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UK Sailmakers Working Hard on Sail Repairs To Keep 1720 Sailors Racing

30th August 2020
UK Sailmakers Ireland are carrying out sail repairs to keep the 1720 fleet going during the 1720 Championships UK Sailmakers Ireland are carrying out sail repairs to keep the 1720 fleet going during the 1720 Championships

We've been working hard this weekend to keep the 1720 sportsboat boys in the game at the AIB Southern Championships at Royal Cork Yacht Club.

When you rip it, UK Sailmakers Ireland can fix it in time for the next race! 

That has certainly been the case this weekend after a very breezy start to the championships on Friday leading to lots of sail repairs required at short notice.

See some examples of the overnight work at the loft below that included some tricky torn spinnaker luffs!

This Red 1720 Asymmetric had a small hole in the leech. We cut out the broken area and repaired itThis red 1720 Asymmetric had a small hole in the leech. We cut out the broken area and repaired it

This white 1720 Asymmetric tore the luff at the spreader so we replaced the panel

UK Sailmakers Ireland 2024

About the Loft

UK Sailmakers Ireland brings modern professional sailmaking to Irish Sailing.​ Formerly known as McWilliam Sailmakers; the company was started 50 years ago to bring the latest technology to Irish sailors - we continue this mission today.

Under new leadership in 2018; our loft is dedicated to fulfilling the needs of all Irish sailors. ​As sailmakers, we do not just design sails for boats. We design and build sails for your boat. Our extensive and versatile product line allows us to produce sails to suit your requirements and expectations.   

​As a core loft within the UK Sailmakers Group, we are uniquely placed to draw from a worldwide pool of knowledge and experience - these ties have been recently strengthened with the return of Barry Hayes and Claire Morgan from Hong Kong. ​Barry held a key role in our primary production facility on Hong Kong Island for the past fifteen years. With their return comes a renewed focus on technology R&D on Irish waters.  

​With a wide variety of sailing conditions and an impressive pool of talent, the Irish cruiser racing fleet is the ideal testbed for new technologies.​ 

​As with all things in sailing; the secrets will be closely guarded - but for the first time in decades Irish sailors will be at the forefront of sail technology development.​

Although much has changed; some constants remain. The same great sail and customer service we have provided in the past will continue, as does our commitment and passion for growing the sport of sailing all over the country. 

Barry Hayes [email protected]

Contact Information:

UK Sailmakers Ireland

Kilnagary Business Park

Carrigaline

County Cork

P43 YR22

Republic of Ireland

Tel: +353 21 4831505

Production: +353 (86) 198 0199

Email: [email protected]

Barry Hayes

About The Author

Barry Hayes

Email The Author

Barry Hayes, Director of UK Sails Ireland, managed the main UK Production facility for UK Sails in Hong Kong until last October and has been a sail designer with UK sails for over 15 years.

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