UK Sailmakers Ireland has been working hard to get you out early. It’s coming up soon, and we want you to get the most out of your 2026 sailing season!
We have had a very busy winter period getting your sails serviced, repaired and ready for 2026. Over 1400 KG of sails and covers sent to the laundry are now back and ready to go. We were delighted to get so many sails and covers this season.
XD Carbon 1720 sails with SK 75 McWilliam logo in Cork Harbour
As well as laundry, we have been really busy getting racing sails ready, checking their IRC and ORC Certs, and sorting any nicks and scratches on them. Most of the racing sails are ready for the season ahead, with the last of the racing sails being ready for action in early spring.
ORC – What is it, and can I get my sails measured?
ORC is an open rating rule, which some clubs in Ireland, like Dublin Bay Sailing Club (DBSC), are running, in which everyone can see every detail of everyone’s cert. We are fully qualified to measure for ORC, so if you need your sails measured, just give us a call. We will be happy to measure and certify your sails.
New Plotter – Marvin2
The new plotter has been working hard over the winter. Cutting all sorts of things. Like sails – sail numbers – windsocks – bags. He is a busy boy. We are the only sailmaking company in Ireland with a plotter.
Below is a video of Marvin cutting out sail numbers, making it look easy:
Sail numbers cut out
Get your orders in; we still have capacity to deliver new sails on time!
We still have room for you if you want to make the most of 2026. As spring is here and your not sure what you want to do with your sails, or looking at your IRC / ORC cert and think it needs to be lower. We can help get that sorted for you.
Our sail loft has been a sail service centre for over fifty years. Thousands of sails have been on our floor, and it’s not often we see something we haven’t encountered before. We can spot issues before they emerge as serious problems. This will not only save you money but also time.
No one wants their sails on our floor when they should be on your boat out sailing!
Club Racer
As we are an IHC loft, we can get your sails IRC / ORC measured and certified for the coming season. We still have room for more if you haven’t sent them in and your thinking of having a look. Now is the time.
When we receive your sails in our loft we give them a full check over. We check all luff tapes for tears, check common wear spots such as where it interacts with spreaders and stanchions, check for missing tell tails, and identify if there are any unknown causes for the problem which is presenting itself on the floor.
An IHC-certified sail with all the details for IRC / ORC on the cert
Re-measure Sails for IRC
While we have your sails, we can re-measure them for IRC. This can lead to a nice reduction in your IRC handicap upon your revalidation for the 2026 season.
Coastal Cruiser
If cruising or day sailing is your thing, and you put your sails away last October. There is still time to get them checked and ready for the new season. I have seen many sails still on the boom in different boat yards and yacht clubs.
One of the worst things you can do for your sails is leave them on your boat for a prolonged period of time – even during the sailing season. If you are not going to be using your boat for a month or more then take down the sails and store them.
Exposure to the sun degrades your sails and covers
This is simply a fact of life. The UV light breaks down the fabric and especially the stitching.
During the check-up, we inspect your entire UV cover and its stitching. A quick run through a sewing machine now is much more cost-effective than having to replace an entire torn UV strip after an Irish winter storm. The same goes for your covers. Deliver them all to us together for a full assessment.
Carbon Titanium Main with the Reef lines run true to the reef tuck.
Now is the time!
Our schedule is filling up fast after a busy season on the water. Now is the time to get in contact and arrange your service. Let us ensure your sails are in top health and ready for your 2026 sailing season.
Contact Production at [email protected]
