Welcome! Here’s a little bit about me and how Out of Sails started….
I’m based in Lee on the Solent in Hampshire but I grew up in the landlocked West Midlands, far from the sea. My parents made an unexpected decision to purchase a sailboat, even though they had never sailed before. It turned out to be a decision they never regretted. The boat was launched while my Mum was pregnant with me, so I acquired my sea legs before I was even born!
Fast forward a few years and lots of eventful sailing trips and I relocated to Portsmouth to pursue a career in the marine industry. Along the way, I’ve owned two sailboats: a Jaguar 21 and a Feeling 286, both of which I skippered in the Round the Island Race.
My journey with Out of Sails began in 2018 with an inherited sewing machine and a selection of weathered sails sourced from Sail 4 Cancer, an organisation dedicated to fundraising for charity. Sail owners often part with their sails after varying periods of use, and without proper recycling, these sails would ultimately end up as landfill waste. By upcycling these sails into practical everyday items, I am playing my part, no matter how small, in environmental conservation. I make a conscious effort to use every inch of the sail material, and I also salvage any useful clips, shackles, or lines, recognising their potential for future projects.
From sails to bags….
Initially, I crafted a few bags for friends, who were genuinely impressed and encouraged me to expand my products. Their feedback and constructive criticism proved instrumental in the range of products I now offer for sale.
Each creation is entirely unique, cut from different sections of a sail. While some pieces may bear marks or discoloration, showcase the original stitching by sail-makers or even the boats logo, these imperfections only enhance the individual character of each item. Although I may not always know the full story behind the sail, I love to let my imagination wander, envisioning the adventures it might have embarked upon.
I hope you enjoy browsing all of the products I make, and if you’re interested in creating your own design please contact me.
