News
Tips on Purchasing Used Sails
Purchasing a brand new sail should be a rewarding experience, like applying a fresh coat of varnish on your teak or rerigging with new sheets and halyards. For those on a budget (i.e. “most of us!”), a used sail can…
Artful DodJer Dominates Kinsale’s April Series
Congratulations to Finbarr O’Regan and the crew of Artful DodJer on a superb performance at the Axiom Private Clients April Series at Kinsale Yacht Club, winning all five races in Fleet 1 IRC for a clean sweep of the series.…
Ted Turner—Even More Stories…
By Adam Loory | Cracked Off and Reaching to Retirement Ted Turner was a strong leader and made a big splash on humanity and the sailing community. The title of his story written by Christian Williams reads so true –…
Lead Better, Sail Faster
Recently, I was asked what makes a great sailing leader. How do you effectively manage a boat and campaign as an owner or skipper in a way that leads to both success and enjoyment on the water? This kind of…
History of the Beaufort Scale
YYou hear it referred to all the time. Author John Rousmaniere even used it in the title of his book on the 1979 Fastnet Race, Fastnet, Force 10. It’s the Beaufort Scale—technically the Beaufort Wind Force Scale—but let’s not stand…
OCSS Claims the 2026 Carmela Cup
The Oxford & Cambridge Sailing Society took top honours at the 2026 RYA Two-Boat Keelboat Team Racing Championship for the Carmela Cup, held on 11–12 April at Queen Mary Reservoir in West London. Racing in the Sonars that have become…
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,…