PROUDLY INDEPENDENT IN A CHANGING INDUSTRY

In the world of sailmaking, three of our top competitors—North Sails, Doyle Sails, and Quantum Sails—have recently merged under the umbrella of North Technology Group (NTG)*. While these companies assure that business will continue as usual, we at UK Sailmakers can’t help but ask: How can fewer options in the market be beneficial for sailors?

At UK Sailmakers, we’re proud to be an independent, locally owned network of lofts. Each UK Sailmakers loft is independently owned and operated, giving the loft managers a vested interest in their success. This independence empowers us to offer something truly unique within sailmaking—personalized, customer-focused service that’s simply not achievable under a larger corporate structure. We believe that our size and independence are not limitations, but rather strengths that enable us to provide better products and services for our customers.

When you purchase a sail from UK Sailmakers, you’re not just buying from a brand—you’re supporting a local business. Because each of our lofts is independently owned, every sale directly benefits your local economy. This local ownership allows us to keep overhead costs low, reduce bureaucracy, and invest more in what truly matters: developing the latest sailmaking technologies and delivering the best sails possible to our customers.

The recent industry merger raises important questions about the future of competition and choice. NTG now controls a significant share of the market, bringing North Sails, Doyle Sails, and Quantum Sails under one umbrella. Although they claim these brands will continue to operate independently, it’s uncertain how long this will last before consolidation impacts customer experience. If this merger follows the usual pattern of corporate acquisitions—cutting costs by eliminating redundant “back office” positions—then the competition that once drove service and innovation in the industry is likely to diminish.

In contrast, UK Sailmakers remains committed to our mission: making great sails and providing exceptional service to our customers. Our independent structure allows us to serve our customers as we see fit, without being constrained by price structures, sales quotas, or corporate mandates. Our lofts around the world collaborate closely, sharing knowledge and experience to ensure that every customer receives the best possible sail for their unique needs.

Every sail we make is custom designed to the specific measurements and specifications of the customer’s boat, ensuring the perfect fit and optimal performance. Our commitment to personalized service means that we take the time to understand each customer’s sailing goals, whether they’re racing, cruising, or day sailing, so that we can help them sail with confidence.

Moreover, our connection to the local communities we serve is at the heart of what we do. Our lofts are staffed by local workers, and we actively support local sailing events and organizations. As an international company, we take pride in our production lofts located in several countries, including the USA, where we pay equitable wages and source materials from sustainable manufacturing facilities.

At UK Sailmakers, sailing is in our soul. We’re passionate about helping our customers achieve their dreams on the water, and we take pride in the fact that our independence allows us to do that better than anyone else. While the industry may be changing, our commitment to our customers and our values remains unwavering.

Sail with Confidence, Sail with UK Sailmakers.

*The acquisition of Doyle Sailmakers International by NTG does not include Doyle One Design.