EUROPE · LOCALLY OWNED
UK Sailmakers GBR North
Locally owned and operated — backed by the design tools, technology, and service network of the worldwide UK Sailmakers group.
CONTACT
Loft
UK Sailmakers GBR North
Northern England, UK
We’ll reach out as soon as possible — call or email to arrange a visit.
ABOUT THIS LOFT
Modern professional sailmaking across Northern Great Britain
UK Sailmakers GBR North brings modern professional sailmaking to sailors across Northern England, Scotland, and Wales. Our representatives across Northern Great Britain are connected to UK Sailmakers Ireland, formerly known as McWilliam Sailmakers, a company started 50 years ago to bring the latest technology to Irish sailors. We continue this mission today, now extended to a broader regional network that also includes UK Sailmakers GBR South West.
As sailmakers, we do not just design sails for boats. We design and build sails for your boat. Our extensive and versatile product line allows us to produce sails to suit your requirements and expectations, for both cruising and racing.
As a core loft within the UK Sailmakers network, UK Sailmakers Ireland is uniquely placed to draw from a worldwide pool of knowledge and experience. These ties were strengthened by new leadership in 2017, with the return of Barry Hayes and Claire Morgan from Hong Kong, where Barry held a key role in our primary production loft at UK Sailmakers Hong Kong for over fifteen years. With their return comes a renewed focus on technology R&D in Ireland and Britain.
We serve a wide range of sailing disciplines, from one design and IRC racing fleets to coastal and offshore cruising, with services that extend well beyond new sail construction, including racing repairs, winter service, and technical support.
As part of the UK Sailmakers global network, UK Sailmakers GBR North offers access to the full UK Sailmakers product lineup, covering everything from cruising Dacron to performance X-Drive® and Titanium laminates, as well as specialty downwind sails, Code Zeros and Matrix® Spinnakers. Every sail is built to deliver durability, performance and a precise fit for your boat and your sailing.
Although much has changed, some constants remain. The same great sails and customer service we have provided in the past will continue, as does our commitment and passion for growing the sport of sailing across the region.
THE TEAM
The people who build your sails.
Barry Hayes
Owner
Barry has been in the sailmaking industry since 1999, with experience spanning lofts in Ireland, the USA, and Hong Kong, where he managed UK Sailmakers' primary production facility for over 15 years. He brings unmatched technical knowledge and a strong racing record across offshore and one design fleets worldwide.
Claire Morgan
Owner
Claire joined the loft in 2017 and brings extensive offshore racing experience to her role, including the Newport Bermuda Race and regattas off the China coast. She oversees the McWilliam Bags business and accounts, and is a reliable hand when the pressure is on.
Andrew “Hammy” Baker
Hammy grew up sailing on Strangford Lough and went on to compete at the highest levels of dinghy and offshore racing, including the Topper and Laser World Championships, the British IRC Nationals aboard JPK 1010 Straight Dealer, and the Figaro fleet as part of the Artemis Offshore Team. Based in Northern Ireland, he is your first point of contact for enquiries across the region.
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.
Get a quote from this loft.
Your quote goes straight to GBR North, not a call center. We’ll reach out to you as soon as possible.