UK Sailmakers New Zealand

ABOUT THIS LOFT

Over 33 years of sailmaking in Northland

With the combined world-wide experience and technology at UK Sailmakers, we can provide the most advanced sail designs, construction, cloth selection, and hardware for the durability and comfort of your boat together with any custom canvas work you may need.

Phil Houghton solely owns UK Sailmakers in Whangarei.

Phil has been a sailmaker for over 33 years. He has been involved with making sails for New Zealand's first America's Cup Challenger NZ1 in 1986 as well as the Whitbread Maxis STEINLAGER I and II. He was also the Shore Sailmaker for YAMAHA, which won the Whitbread 60 class in the 1993-1994 Whitbread Round the World Race.

In October 1994, Phil, together with Richard Bouzaid, opened the first New Zealand Doyle Sails loft in Westhaven, Auckland. The company grew to three separate lofts in Auckland. Phil sold his share of the business in 2008.

He went on to become the Head Sailmaker for SANYA in 2011, the first Chinese entry in the Volvo Round the World Race.

Phil has a huge amount of racing experience, sailing in both local and international regattas over thousands of miles that include Sydney to Hobart races, races to Fiji and Noumea, as well as international race weeks, including Key West and Hamilton Island.

Phil's vast knowledge of sail construction and sail shape makes UK Sailmakers the leading choice for the local service of all classes and cruising yachts. Phil is one of the leading local personalities both in local club races and offshore events.

You can be assured that at UK Sailmakers, Phil and his team will listen to all your needs and provide you with excellent materials, first-class workmanship, and service.

New Sails: With the combined world-wide experience and technology at UK Sailmakers we can offer the most advanced sail designs, construction, cloth selection, and hardware for the durability and comfort of your boat.

From the design process to the finished product we will keep you updated on progress and answer any questions you may have on the way.

We are the local contacts for Antal, Harken, Lewmar, Ronstan and Garhauer deck hardware together with Seldon, Furlex, Barmar furlers and Leisure Furl booms.

We provide free measuring, quotes and delivery to all Northland marinas.

Sail Repairs: The team at UK Sailmakers can repair, recut and make any amendments to your sails. We can visit you on your boat, or you can bring your sails into the loft located only 250m from the Whangarei Marina Office in the Town Basin. When you bring in your sail for a repair, even if it is minor, your sail will get careful attention from our service team.

We not only fix the matter at hand, we will look over the sail for any other problems that may develop in the future. Together we will discuss what your requirements are and come up with the best solution for the best results. With the team's experience of worldwide yachting we can also advise you of any improvements we can make to ensure more longevity and performance from your sails.