolis for nearly a quarter of a century as manager of our service department, seeing the loft through three location changes. While he will be greatly missed, North Sails wishes Jeff much luck in his new endeavor as master sailmaker at the US Naval Academy.
Jeff is an accomplished sailor and sailmaker who joined North Sails in 1995. His career with North has spanned J-Boat class titles, as well as providing local support and expertise to events such as the Volvo Ocean Race and transatlantic races during stopovers in Baltimore. Jeff somehow managed to repair the PlayStation Code Zero, despite the fact that the sail was larger than the loft floor.
“Jeff has always been approachable and positive, with the skill to assess a situation and provide a fair solution,” commented Pete Colby, North Sails North American Service Manager. “He is hands-on in the loft and out in the field. I always found I learned something new about sailing or sailmaking after speaking with Jeff. North Sails and the Annapolis area are lucky to have worked with and learned from Jeff over the years.”
“Jeff brought an inherent wealth of knowledge to the job,” commented Jonathan Bartlett, loft manager in Annapolis. “Whether it was service work for the Whitbread, NOOD Regatta or seasonal service, Jeff always completed the work with the utmost care. Our customers always benefited from Jeff's honesty and fairness. Jeff has the same approach on the water, which is the mark of a true North Sails personality. He also sails the same way too. Our loft and customers will miss Jeff, but we’re confident they are in good hands with Ridgley MacKenzie.”
Ridgely will take over as Service Manager in Annapolis. He is from a family of sailmakers with a 50+ years history in the Annapolis area. Like Jeff, Ridgely will become a familiar face to North customers both in the loft and on the water.
