UK Sailmakers Chicago
A family-run, full production and repair loft — the Midwest's largest and most experienced sailmaking staff, dedicated to the art and science of the craft.
VISIT
2323 S. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60616
CONTACT
HOURS
Weekdays 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Saturdays by appointment
CONTACT
Loft
UK Sailmakers Chicago
Chicago, IL, USA
Phone
312-326-1053Opening hours
Weekdays 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Saturdays by appointment
We’ll reach out as soon as possible. Walk-ins welcome during loft hours.
OUR WATERS
Lake Michigan is home water.
From Wednesday beer cans out of Monroe and Belmont harbors to the Chicago–Mackinac and the Queen's Cup, this loft builds for the chop, the squalls, and the long light-air runs of the big lake. Scow and dinghy sailors know us from the inland lakes circuit — Mike's one-design programs have put UK sails on national-championship boats across the Midwest.
Now a Vakaros Instruments dealer — the race instruments fast becoming standard on top boats, small and large. Ask the loft for a demo.
“Pat recut our Tartan 10's #1 mid-season and we finally started getting off the line with the fleet leaders. You call, a Considine answers.”
ABOUT THIS LOFT
About this loft
UK Sailmakers Chicago is a family run full production and repair facility whose staff is dedicated to the art and science of sailmaking. We have the Midwest's largest and most experienced staff that provides the best service available. Jim Considine took over the well-established loft of Nieman and Considine in the late 1970s. He was joined by three of his four children shortly later. Pat Considine, the loft's designer, has become the head designer for the worldwide group of UK Sailmakers lofts. His brother Mike has led the development of one-design sails that includes MC Scows, C Scows and E Scows as well as Flying Scots. Their sister Cate Swanson runs the office and is frequently behind a sewing machine.
UK Sailmakers Chicago is happy to announce that it is now a dealer for Vakaros Instruments. Vakaros Instruments are used by both small and large boats and are quickly becoming the standard for top racing teams. Contact the UK Sailmakers Chicago loft for more information.
Photos © UK Sailmakers
THE PEOPLE WHO OWN THE LOFT
The Considines and crew.
Jim Considine took over the well-established loft of Nieman & Considine in the late 1970s and was soon joined by three of his four children. Half a century later, the family still measures, designs, and sews here.
Jim Considine
Owner
Jim Considine took over the well-established loft of Nieman and Considine in the late 1970s and was joined by three of his four children shortly later.
Pat Considine
Loft designer; head designer for UK Sailmakers
Pat Considine, the loft's designer, has become the head designer for the worldwide group of UK Sailmakers lofts.
Mike Considine
One-design sail development
Mike has led the development of one-design sails that includes MC Scows, C Scows and E Scows as well as Flying Scots.
Cate Swanson
Office manager
Cate Swanson runs the office and is frequently behind a sewing machine.
Tod Patton
Sailmaker
Tom Spees
West Michigan Field Representative
WHAT THIS LOFT DOES
Sails, service, and support — local to your waters.
New sails
Cruising, racing, and one design sails custom designed for your boat with the group's shared design tools — from Dacron to Titanium membranes.
Repairs, recuts & service
Inspections, repairs, recuts, and conversions on any brand of sail — plus furling systems, hardware, and accessories.
Advice from sailmakers who sail
Rig tuning and trim guidance for your boat and your local conditions. Some lofts also offer on-the-water coaching and sail trials — ask yours what they provide.
LOCAL CHICAGO NEWS
From this loft's waters.
RESULTS
Condor and Sirocco win Lake Michigan's Queen's Cup
South Shore Yacht Club hosted the 87th running of the overnight dash across the lake.
July 3, 2026
RESULTS
Ames and Minth crowned Flying Scot National Champions
After a dramatic Midwinters win, David Ames keeps dominating the class on UK sails.
June 19, 2026
RESULTS
UK Sailmakers win the 2025 MC Scow Nationals
Ryan Grosch sailed fast, smart, and steady through a 92-boat fleet — 13 points clear.
September 26, 2025
Get a quote from this loft.
Your quote goes straight to UK Sailmakers Chicago, not a call center — and they’ll reach out to you as soon as possible.