News
Decoding Sailing Scoring
If you’re new to racing, looking at a set of results can feel a bit like math class when the teacher suddenly swapped numbers for letters. Instead of a neat “3” or “7,” you’ll see things like OCS, BFD, or…
Dancing with Hurricane Erin
By Adam Loory | Cracked Off and Reaching to Retirement On August 23, we danced with Hurricane Erin and had a great passage skirting her northern edge. We originally planned to hide in the Bras d’Or Lakes until the storm…
Lessons Learned on ISL Sails
Welcome to the twenty-first episode of Lessons Learned, the UK Sailmakers podcast hosted by Buttons Padin. In this episode, Buttons is joined by UK Sailmakers’ lead designer, Pat Considine, to break down the effects of headstay sag on sail performance—and…
Dacron Deconstructed: Not All Sailcloth is Equal
It’s one of the oldest truths in sailing: you get what you pay for. Many cruising sailors choose Dacron sails for their affordability, durability, and classic all-white look. But here’s the catch—not all Dacron sailcloth is created equal. What makes…
Tips for Photographing Sailboats
Everyone loves a great photo of a sailboat—especially if it’s theirs. At the same time, we’ve all seen our share of shots that end up as nothing more than tiny white triangles on the horizon. So how do the pros…
UK Sailmakers Germany on Course
UK Sailmakers Germany on Course as the Official Sailmaker of the Deutsche Segel-Bundesliga This season marks an exciting milestone: the debut of UK Sailmakers one-design sails in the Deutsche Segel-Bundesliga (DSBL). As the official sailmaker for Germany’s premier team-based sailing…
Strong Winds, Strong Result for Mukhin at L30 Europeans
The 2025 L30 European Championship was staged during the 144th Kieler Woche (Kiel Week), one of the world’s largest and most storied sailing festivals, running from June 21–29, 2025. The regatta brought together top L30 sailors for four days of…
I’d Give Myself a B+ on This Test
Yesterday I got tested by the wind gods and while I got a passing grade, I bet there will be future pop quizzes. I’m a month into my cruise to Canada, but yesterday was my first time sailing solo. I’m…
Join the Crew: Career Openings at UK Sailmakers
Sailing isn’t just a passion—it’s a profession. At UK Sailmakers, we’re proud to be one of the most respected and established names in sailmaking worldwide. Whether you’re a seasoned sailmaker, a skilled canvas worker, or a savvy salesperson with a…
Youth T-Shirt Contest Winners Announced
UK Sailmakers is proud to announce the winners of our 2025 Youth T-Shirt Design Contest. This global competition invited young artists aged 5 to 18 to submit original artwork inspired by sailing and the sea. From hand-drawn sketches to full-color…
In Praise of My Lazy Cradle
Besides the auto pilot, the one piece of equipment that makes shorthanded sailing easier and more enjoyable is my Lazy Cradle. Controlling a mainsail when you lower it can be a challenge even with a full crew, but when shorthanded,…
Team Racing at Its Best: The 2025 Cumberland Cup
UK Sailmakers South Africa Sonar one-design sails at the 2025 Cumberland Cup © Simon Winkley. Custom Sonar sails by UK Sailmakers South Africa power top international teams The 2025 Cumberland Cup, hosted by the Royal Thames Yacht Club from May…
Light Air Cruising Sails
By Adam Loory | Cracked Off and Reaching to Retirement After sailing halfway around the world, I think that many people spend too much time preparing for heavy winds and not enough time for preparing for light air sailing, which is…
Youth T-Shirt Design Contest Closes July 20
Time is running out! Our Youth T-Shirt Design Contest closes July 20th, and we don’t want young creatives to miss their chance to make waves. If you’re between the ages of 5 and 18 and love sailing, art, or the…
Big June for UK Sailmakers Northeast
J/122 DIREWOLF at the 2025 Block Island Race Week. Photo © Steve Cloutier / BlockIsland Steve. It’s been a jam-packed start to the summer sailing season for UK Sailmakers Northeast, with back-to-back East Coast regattas delivering strong results for teams…