We’ve created a collection of sailing-themed valentines to share with the people who keep you on course. Download your valentines here, and don’t forget to tag us @uksailmakers as you spread a little sailing love to the people who make your time on the water special.

From everyone at UK Sailmakers, Happy Valentine’s Day!

We know that the best partnerships are built on trust, performance, and a shared love for the water. Whether you’re racing for the podium or cruising into the sunset, our goal is to ensure your sails are always the most reliable part of that relationship.

We’re honored to be your ‘on-water partner’ season after season, and we look forward to helping you catch the perfect breeze all year long and Sail With Confidence.

Owned and skippered by Sam Hall and sailed alongside his father Andrew, the 30-year-old yacht proved that experience and preparation can still triumph at the highest level. Racing with a corinthian crew on one of the oldest and smallest boats in the fleet, Jackknife completed the crossing in 11 days and 13 hours.

“She’s one of the smallest and oldest boats in the race, and plenty of people thought we were mad to take her on,” said Andrew Hall. “It’s tight down below and physically tough, but it was always Sam’s dream, and it was absolutely worth it.”

The key to success? Relentless consistency. The crew hand-steered the entire Atlantic crossing, day and night, maintaining performance through the demanding 3,000-mile passage.

“The team worked unbelievably hard. We hand-steered the entire way, and the consistency of our performance made the difference. Racing this boat together as father and son just felt right. We know her inside out, and that trust really showed when it mattered.” – Sam Hall

Throughout the race, Jackknife’s UK Sailmakers inventory delivered the reliability and performance needed to compete against newer, larger yachts. In the demanding conditions of an Atlantic crossing, the sails proved their worth, contributing to the consistency that brought Jackknife to the podium.

Congratulations to the entire Jackknife team on a truly memorable performance—proof that with the right crew, preparation, and equipment, even veteran boats can achieve extraordinary results.

You can follow the along with the team for their next adventure on Instagram @jackknife.j125

Competitors are governed by the Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS), which they are responsible not only for following, but also for upholding. A core principle of sportsmanship is that when a boat breaks a rule and is not exonerated, they will promptly take an appropriate penalty. That may be a penalty turn, a scoring or time penalty, or in some cases, retirement from the race.

Remember that even if you have the right of way, you are required to avoid contact if it is reasonably possible (RRS 14). Keep in mind that a right-of-way protest is valid if you can show you were forced to take evasive action to avoid a collision. Ultimately, winning a protest is small consolation for a shredded spinnaker, a damaged hull, or an injured crew member!

On the Water: Immediate Actions

When You Witness a Breach

Time is critical when you observe a rule breach. Under RRS 60.2, your immediate actions determine whether your protest will be valid:

1. Hail “Protest” Immediately – Shout “Protest!” at the first reasonable opportunity after the incident. Your hail must be loud enough for the other boat to hear in the prevailing conditions. Using other words like “You fouled me!” or “Do your circles!” does not satisfy the requirement for a protest.
2. Display Your Red Flag – If your boat is longer than 6 meters, you must conspicuously display a red protest flag at the first reasonable opportunity. This flag must remain flying until you have finished and are completely clear of the finishing area. Keep your protest flag ready and within reach; scrambling to display your flag the fastest way to have your protest tossed for being invalid before the facts are even heard.
3. Note the Details – While still on the water, record critical information: boat sail numbers, time of incident, approximate location, the positions of the boats involved, wind conditions, and the names of crew who witnessed the incident.

It’s a good idea to store a protest flag in a UV-resistant pouch, attached in a visible and accessible and conspicuous location, such as on the backstay. Make sure all crew members know its location and how to deploy it quickly.

Important Exceptions

You are NOT required to hail or display a flag if:

• The protestee was not within hailing distance at the time
• The incident was an error in sailing the course
• You did not observe the incident in the racing area
• Injury or serious damage has occurred (though you should attempt to inform the other boat of your intention to protest)

Back on Shore: Filing Your Protest

The Protest Time Limit

Under RRS 60.3, you have a strict deadline to file your written protest:

• For incidents observed in the racing area: Two hours after the last boat in the race finishes.
• For other protests: Two hours after the relevant information becomes available to you.

Note: The Sailing Instructions may specify a different time limit—always check before racing.

Writing Your Protest

Your written protest must clearly identify:

• The protestor (your boat name and sail number)
• The protestee (the other boat’s name and sail number)
• The incident (when, where, and what happened)

Deliver your protest to the race office (or by the method stated in the Sailing Instructions) before the time limit expires. Many clubs provide protest forms, but any written document that includes the required information is acceptable.

Preparing for the Protest Hearing

Before the Hearing

Preparation is key to presenting an effective case:

• Draw a diagram showing boat positions, courses, wind direction, and marks. Use simple shapes and clear labels. This will be your primary visual aid.
• Identify your witnesses and brief them on what they observed. Consistent, factual testimony strengthens your case.
• Review the relevant rules. Knowing the rule number, and understanding what it means, will help you to make an effective case. However, if the committee decides a boat broke a rule, it will apply the appropriate rule whether or not you mentioned it specifically.
• Prepare your timeline with specific details: distances between boats, exact actions taken, and the sequence of events.
• Consider the other boat’s likely defense and prepare responses to potential counterarguments.

Don’t worry, you won’t be judged on artistic talent! Just try to make your diagram as clear as possible.

Your Rights Under RRS 63.1

As a party to the hearing, you are entitled to:

• Be informed of the time and place of the hearing
• Access the protest or request for redress being considered
• Reasonable time to prepare
• Have a representative present throughout the hearing (though in protests involving RRS Part 2, 3, or 4 breaches, representatives must have been on board during the incident unless the protest committee decides otherwise)
• Question any person giving evidence

In the Protest Room: The Hearing

The Hearing Process

Under RRS 63.4 and 63.5, the protest committee follows a structured process:

1. Validity check – The committee first determines if your protest is valid (proper hail, flag, written protest within time limit).
2. Evidence taking – Each party presents their account, followed by witnesses (if applicable). Both parties may question the witnesses.
3. Finding facts – The committee determines what happened based on the balance of probabilities.
4. Applying rules – The committee applies the Racing Rules of Sailing to the facts.
5. Decision and penalty – If a boat broke a rule, the committee imposes the appropriate penalty (typically disqualification unless exonerated).

Presenting Your Case Effectively

• Stick to facts, not opinions. Say “The boats were overlapped” not “I think we were overlapped.”
• Use your diagram. Point to positions as you describe the incident.
• Be specific about distances and timing. “Two boat lengths” is more helpful than “close.”
• Remain respectful and calm. The committee is there to determine facts, and apply the rules fairly to all parties, not to assign blame or take sides.
• Let the committee ask questions. Don’t interrupt or argue with the other party during their testimony.

After both parties have presented their case, the protest committee will typically take some time to deliberate among themselves in private before coming to a decision.

Common Protest Scenarios

Here are some frequent situations and the key considerations:

After the Decision: Appeals and Reopening

Under RRS 63.6, the protest committee will inform all parties of the facts found, applicable rules, decision, reasons, and any penalties. If you believe the decision was incorrect, you have options:

Requesting a Reopening (RRS 63.7)

You may request a reopening if:

• You were unavoidably absent from the hearing
• The committee may have made a significant error
• Significant new evidence has become available

Deliver your written request to the race office within 24 hours of being informed of the decision (or within the protest time limit if on the last day of racing and you were informed of the decision on that day).

Right to Appeal (RRS 70)

You may appeal the protest committee’s decision or procedures (but not the facts found) to your national authority, unless:

• The decision was made by a properly constituted international jury
• The Sailing Instructions state that no appeal is allowed (with appropriate national authority approval)

Appeals must conform to Appendix R of the RRS and follow your national authority’s procedures.

Check Your Race Documents: Common Modifications

Many events modify the standard rules through their Sailing Instructions. Often, modifications and amendments will be discussed at the skippers meeting, having a representative in attendance is strongly encouraged. Always review the Sailing Instructions and Notice of Race, including any posted amendments carefully before racing. Common modifications include:

Penalty Systems

• Turn penalties: The standard 720-degree penalty (two full turns, each consisting of one tack and one gybe) may be changed to a 360-degree penalty (one turn) for less serious breaches.
• Scoring penalties: Some events (especially match racing) use percentage penalties instead of turns.
• Arbitration: Some events offer pre-hearing arbitration where parties can admit fault and take a lesser penalty, and avoid the full hearing.

Scoring Codes

Special codes like NSC (Did Not Sail the Course) allow the race committee to apply penalties without a formal hearing in certain circumstances.

Time Limits

Events may establish specific time limits for the first boat to finish and create finishing windows for subsequent boats, after which boats will be scored Did Not Finish (DNF).

Class Rules

Sailing Instructions may explicitly allow or disallow specific class rule changes, particularly regarding rigging, equipment, or sail configurations.

The Fast Track: On-Water Judges & Umpires

Not every protest ends in a crowded room at the yacht club. Depending on your Sailing Instructions, the “playbook” might happen in real-time:

• In high-level regattas, Judges often watch for illegal pumping or rocking. If they flag you, there is no hearing and you must take your penalty immediately.
• Umpires are also common in match racing. You hail, the umpire watches, and they signal instantly: Green (no penalty), Red (you’re penalized), or Yellow (both penalized). No paperwork or hearing required.

Final Thoughts

The protest process exists to maintain fairness and sportsmanship in our sport. While no one enjoys being involved in a protest, understanding the system helps ensure that racing is conducted according to the rules we all agree to follow. Whether you’re filing a protest or defending against one, preparation, clarity, and respect for the process will serve you well.

Remember, protests are not personal attacks—they’re part of how we maintain the integrity of fair competition on the water.

Important Note: This guide is for educational purposes only and provides general information about the protest process under the Racing Rules of Sailing. Always refer to the current edition of the Racing Rules of Sailing (at the time of this publication, 2025-2028) and check for any modifications to the rules in your event’s Sailing Instructions. When in doubt, consult with experienced race officers or protest committee members at your club.

The Pure 42 has been named European Yacht of the Year 2026 in the Best Bluewater Cruiser category, marking a major milestone for this striking new aluminium cruiser and firmly positioning it among the most compelling offshore yachts of its generation. Equipped with a sail inventory from UK Sailmakers Germany, this winning combination helps sailors Sail With Confidence.

This year’s shortlist reflected a clear evolution in bluewater cruising. Nominees included the Boreal 56, Kraken 58, Pure 42, and Stem 50—a group of yachts defined by serious range, robust construction, and the ability to take sailors farther, faster, and in greater comfort as exploration pushes increasingly toward remote corners of the globe. Together, they represent modern thinking in expedition-ready design, balancing strength, performance, and livability.

What happens when premium build quality, aluminium construction, and modern hull design come together? In the case of the Pure 42, the result is a contemporary performance bluewater cruiser that is right on cue. As the first production design from a new German yard, no thought nor expense has been spared. The Pure 42 features a lifting T-keel that allows the yacht to dry out, while offering excellent crew protection, light and views, generous stowage, comfort, and formidable build quality.

Photos ⓒ Irk Boockhoff | UK Sailmakers Germany

The Pure 42 adds a clear performance focus to the aluminium bluewater cruiser sector. Sailing enjoyment is delivered from a deep, protected cockpit and saloon, combined with shoal-draft versatility and the mechanical access that cruisers value.

The sail inventory is perfectly matched to this challenge, containing X-Drive sails, and a Matrix spinnaker and Code Zero for performance at every angle. UK Sailmakers Germany is proud to be part of the Pure 42 story from the very first sail.

The 22nd Royal Langkawi International Regatta, held from January 20–24 with a practice race on the 19th, delivered a week of thrilling racing under ideal winds and sunshine in the Andaman Sea. Among the standout performers were Char Chan, skippered by Kazuki Kihara, and Mata Hari, skippered by Vincent Chan—both proud UK Sailmakers customers.

Racing in the Lada-IRC class, Char Chan took on the week with an X-Drive Carbon sail inventory from UK Sailmakers Japan, while Mata Hari relied on the performance and durability of Titanium upwind sails and Matrix spinnakers from UK Sailmakers Hong Kong. Both teams showedexceptional skill and resilience, pushing each other and the rest of the fleet to the limit.

Mata Hari and Char Chan at the 2026 Royal Langkawi International Regatta. Photos ⓒ Andy Leong.

After six consecutive wins, Char Chan faced a dramatic challenge on Day 3 when a rudder failure threatened to derail their campaign. Demonstrating remarkable grit, the team repaired the boat and returned to the racecourse to defend their lead. In the end, Char Chan held off Mata Hari to secure the Lada-IRC Challenge Trophy, while Mata Hari finished a well-earned second place.

Jeremy Koo of UK Sailmakers Hong Kong, who sailed aboard Mata Hari, reflected on the experience:

“Hats off to Team Char Chan—back-to-back IRC1 champions. You’ve set the bar high, and we respect that. We didn’t win, but we raced with heart, skill, and purpose. Our teamwork was tight, our trim sharp, and our spirit unbreakable. Thank you, Team Mata Hari, for having me—it’s an honor to sail alongside you guys. This year, we learned. Next year, we lead.”

The regatta itself was a spectacular showcase of sailing in the region, with 34 boats from 12 countries competing across multiple classes. Teams battled the tactical demands of the Andaman Sea, against a backdrop of stunning island cliffs and turquoise waters.

Google Maps view indicating the location of the Andaman Sea.

For UK Sailmakers, watching our customers perform at this level and demonstrating both the strength of our sails and the skill of the skippers and crew who use them was a proud highlight of the event. Congratulations to Char Chan and Mata Hari for representing UK Sailmakers with distinction, and we look forward to more championship-level action next year!

The Char Chan and Mata Hari teams celebrate at the 2026 Royal Langkawi International Regatta Awards. Photos ⓒ Andy Leong.

After 34 years as General Manager of UK Sailmakers—during which he became a world-class offshore sailor—Adam is using his retirement to pursue a dream instilled in him by his father: sailing around the world. His next major chapter begins this Monday, February 2, as he sets sail from New Rochelle, NY, on a converted Open 50.

In this episode, Adam discusses the route and preparations for sailing through the Panama Canal and across to the South Pacific. While Adam plans to fly home from Fiji after cruising the islands, the preparation for this voyage has been a world-class undertaking in its own right.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• The Refit: Detailed insights into the transformation of a race boat for long-term performance cruising.
• The Logistics: Adam shares what has gone into the preparation for the boat and his crew of four as they prepare to cast off in freezing Northeast temperatures.
• The Itinerary: A look at the complex navigational preparations for the trek to the Panama Canal and beyond.

Don’t miss this thrilling discussion packed with valuable lessons and inspiration from Adam’s journey, Reaching thru Retirement.

Like and subscribe to the UK Sailmakers YouTube channel to be notified when more great content from our channel is uploaded. The Lessons Learned Podcast is also available for streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music.

This transition will be a smooth one. Pedro Gianotti will remain a familiar contact for customers as Kelly and Steph gradually expand the loft’s capabilities, ensuring continuity and trusted service. Like every UK Sailmakers loft, the Texas location is independently owned and operated, combining local expertise with the high standards and support that UK Sailmakers is known for worldwide.

Kelly: Expertise, Performance, and a Lifetime on the Water

Kelly’s sailing story began at a young age aboard his uncle’s 44-foot sloop in St. Petersburg, Florida. Early exposure to cruising boats sparked a lifelong love of sailing, paired with a competitive drive for speed and performance.

In 2007, Kelly began his professional sailmaking career at the North Sails Super Yacht manufacturing facility near South Lake Tahoe. There, he built some of the world’s largest and most technically demanding sails, both cruising and racing, for vessels ranging from small performance boats to superyachts. He worked closely with leading sail designers worldwide, earning a reputation for craftsmanship, consistency, and attention to detail.

Kelly spent the next 13 years supervising sail production, overseeing hundreds of sails and managing complex manufacturing workflows from design execution through final quality control.

Away from the loft, Kelly is a seasoned sailor. In 2010, he completed a double-handed transatlantic delivery of a Catalina 30 to England without an autopilot, stopping in the Bahamas, Bermuda, and the Azores. In 2014, he spent a full season in Antigua repairing superyacht sails. More recently, from 2022 to 2026, Kelly managed a sail loft and led repair operations in Anacortes, Washington.

An active racer, Kelly crewed on a Santa Cruz 27 to win Boat of the Year honors at the Anacortes Yacht Club in 2025 and secured the club’s Distance Racing Championship in 2024. He is now excited to bring that experience—and Pedro’s proven sail designs—into production in Texas, with the goal of growing the loft into a full-service facility serving boats of all sizes.

Steph: Versatility, Craftsmanship, and a Love of Sailing

Steph brings nearly 20 years of sailmaking experience and a broad range of hands-on skills to UK Sailmakers Texas. She began her sailmaking career in 2006 and has worked across the country for many of the industry’s top brands, including Quantum, Doyle, North, Ullman, and now UK Sailmakers.

Her background includes building new sails and spinnakers, as well as servicing and repairing sails and canvas for grand prix race boats, superyachts, dinghies, and cruising boats. Steph is known for finding a way to repair nearly anything—and a knack for fixing the unfixable.

Steph learned to sail at age six with her father on a Chrysler Mutineer and quickly fell in love with life on the water. She has since sailed on “anything that floats,” from dinghies and keelboats to schooners and tall ships. She worked as a sailing instructor in college, sailed professionally on tall ships through ASTA, and has logged miles on the East Coast, Great Lakes, and West Coast.

While Steph has raced extensively in both buoy and distance formats, her greatest joy comes from simply being on the water and helping others Sail With Confidence.

Looking Ahead in Texas

Together, Kelly and Steph are focused on building on the strong foundation already in place at UK Sailmakers Texas. Their plans include producing Pedro’s race-winning designs locally, expanding repair capabilities, and offering full-service support for both cruising and racing sailors.

With deep experience, practical problem-solving skills, and a shared passion for sailing, Kelly and Steph are committed to delivering the craftsmanship, service, and performance that define the UK Sailmakers network of lofts.

You can visit the updated UK Sailmakers Texas Loft Page here.

Getting your sails serviced before the spring sailing season is key to keeping them performing at their best, and catching small maintenance issues early can help prevent costly repairs down the road. Your local UK Sailmakers loft can inspect, repair, or clean your sails, and if you’re thinking about a new one, this is the perfect time to plan for spring delivery. We can help you create a multi-year plan to suit your needs, budget, and sailing goals.

Some UK Sailmakers lofts also offer collection and installation services to make it easy to bring your sails in for repair, winter storage, or return. But if you’re dropping your sails off yourself and are wondering how to fit them into a standard drawstring bag, follow this step-by-step guide—it will save you time and make your sailmaker’s job easier.

How to Pack Your Sails

Step 1: Remove any battens and sheets from the sail and lay it out on a clean, flat surface—like a dock finger, sailing club lawn, or other smooth area. Avoid dragging the sail across rough concrete or other hard, abrasive surfaces.

Step 2: Flatten about an arm span’s width of the foot, keeping the remainder of the sail neatly piled beside it without twists.

Step 3: Grip the foot of the sail while holding the section for your first fold taut. Keep the height of your drawstring bag in mind and make folds slightly narrower than your sail bag’s height to ensure a good fit.

Step 4: Continue flaking the sail back and forth, staying between the tack and clew, all the way to the head. You don’t need to stack the luff like you would for a racing sail “sausage bag,” though you can if you prefer. 

Step 5: Fold over the tack edge over, then roll the sail toward the clew.

Step 6: Secure the rolled sail with sail ties and slide it into your drawstring bag. Done!

The clock is officially running. Quentin is racing west across roughly 7,200 kilometres (4,500 nautical miles) of Atlantic Ocean, with a record time to beat of 30 days and 22 hours. Alone aboard his 6.50-metre Mini Transat, he is powered by UK Sailmakers sails, with sponsorship led by UK Sailmakers Belgium and support from across the global UK Sailmakers network.

A Fast and Controlled Opening Phase

The early days have unfolded exactly as planned. By Days 4–5, Quentin accelerated strongly as he approached the Canary Islands, confirming a route east of Arrecife. He rounded the archipelago right on schedule, executing clean, well-timed gybes and taking full advantage of wind shifts along the island chain.

The final series of gybes before a long, uninterrupted stretch of ocean sailing has been completed, marking the transition from tactical coastal routing into the sustained downwind phase of the crossing.

Settled Into the Trades

By Days 6–7, Quentin was fully settled into the Trade Winds, holding a steady tack and enjoying consistent conditions. With the Canary Islands well astern, the focus has shifted to managing small variations in wind strength and direction, maintaining speed while carefully managing wear on the boat and sails. From here on, with conditions largely cooperative, it’s classic Atlantic sailing — rhythm, consistency, and speed over long distances as the miles roll beneath the hull.

All the months of preparation are paying off as Quentin now rides the Trade Winds, with every sail chosen for its specific role and every maneuver optimized for maximum efficiency. From detailed routing analysis to the careful arrangement of his sail inventory, each decision made on shore is translating into measurable speed, keeping him right on his target timeline as he presses west toward the Atlantic record.

Planning Meets Performance

While this is a solo effort on board, Quentin is backed by a focused shore team. He checks in daily with his weather router, who provides detailed forecasts and strategic routing advice. Every decision, however, including sail changes, course adjustments, and risk management, is made alone at sea.

Months of preparation led to this moment. Final optimizations were made to the boat, the sail inventory was carefully selected for speed and durability, and every system was checked and rechecked before departure. It is a project where preparation, confidence, and trust in equipment all converge.

Powered by UK Sailmakers

In preparation for these epic voyages, Debois enlisted the help of UK Sailmakers Belgium’s Michel Lefebvre. Together, sailor and sailmaker scrutinized every aspect of the Mini Transat’s rigging and sail inventory. The result was a refined sail plan tailored to high-speed ocean sailing, featuring a new UK Sailmakers black Dacron mainsail, a reefable jib, and Code 0, A2, and A5 spinnakers, all designed to deliver maximum performance across the varied and demanding conditions of the Atlantic.

The project reflects the strength of the UK Sailmakers network as a whole. Expertise from across the group has contributed to optimizing the setup for this demanding record attempt, demonstrating what is possible when advanced sail design meets real-world offshore racing. It is a powerful reminder of what it truly means to Sail With Confidence.

Follow the Crossing

Quentin’s progress can be followed live via GPS tracking with wind data and regular updates and photos will continue to be shared as the crossing unfolds. You can also check out Quentin’s Instagram and follow his crossing here: @quentindebois

The Trade Winds are blowing, the sails are drawing, and the record clock is ticking.

Let’s go, Quentin!

UK Sailmakers could not remain a leading international sailmaker without you and the rest of the sailing community. Whether you are a long-time customer, a new customer, or simply a fellow sailor, we share a bond that begins with rigging up in the morning, continues through working our way around the buoys or toward a destination, and often ends gathered at the clubhouse, sharing stories from the day. That bond drives all of us at UK Sailmakers—and likely you, too.

As the year comes to a close, we want to take a moment to acknowledge the contributions of our UK Sailmakers customers, past, present, and future. Your support allows us to keep innovating and delivering sails that meet the high standards of sailors around the world. Our gratitude extends to the hundreds of sailmakers working in UK lofts globally, as well as to our industry partners, from sailcloth manufacturers to the many yachting associations and clubs that support UK Sailmakers.

Like a racer anticipating the next leg, we’re looking at 2026 with the same curiosity and optimism. All of us in the UK Sailmakers worldwide network of lofts wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season, however you celebrate. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Joyous Kwanzaa!

As you look ahead to 2026, think of it as “the next leg” of your journey. Wherever the wind takes you, know that UK Sailmakers will be there to help you sail with confidence and to share in the adventure.

The new sails made a stunning debut at this year’s Rolex Big Boat Series, helping Astra secure 4th place in ORC 1—a big step up from 2024. Later in the season, the boat continued to impress with a 2nd-place finish in PHRF A at the 2025 Great Pumpkin Fleet Racing hosted by Richmond Yacht Club.

Farr 400 Astra at the 2025 Rolex Big Boat Series. Photos ⓒ Rolex | Peter Lyons & Sharon Green.

UK Sailmakers’ Titanium sails represent the pinnacle of racing performance. Built with advanced carbon fiber technology, continuous loadpath construction, and a protective LiteSkin® or taffeta outer layer, these sails deliver unmatched shape retention, durability, and speed. Lightweight yet robust, Titanium sails give racers like Simon the edge needed to perform at their best in demanding conditions.

With the 2025 season wrapping up, Astra’s success demonstrates what the right sail technology can do. If you’re looking to equip your boat for 2026, now is the time to talk to your local UK Sailmakers loft and explore Titanium sails. Whether you’re chasing podiums or maximizing your performance, Titanium sails are built to help you reach your next level.

Here’s to following Astra’s journey in 2026—and to seeing your own boat on the podium.

Farr 400 Astra at the 2025 Rolex Big Boat Series. Photo ⓒ Rolex | Peter Lyons.

The Ewincher 2: Power, Speed, and Comfort

The Ewincher 2 is a game-changing electric winch handle that makes trimming sails, hoisting crew, and rolling furlers effortless. Lightweight, ergonomic, and incredibly versatile, it locks securely into your winch and can be used in electric, manual, or combined mode. With 20% more power and 20% longer battery life than the original, the Ewincher 2 is the ultimate tool for shorthanded sailors and cruising couples. It’s even strong enough to hoist a 110-kg crew member up the mast multiple times on a single charge!

2025 Holiday Promotion: Free Extra Battery

From now through December 31, 2025, when you purchase an Ewincher 2 pack at $1,999.00 USD (plus taxes and shipping), you’ll receive a free extra Ewincher 2 battery at no added cost. Buy an Ewincher 2 and get a bonus battery. It’s that simple. Having a second battery onboard ensures your Ewincher 2 is always ready when you need it.

Why a Second Battery Matters

• Extra power for longer sailing days
• Added confidence for heavy loads and mast work
• A convenient backup for cruising and travel

Why Choose Ewincher?

• Works on boats 30–60 feet
• Weighs just 2.2 kg for easy portability
• IPX6-certified for durability in harsh marine environments
• Perfect for shorthanded sailing, offering unmatched power, speed, and endurance

Make This Season Smoother and Stronger

Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your sailing experience or give a gift that truly makes a difference. This holiday bonus from Ewincher is available until December 31, 2025.

Upgrade your sailing with the Ewincher 2 and enjoy the bonus battery while the offer lasts. Order yours today! Click here to learn more.

Commander Storer shares how his early sailing experiences shaped his submarine navigation tactics, recounts his time at the Naval Academy, and explores the dynamics of maneuvering a submarine. The episode offers fascinating insights into the challenges and techniques of submarine operations, including man-overboard recovery and navigating tight harbors.

Like and subscribe to the UK Sailmakers YouTube channel to be notified when more great content from our channel is uploaded. The Lessons Learned Podcast is also available for streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music.

The launch took place in October, with photographer Irk Boockhoff capturing the yacht’s first miles under sail. Outfitted with a full suit of UK Sailmakers Germany sails, the Pure 42 immediately demonstrated the blend of performance and control that owners expect from a modern performance cruiser.

Those sails have accompanied the yacht through intensive sea trials, including testing sessions in Barcelona as part of her nomination for the 2026 European Yacht of the Year.

Photos ⓒ Irk Boockhoff | UK Sailmakers Germany

For UK Sailmakers Germany, the project was as technical as it was rewarding. The Pure 42’s innovative features—including an adjustable lifting keel, twin rudders, and an ultra-light composite interior—required sails that balance power, durability, and all-conditions versatility. The sail inventory is perfectly matched to this challenge, containing X-Drive sails, and a Matrix spinnaker and Code Zero for performance at every angle.

Named TOM KYLE—a nod to Kiel’s historic name meaning “town at the wedge”—the first Pure 42 now rests at the Kieler Förde, sailing alongside her larger Pure 49 sistership GORRE. With its distinctive performance-focused design, walkaround decks, semi-custom interior, and true adventure-cruising DNA, the Pure 42 is already setting itself apart in a competitive field.

UK Sailmakers Germany is proud to be part of the Pure 42 story from the very first sail—and looks forward to seeing TOM KYLE carry that collaboration into every mile ahead.

Photos ⓒ Irk Boockhoff | UK Sailmakers Germany

This season, give a gift you know they’ll love. Production and shipping times vary by region, so we recommend placing your order as soon as possible and noting the estimated delivery times at checkout to ensure your items will arrive in time for the holidays.

And don’t forget: U.S. customers enjoy free shipping on orders over $150.

Our Top Holiday Gift Picks

Not sure where to start? Here are a few of our team’s favorites this year:

• Hats for Every Sailor – Beanies, classic baseball caps, and trendy trucker styles for every kind of crew.
• Cozy Hoodies – Warm, durable, and perfect for winter sailing days or laid-back weekends.
• Rashguards – Performance-ready and sun-protective for sailors chasing warmer horizons.
• Duffel Bags – Rugged, roomy, and ideal for docks, gyms, and quick trips.
• Polo Shirts – Smart, comfortable, and versatile enough for the clubhouse or the office.

Sustainable by Design

All items are printed or embroidered only when you place your order—helping reduce waste and avoid the overproduction common in traditional retail. Orders are fulfilled from production centers around the world and shipped from the closest available location, which lowers transit times and helps reduce carbon emissions. This season, give a gift with purpose: quality gear your sailor will love, created with a lighter environmental footprint.

What You’ll Find Online

• UK Sailmakers logo wear for men, women, and kids
• Regatta-ready apparel and technical gear
• Eco-friendly options made with organic or recycled materials
• Gift-worthy accessories and customizable items for teams or boats

From dockside to deck—and everywhere in between—our apparel blends performance, comfort, and timeless design so you can wear it with confidence wherever the wind takes you.