
UK SAILMAKERS’ COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY
UK Sailmakers has been committed to supporting sustainable sailing and addressing the ecological aspects of our industry for decades. With passionate and experienced sailors at the helm of our lofts worldwide, it is only natural that we prioritize preserving our unique marine environment where we live, work, and play. Conservation is at the heart of what we do, and we are dedicated to taking meaningful actions to ensure that the ocean can be enjoyed by all for generations to come.
A History of Innovation: Titanium® BLUE and Solar Power Sails®
In 2012, UK Sailmakers introduced the Titanium® BLUE sail, the first fully recyclable membrane sail. Made from a cellulose film and load-bearing basalt fibers, this eco-regatta sail was groundbreaking. When our German loft examined a Titanium® BLUE sail after 10 years of use, it was still in usable condition—an impressive testament to the durability of this early prototype.
Building on this momentum, UK Sailmakers partnered with SolarCloth Systems in 2014 to develop Power Sails®, which integrated ultra-thin photovoltaic panels into Tape-Drive and Titanium® BLUE sails. This breakthrough technology was showcased on the Arcona 380Z, the first zero-emissions cruising sailboat, and in Conrad Colman’s historic Vendée Globe campaign. Colman, the first skipper to complete the race without fossil fuels, relied on a Titanium mainsail equipped with Power Sails®, generating 2.2 kW per hour to power his onboard systems.
While these innovations were ahead of their time and didn’t gain widespread market adoption, they played a pivotal role in shaping UK Sailmakers’ commitment to sustainability. By pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, these projects laid the groundwork for future advancements in eco-friendly sailing technology.
A Multi-Faceted Approach to Sustainability
Today, UK Sailmakers views sustainability as a comprehensive initiative, encompassing multiple aspects of sailmaking and operations. Our efforts include:
Extending Sail Lifespan
Preserving sails in use is one of the most effective ways to reduce waste and resource consumption. Across our global network of lofts, we repair over thousands of sails and covers annually. Regular maintenance can extend a sail’s lifespan to 10 or even 20 years, even with intensive use. By doubling the usable life of a sail, we effectively halve the resources required for sail production.
Incorporating Recycled and Bio-Based Materials
Wherever and however you sail, we offer eco-conscious sailcloth options tailored to any customer’s needs, from coastal cruisers to grand-prix racers. We prioritize the use of recycled and bio-based materials without compromising durability or performance. Examples include:
- Laminate and X-Drive® Sails: Laminate sails are available with 100% recycled film and taffeta base materials which are made with recycled polyester.
- Titanium® Sails: Also available with recycled taffeta components.
- Dacron Sails: Dacron made from 100% recycled polyester is available at select UK Sailmakers lofts.
- Future Materials: Load-bearing fibers such as carbon, fiberglass, and Endumax® (a UHMWPE product similar to Dyneema®) used in X-Drive® and Titanium® sails are not currently available with recycled components. However, we are testing a new bio-based UHMWPE product produced from wood fiber.
Our focus is on ensuring these materials match or exceed the durability and performance of traditional products, as compromising on longevity would negate any ecological benefits.
Reducing Energy Use and Waste
- Energy Savings: We use modern machines with significantly reduced energy consumption and employ energy-efficient heating and LED lighting at our lofts.
- Waste Avoidance: Off-cuts and waste from sail production are recycled or repurposed into items such as gear bags. Used sails are recycled for community art and science projects where possible.
- Packaging and Transport: We use cartons made from recycled paper, consolidate goods transport, and prioritize shipping by rail or sea to reduce our carbon footprint.
Eco-Conscious Operations
At UK Sailmakers, we strive to embed sustainability into our loft operations worldwide. While the journey is ongoing and progress varies by location, we are proud to highlight key initiatives embraced by many of our lofts and are committed to expanding these efforts globally:
- Green Energy: Whenever possible, our lofts prioritize sourcing electricity from 100% renewable energy providers.
- Reducing Transportation Impact: Many lofts encourage intelligent route planning for fuel efficiency, and adopt practices such as carpooling and the use of electric vehicles to minimize energy consumption.
- Offsetting Emissions: For essential air travel, we aim to calculate carbon emissions using tools like Atmosfair and support climate change mitigation projects to offset our impact.
- Local Initiatives: UK Sailmakers lofts worldwide are independently owned and operated. This business model encourages loft owners and staff to engage deeply with their communities. Many lofts actively participate in and support local beach clean-ups and Clean Regattas.
These practices reflect our commitment to creating a more sustainable future for sailing. We acknowledge there is more work to do and are determined to take meaningful steps toward aligning all our lofts with these initiatives as we continue to grow together.
Collaboration with Sustainable Sailcloth Manufacturers
To provide eco-friendly sail options, we partner closely with leading sailcloth manufacturers Challenge Sailcloth and Dimension Polyant.
Challenge Sailcloth employs a proprietary non-toxic adhesion method for their laminates and offers options made from 100% recycled film and yarns, as well as partially recycled materials, all with enhanced UV resistance compared to traditional laminates.
Dimension Polyant produces cleenTEC® certified materials, which are manufactured in climate-neutral facilities and incorporate various environmentally friendly innovations, including recycled materials, improved recyclability of materials and fossil-free raw materials.
Through these partnerships, we can offer sustainable sail solutions that align with our commitment to environmental responsibility while maintaining the high-performance standards that sailors expect.
A Corporate Philosophy, Not Just a Marketing Strategy
At UK Sailmakers, we see ecological responsibility as a core corporate philosophy. Our commitment to sustainable sailing is reflected in every aspect of our operations, from the materials we use to the energy-saving measures we implement. We invite you to join us in supporting sustainable sailing by exploring the recycled sailcloth options available for your next sail. Contact your local loft to learn more and take a step toward a greener future.
