RIYADH: In an effort to promote sustainable water sports in Saudi Arabia, Public Investment Fund-owned developer Red Sea Global has partnered with global sailmaker North Sails to provide performance apparel, sailing kits and other technological support.

The collaboration will expand to retail and merchandise, and involve RSG working with North Sails to deliver kites, foil, sails, footwear and accessories, in addition to cooperating closely on events and community engagement.

Under the partnership, North Sails will also provide RSG’s water sports brand WAMA with sports apparel for all sailing and water sports staff.

“Bringing world-class water sports to the Red Sea demands partnering with the very best in the business. North Sails has a glowing track record, supplying leading teams in the world’s greatest sailing competitions, including The Ocean Race, with high-performance equipment and kit,” John Pagano, CEO of RSG, said.

“Our collaboration intends to go beyond this to encompass support for our ambitions to protect and enhance the world’s oceans, starting with our own Red Sea,” Pagano added.

North Sails was one of the signatories of the Fashion Pact, a coalition of fashion and luxury brands committed to science-based environmental targets.

Most of its polyester and nylon is made of recycled materials, while the company uses organic cotton bags and paper-based packaging from certified, responsible sources, according to a press release.

The WAMA capsule collection by North Sails Apparel will provide a full range of uniforms as well as accessories such as crew bags, backpacks, and laptop cases.

“This partnership allows us to bring our passion for the ocean to more people in Saudi Arabia and internationally as well as the very best equipment and clothing,” Marisa Selfa, CEO at North Sails Apparel, said.

Selfa further added that RSG’s ambition to pioneer regenerative tourism closely mirrors North Sails’ mission to protect the oceans.

Red Sea Global is a multi-project developer seeking to boost sustainable tourism in Saudi Arabia with luxurious destinations like the Red Sea and AMAALA.