News
2025 Silverrudder Challenge
Black Maggy at the 2025 Silverrudder Challenge. Photo Ⓒ Claus Nicolajsen. Light air dominated this year’s Silverrudder Challenge, presenting a test of patience and perseverance for the 299 singlehanded sailors who set off from Svendborg, Denmark. Of the 299 boats…
Three Days of High-Calibre Racing in Hong Kong
The 33rd edition of the China Coast Regatta, organised by the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, delivered three unforgettable days of racing that showcased the best of Hong Kong’s big-boat sailing scene. With a mix of world-class competition, shifting conditions,…
Small Boats, Smaller Sails — and a Big Boost in Confidence
Learning to sail is a rewarding challenge that takes time, especially when you’re young and lightweight. Many beginners start their sailing career in the Optimist dinghy, which has a stable box-shaped hull and a 3.5 sq m spritsail. But for…
Meet UK Sailmakers at the 2025 Annapolis Sailboat Show
Join Mark Wood from UK Sailmakers Miami and other UK Sailmakers loft representatives at the 2025 Annapolis Sailboat Show, happening October 9–12. You’ll find us at Dock F1, ready to talk sails, answer your questions, and provide no-obligation quotes on…
6 Tips For Winter Sail Service
As sailors across the Northern Hemisphere enter autumn, many are wrapping up their sailing season. For some, November and December mean hauling out for the winter; for others, it’s simply a slower pace after months of steady racing or cruising.…
Lessons Learned on Team Racing
Join host Buttons Padin on the 22nd episode of the Lessons Learned podcast by UK Sailmakers, where he dives into the world of team racing with Jack Fenwick, the Sailing Development Manager of the Royal Thames Yacht Club. They discuss…
From Rags to Riches
Used Sails Supporting Local Environmental Efforts in Western Australia When sails reach the end of their racing or cruising life, many face the landfill. But thanks to a chance connection at UK Sailmakers Fremantle, a new “second life” is underway…
UK Sailmakers Win 2025 MC Scow Nationals
With a highly competitive fleet of 92 boats on the line, Ryan Grosch sailed fast, smart, and steady to secure a commanding victory at the 2025 MC Scow Nationals, finishing 13 points clear of second place. His consistency across the…
Autumn Reefing Refresher
As we head into autumn in the Northern Hemisphere, it’s a perfect time for a little reefing refresher. Cooler temperatures and changing winds make it an ideal opportunity to review how to reduce sail efficiently and keep your boat balanced…
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…