News
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…
Lessons Learned on Sailing Photography
Welcome to the twentieth episode of Lessons Learned, the UK Sailmakers podcast series hosted by Buttons Padin. In this episode, Buttons explores the art of sailing photography with world-renowned yachting photographer Sharon Green. Sharon shares how she got her start…
UK Sailmakers Customers Dominate Inaugural Offshore Race
IRC Overall winner, ZESST, during the 2025 Eastern Asia Offshore Race earlier this month. Photo © RHKYC / Ailsa Angus. Photo © RHKYC / Ailsa Angus. ZESST wins IRC Overall, FENICE sets a course record, and RANDOM() claims a podium…
Youth T-Shirt Design Contest
Design a Shirt. Make Waves. Inspire the World. UK Sailmakers is launching a global T-shirt design contest for young artists ages 5 to 18. Whether you’re sketching by hand, painting in watercolors, or designing on a tablet, this is your…
Mastering the Mexican Takedown (Kiwi Drop)
Looking to gain an edge at the leeward mark? The Mexican takedown (or Kiwi Drop, depending on where you’re sailing) is a slick, high-reward maneuver that can help you round cleanly, keep your spinnaker dry, and defend the inside lane.…
Lessons Learned on Hailing Rules
Welcome to the nineteenth episode of UK Sailmakers’ Lessons Learned podcast series, hosted by Buttons Padin. In this episode, Buttons speaks with Butch Ulmer, former president of UK Sailmakers and a member of the Sailing Hall of Fame. Together, they…
Podium Power in the 1720 Fleet
The 2025 1720 European Championships wrapped up on Galway Bay earlier this month in an action-packed series that saw shifting conditions, dismastings, and fierce competition across the 16-boat fleet. Despite the challenges, Baltimore Sailing Club’s SPICED BEEF, skippered by Fionn…
5 Tips to Label Your Sails Like a Pro
Smart Systems for Smarter Sailing Whether you’re racing offshore or managing a charter boat with a deep sail inventory, one of the simplest ways to boost efficiency and reduce mistakes is to implement a clear and consistent sail labeling system.…
Crew Chemistry — Transitioning To Your Dream Sailing Team
Paul Exner’s Pro Sailing Tips You’ve probably tried to imagine what it’s like to sail with people more experienced than you, on perfectly equipped boats, all handled by highly organized teams. As your experience matures with sailing, I’m sure you’ll…
2025 Mirror Worlds in Durban: Family Finish in the Top Five
Over six days in April 2025, 33 teams from South Africa, the UK, and Australia gathered at Durban’s Point Yacht Club for the Marriott Mirror World Championships. Among the standout performers were South African father-daughter duo Paul and Polly Changuion,…
UK Sailmakers Gear is Now Available Online
Shop Now! You Asked—We Delivered. The UK Sailmakers Online Store is now live! We’re excited to launch a fresh way for sailors to show their UK Sailmakers pride, with a collection of branded apparel and accessories made for life on…
Hail and Farewell
On a ship in the Navy, Hail and Farewell parties blend the arrival of a new member of the wardroom with a send-off for a departing shipmate. In the Racing Rules of Sailng 2025-2028, an improper “hail” could result in…
The Value of Rail Meat
A few years ago, I was invited to race on a fairly new, hot racing boat here in SoCal for a popular race. The invitation was exciting–this was a fast boat with a mostly younger crew of rising stars. That…
When The Wind Shifts…
When the wind shifts, we must change course. My original plan was to set out on my retirement cruise to the South Pacific with my wife Jenni. I spent years getting the boat ready and we even moved out of…
The Real Difference Between Code Zeros and Reaching Spinnakers
Italia 11.98, CHRISTOPHER DRAGON, flying an A3 by UK Sailmakers Northeast. How to choose the right sail for your inventory—whether you race, cruise, or do a bit of both. In recent years, the Code Zero has become a go-to sail…