
News

Lessons Learned Sailing the Mini 6.5
In Episode 26 of UK Sailmakers’ Lessons Learned podcast, host Buttons Padin speaks with Belgian offshore sailor Quentin Debois about his Mini 6.5 campaign, his sailing background, and his recent record-breaking Atlantic crossing. Quentin only began sailing at age 31…

The Measurer’s Cheat Sheet
Whether you’re preparing for your first offshore race or renewing your rating certificate, understanding how your sails are measured is essential. That’s why we’ve put together a handy visual reference guide covering the key measurements used across IRC and ORC…

Look Like a Team. Sail Like One Too.
When your crew hits the dock, the yacht club, or the podium, the right gear tells the story before anyone says a word. UK Sailmakers offers custom team gear through our online store, and setting it up is easier than…

Ames & Buhler Take 2026 Flying Scot Midwinter Title
David Ames and PJ Buhler lead the way at the 2026 Flying Scot Midwinters. Photo © Jennifer Joy Walker Photography. Sarasota (FL) Sailing Squadron hosted the Flying Scot class’s 2026 Midwinter Championship over the March 6-8 weekend. Seventy boats sailed…

History Made at the 2026 Rolex China Sea Race
The results are in from one of the fastest editions of the Rolex China Sea Race ever sailed. This Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) Category 1 offshore classic, organized by the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, sends competitors on a…

Lessons Learned Sailing the Hard Way
Join host Buttons Padin on the 25th episode of the Lessons Learned Podcast by UK Sailmakers, where he sits down with solo circumnavigator Istvan Kopar, a sailor whose life story reads like a masterclass in seamanship, resilience, and going your…

Don’t Let Mildew Set Sail
What’s lurking inside your furled sails? If you’ve ever pulled out your headsail for the first spring sail only to find it mottled with unsightly grey or black patches, you already know the answer. Mildew is one of the most…

2026 Geographe Bay Race Week
Alison Stock’s Northshore 38, Selkie, claimed overall honours in the Short Handed Division at the 2026 Geographe Bay Race Week. Photo © TP72 Nautical Imagery | Tim Putt. Sailors were treated to a fantastic week of racing at Geographe Bay…

One Hull, Two Podiums: L30 #30 Dominates St. Petersburg
Photo © L30 International Class Association | Anastasia Kolesnichenko. Earlier this month, the L30 class delivered an outstanding showcase of one design racing at the L30 Double Handed North American Championship and the L30 North American Championship in St. Petersburg,…

Valentines for Your Favorite (Sailing) Partner
This Valentine’s Day, we’re celebrating the partnerships that make sailing special—your consistent crew, your co-skipper and the person who always volunteers to pack the kite. We’ve created a collection of sailing-themed valentines to share with the people who keep you…

Old Boat, New Glory
The J/125 Jackknife (GBR) has delivered one of the standout performances of the 2026 RORC Transatlantic Race, securing third overall under IRC and victory in IRC Two—powered by a partial UK Sailmakers inventory including Matrix spinnakers and a combination of…

The Protest Playbook: From Hail to Hearing
You’ve witnessed a rule breach on the water. Maybe a boat struck a mark, or forced you to take avoiding action. Now what? Understanding the protest process is essential for every racing sailor, whether you’re filing a protest or defending…

Pure 42 Named European Yacht of the Year 2026
Photo ⓒ Irk Boockhoff | UK Sailmakers Germany The Pure 42 has been named European Yacht of the Year 2026 in the Best Bluewater Cruiser category, marking a major milestone for this striking new aluminium cruiser and firmly positioning it…

Silver and Gold at the 2026 RLIR
Char Chan at the 2026 Royal Langkawi International Regatta. Photo ⓒ Andy Leong. The 22nd Royal Langkawi International Regatta, held from January 20–24 with a practice race on the 19th, delivered a week of thrilling racing under ideal winds and…

Lessons Learned Preparing for the South Pacific
Join host Buttons Padin for the 24th episode of Lessons Learned, the UK Sailmakers podcast series, featuring a very special guest: Adam Loory. After 34 years as General Manager of UK Sailmakers—during which he became a world-class offshore sailor—Adam is…
