About Larsens
Since 1972
A Long, Proud Tradition
Kurt and Sue Larsen established Larsen Sails in Santa Cruz, California, in 1972 and renamed the company Larsens Inc. in 2009. From the beginning, the Larsens built their success on innovation, service, and long-term relationships with every customer they served.
That wealth of innovation made the modern mobile canopy what it is: lighter, stronger, fire retardant, printable, and much easier to use. Today the same standards travel with racing and marketing programs across the country. In 2026 Larsens moved to a new home base in Newton, North Carolina, with in-house fabrication and a larger team.
Printable Fire Retardant Fabrics
We spearheaded the development of printable, fire retardant fabrics, bringing sponsor graphics and fire safety together in one canopy top.
Graphics Printed Into the Fabric
Larsens was the first to offer canopies with graphics printed directly onto the canopy fabric itself.
Frames That Set Up Fast
Quick set rafters with spinnaker ends came straight from our sailmaking roots. Our frames remain lighter, more adjustable, and more modular than competitors.
Race Ready
Who You Will Work With
The Team Today
The company is run today by Kurt and Sue’s daughter Karen and her husband Derick, backed by a team whose experience with canopies, printing, and drafting spans decades.
Karen Larsen Tracey
CEO
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Karen Larsen Tracey
CEO
Kurt and Sue’s daughter, Karen leads the company today and sets the standard every build is held to.
Derick Tracey
Vice President
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Derick Tracey
Vice President
Derick runs the company alongside Karen. With two decades at Larsens, he oversees logistics, from scheduling builds to getting finished canopies to customers.
Michael Chiang
Production Manager
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Michael Chiang
Production Manager
Michael runs day-to-day production in the Newton shop, from the first measurement to the finished canopy.
Theresa Trotter
Project Manager
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Theresa Trotter
Project Manager
Theresa manages each project from first quote to delivery and is the team’s point of contact for customers.
Call 831-476-3009 and ask for any of us by name, or email [email protected].
Where It Started
Our Founders
Kurt and Sue Larsen turned sailmaking craft into the modern race trailer canopy, pioneering printable fire retardant fabrics and quick set rafters with spinnaker ends.
Kurt passed away in February of 2019, and Sue is semi-retired. Their standard of innovation and long-term service still guides everything the team builds today.
Put Five Decades of Craft Behind Your Team
Tell us about your trailer and your program, and we’ll spec the right canopy, frame, and options for the way you race. Whether you call them tents, awnings, or canopies, Larsens has you covered.