Boatshed Sailmakers
Red and white striped spinnaker made by Boatshed Sailmakers, flying from a yacht under a cloudy sky
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Bespoke cruising sails, designed, cut & built by hand in Pwllheli

We manufacture quality cruising sails here in the UK, combining proven materials with careful construction and attention to detail.

Independent loft Measuring service UK & EU delivery

150+

Years of combined sailmaking experience

In-house

Every sail designed and cut in our own loft

2–3 wks

Typical time from measuring to fitting

International

UK and international shipping available

Looking up the mast at a dark mainsail with sail number GBR 14047 above its lazy bag, beside a white headsail against a blue sky
“

A good sail is the difference between fighting your boat and sailing it. Whether you're replacing a tired mainsail or kitting out for an extended cruise, we design and cut every sail in-house – measured to your rig, built to last, and finished to a standard we're happy to put our name to.

SH
Stephen Horrocks Director, Boatshed Sailmakers

Sails we make

Built around your boat and the way you sail

As a small, experienced team, we take a personal approach to every sail we make. From discussing what you need to the finished sail, you deal directly with the people who build it.

Whether you're sailing locally, heading offshore or planning longer adventures, we'll build your sails around your boat, your sailing and where you want to go.

Aerial view of two yachts sailing downwind, one under a dark spinnaker and one under an orange spinnaker

Downwind sails

Designed for cruising sailors who want simple, dependable downwind performance – the extra power to keep the boat moving when the breeze goes light, without making sail handling complicated.

Light-air power Simple handling
Get a downwind sail quote →
Looking up at a white cruising mainsail with full-length battens and a red head patch, above a navy sprayhood, against a blue sky

Cruising sails

Durable, easy-handling mainsails, genoas and headsails built for real-world sailing. We balance shape, longevity and value so your sails perform season after season.

Mainsails Genoas Headsails
Get a cruising sail quote →

How it works

From enquiry to fitted sail

Start with a quote
01

Get in touch

Tell us about your boat and what you're after. We'll talk through options and give you an honest steer.

02

Measure

We measure your rig or existing sail, on-site where needed. No guesswork.

03

Design & quote

We design the sail to suit your sailing and give you a clear, no-obligation quote.

04

Build

Your sail is cut and finished by hand in our Pwllheli loft.

05

Fit & sail

We fit and check the sail, and you're ready for the water.

Options

The right cloth for your boat

As an independent sail loft we're not tied to one supplier, so we choose from the full range of leading sailcloth to match your budget and how you sail.

Cloth from the leading names
Kayospruce Challenge Bainbridge Contender
Start with a quote
Dacron / woven polyester Hard-wearing and cost-effective – ideal for cruising.
Laminate & performance cloths Lighter, and holds its shape under load – built for racing and performance cruising.
UV-protective finishes For furling sails that live on the boat.

Why sailors choose Boatshed

Trusted on the water

150+ years combined experience

We're a team of skilled sailmakers with generations of craftsmanship between them.

An independent loft

We supply cloth from all the leading names and recommend what's genuinely right for your boat – not what we're tied to.

Local, on the water every day

Based in Pwllheli and working across North Wales every day. Measuring, pick-up and drop-off are just part of how we work.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars on Google

Excellent

Read our reviews on Google

“

Fantastic service, fixed our sail quickly when we tore a seam en route elsewhere so didn't delay our plans too much. If you're lucky you'll even meet a cute four-legged helper!

LH
Lyndon Hulme Google review
“

Good jobs, very good. A1.

JW
John Watton Google review

Our sail database

Your boat may already be on file

We've manufactured hundreds of sails over the years and have an extensive database of most cruising boats. Get in touch to discuss your requirements.

Mainsails Genoas & headsails Downwind sails & more
Discuss your sails

Sail FAQs

We’re here to help

Can't see your question? Call us on +44 1758 613266 and you'll speak to a sailmaker.

Ask us a question

How much do new sails cost?

It depends on the boat, sail type and cloth — a dinghy sail and a full yacht suit sit at very different price points. The best way to get an accurate figure is a quick quote; tell us your boat and we'll come back with clear pricing.

How long does a new sail take?

Typically 2–3 weeks from measuring to fitting, depending on the time of year and our workshop schedule. Get in touch early ahead of the season.

Do you measure the boat for me?

Yes. We measure your rig or existing sail directly, on-site where needed, so the sail fits correctly first time.

Can you replace just one sail?

Absolutely — most enquiries are a single replacement mainsail, genoa or jib. We'll match your existing setup or suggest an upgrade.

Do you deliver outside North Wales?

Yes. We’re based in Pwllheli and work across North Wales, and we deliver sails across the UK and Europe.

What's the difference between cruising and racing sails?

Cruising sails prioritise durability and easy handling; racing sails prioritise shape and speed. We'll help you pick based on how and where you sail.

Let's talk

Ready to set sail?

Tell us about your boat and we'll give you honest advice and a clear, no-obligation quote.