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UK Sailmakers Ireland Remain Open During Lockdown

22nd October 2020
The sail loft at UK Sailmakers Ireland at Crosshaven in County Cork with a spinnaker repair underway The sail loft at UK Sailmakers Ireland at Crosshaven in County Cork with a spinnaker repair underway

UK Sailmakers Ireland in Cork Harbour say they remain open during the Covid-19 Level 5 restrictions as the Crosshaven sail loft is treated as a manufacturing facility and a full production loft.

As they continue to repair, service and produce sails, loft manager Barry Hayes says customers can come to the door of the loft but not inside, given the latest restrictions. "They just need to call 021 483 1505 and we will come out to them", he adds.

The video clip below shows the loft sail plotter working away this week as observed by faithful Layla. As Afloat reported back in April during the last COVID lockdown, UK Sailmakers was to the fore then in the manufacture of scrubs and other PPE equipment for front line workers. 

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]

Afloat.ie Team

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