Used Sails Supporting Local Environmental Efforts in Western Australia
When sails reach the end of their racing or cruising life, many face the landfill. But thanks to a chance connection at UK Sailmakers Fremantle, a new “second life” is underway for some of these materials—supporting both sustainability and community-led conservation.
Meet Michael Paterson, a long-time volunteer in Western Australia’s environmental sector. Michael began giving his time to conservation projects in 1989, and when he retired from full-time work in 2020, he turned his focus toward habitat restoration along the Swan Estuary with the Swan Estuary Reserves Action Group (SERAG).
Photos courtesy of Michael Paterson.
In 2024, Michael received a vintage 1927 Singer sewing machine as a gift. That sparked a new pursuit: teaching himself to sew. Motivated by a strong ethic of “reduce, reuse, recycle,” he began looking for durable materials destined for the waste bin. His search led him to UK Sailmakers Fremantle, where Geoff Bishop and Steve Hartley kindly donated used sails and offered advice on how to repurpose them.
Since then, Michael has transformed over 30 square meters of sailcloth into tough, practical bags. These bags are now in the hands of groups like SERAG, Friends of Gabbiljee (Bull Creek), Western Australian Seabird Rescue, Melville Bird Sanctuary, and Birdlife WA—supporting everything from carrying gear for habitat restoration to transporting equipment for displays and educational events.
Michael’s initiative is a powerful example of how old sails, often seen as waste, can instead become a valuable resource for community groups working on the frontlines of conservation.
Photos courtesy of Michael Paterson.
UK Sailmakers is proud to support this kind of ingenuity through our Supporting Sustainable Sailing initiative. From rags to riches takes on new meaning here—what once powered boats is now driving community efforts to protect our coastlines and wildlife.
If you have leads on semi-industrial sewing machines for sale, or other resources in Western Australia that could support Michael’s work, please reach out to us at info@uksailmakers.com. We’ll be glad to connect you directly so he can continue to grow these efforts.
