News Archive

Westaway Sails wins all

Sails from Devon have cleaned up at the local regattas. Now a team from Westaway Sails is exhibiting at the Southampton Boat Show – the first time the sail makers have had a stand by themselves.

The Westaway Sails Xcellent team, won their classes at Paignton, Brixham, Torquay and Dartmouth Regattas, and also won class one at the Michelmore’s Challenge regatta held in Tor Bay, while John Pollard, head of Westaway Sails, helming the Dragon Moonshine, also won class two.

John said: “We were over the moon, our sails won all but one of the classes at Dartmouth Regatta, and both the Xcellent boats – an X99 and a Melges 24 – won their classes at all of the regattas. It was hard work, but worth it as it was a fantastic result.”

John and his team from the sail loft, which is based in Ivybridge, Devon, also ran their usual sail repair service at Dartmouth Regatta – a service which has become increasingly relied upon by sailors.

John said: “We started off a few years ago as a way of helping out our customers. Now more and more competitors come to us to have a speedy repair to their sails. On the first day alone we had 150 sails to repair. Throughout the period of the regatta we repaired around 400 sails.”

John and team Xcellent are taking part in the Melges 24 Europeans in Torbay, from September 19 to 23, while leaving the rest of his staff to man a stall at the Southampton Boat Show as well as looking after the loft.

For the first time, Westaway Sails will be exhibiting solo – in previous years, the company has exhibited as part of the South Hams Marine Industries stand.

As John said: “We felt it was time to go it alone. We’re always really busy at Southampton and enjoy the show. Our customers – both regular and new – seem to appreciate us being at the show, so this year we’ve got a new stand and can’t wait.”

He added: “We’ve recently acquired Plymouth based Osen Sails, so this is a really exciting time for us. We’re developing the company and have lots of plans for the future. However, the reputation we’ve earned for our customer care is extremely important to us and something we always put first, whether it’s advice on sail care or a new suit of sails.

“Although our core area is the South West, from Cornwall to Dorset, where we’re considered the local experts, we’re always happy to help out customers from further afield. Our aim is to always give long term service and commitment to all our customers.”