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UK Sailmakers Ireland Expands Regional Network Across the UK and Ireland

18th June 2026

UK Sailmakers Ireland is delighted to announce a major expansion of our market area and local network. Moving forward, our operations will officially extend to cover Scotland, Wales, and Northern England, significantly broadening our regional footprint.

This growth aligns perfectly with the recent addition of UK Sailmakers GBR South West—the Falmouth-based loft formerly known as Penrose Sailmakers. Together, these developments strengthen what is already a powerful presence across Britain and Ireland. With experienced lofts and representatives now covering the entire British Isles alongside our main hub here in Ireland, our network offers unmatched depth and reach. For Irish sailors competing in regattas and campaigns across the Irish Sea, this seamless integration means you now have trusted, on-the-ground support and repair capabilities.

The UK Sailmakers Ireland Loft staffThe UK Sailmakers Ireland Loft staff

A Legacy of Innovation and Local Expertise

UK Sailmakers Ireland was originally founded as McWilliam Sailmakers with a clear mission: to bring the latest sailmaking technology to Irish sailors. Under the leadership of Barry Hayes and Claire Morgan since 2017, that mission remains as vital as ever. We design and build sails tailored specifically to your unique sailing environment, class, and budget, drawing on an extensive product range for both cruising and racing—including our premier X-Drive® and Titanium ranges.

We bring specialised expertise to a wide variety of classes, including:

  • One-Design Classes: Shannon One Design, Mermaids, and 1720 Sportsboats.
  • Racing Classes: J/109, First 31.7, First 211, as well as IRC and ORC racing fleets.
  • Cruising Sectors: White Sail club racing, coastal cruising, and long-distance offshore cruising.

Our services extend well beyond building new sails. We offer comprehensive, fast-turnaround racing repairs, full winter service, valeting, and storage, alongside dedicated technical support. Whatever you need to enjoy your time on the water, our team is here to support you.

UK Sailmakers Ireland

Global Power, Local Service

As shareholders of UK Sailmakers International, we ensure that local sailors have direct access to world-class design tools, cutting-edge materials, and global innovation. Crucially, this international backing is delivered by a local loft that intimately knows your sailing conditions, your weather, and your fleets. As our network continues to grow across the region, that powerful combination of global resources and local expertise only gets stronger.

Whether you are sailing in Ireland, Wales, Scotland, or England, we would love to hear from you. Get in touch with us today to discuss your goals for the season ahead, whether you are chasing a podium or preparing for a summer cruise.

The UK Sailmakers Ireland plotterThe UK Sailmakers Ireland plotter

About the Loft

UK Sailmakers Ireland brings modern professional sailmaking to Irish Sailing.​ Formerly known as McWilliam Sailmakers; the company was started 47 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

Fax: +353 21 4831700

Email: [email protected]

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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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