Transfer Season

Pierre Mortefon (North Windsurfing) is one of the best racers of his generation and has been challenging at the very top of the sport for over the last decade. Since winning his first world title in 2019, the Frenchman has added three more world titles to his name. Dominating in 2024 by winning both the Foil Slalom and Slalom X world titles, while last season he retained his Slalom X world crown, while finishing as the runner up in Foil Slalom. This was made all the more impressive given Mortefon’s well documented equipment problems last year, but for 2026, the 36-year-old will have no such stress after completing a move which sees him return to the brand where it all began - North Windsurfing. You can read our full interview with Pierre below:

Hey Pierre, congrats on your new move to North Windsurfing, after a turbulent year with sponsors last season it must feel great to have that sorted nice and early this time round? 

“Thanks! It’s a really nice moment for me to finally announce it. It’s been a crazy year, with ups and downs. I am really happy with how I handled the whole year and with my results last season. I kind of needed a big break and I didn’t sail much in the last weeks, just enjoyed a few waves. But I thought and discussed a lot.

It’s a big move, a big change, and I was not really expecting it right after Japan. But I was really seduced by the project, the ideas, and the motivation. This was a key point and made me move. Having strong support and big expectations is something I really appreciate.
I was also looking for stability and a solid project for the coming years. The last seasons were very successful, honestly, but the instability took a lot of energy. Now I felt it was important to set a good base to keep pushing forward with strong goals at the highest windsurfing level.”

At the start of your career you unlocked a lot of major accolades with North - how does it feel to be returning to the brand where it all began?

“I spent the biggest part of my career under the North Sails colours. I got my first interesting contract there, then my first photoshoot, my first race win, my first event victory, etc. So for sure, it feels special.

I think the brand has always been a strong character in the windsurfing world. It’s also well known for being at the very top in sailing and yachting. Having such a big machine behind you and feeling that level of support again is great. Of course, it adds some pressure, but I’m ready for it.
The other day my father was still wearing an old hoodie from that period, it made me smile. The circle is about to be complete, but it will be truly complete when we achieve success together again.”

How does it feel stepping back on to North equipment? 

“This logo is iconic and it’s special for me. It moves forward and changes after all those years. For sure the arrival of the foil redefined and changed a bit the overall concept of the sails - even on the fins. So it’s different compared to seven years ago. We are already in the process with the equipment and sails. The plan is to be on top quickly and it will work. I am impressed by the quality of all the accessories, booms and all details of the gear.” 

What are your goals for 2026?

"It’s clear, be on top in the two racing disciplines. It’s a big challenge, but I think I showed last year that I am ready for challenges. Now being supported by a strong team will be an advantage and I want to show them we make a good choice working together. On top of that, even if the last years were not the easiest I enjoy WINDSURFING a lot. It’s the best sport in the world, in the water and I want to keep the flame alive.”

Thanks, Pierre. Congrats on the move and good luck for the season ahead.