Boat Show 2001 round-up

Even with attendance slightly down, this year's London Boat Show was one of our best for years. In the two weeks since we returned to the loft the orders have continued to flood in!

With the racing season now fast approaching we are currently working flat out to cope with demand but even so delivery time is well into March. Among the orders received since the show is a full suit of racing sails for a new Beneteau First 40.7. The boat, which is owned by David Meyrick-Cole, Stewart Walker and Sue Jones, is due to be delivered just two weeks prior to the Warsash Spring Series.

As well as the 40.7 we also have racing sail orders for a wide variety of craft including among others X-332, First 31.7, First 33.7, 1/2 ton, X-412, HB31, J92, Contessa 32, Beneteau 25, H22 and Thomas 35.

On the cruising front we are also very busy. One of the most interesting orders is a suit of sails for the first Grand Soleil 40 in the country. This comprises a Fully Battened Mainsail on a Frederiksen Ballslide System, Furling Genoa and Cruising Chute with Squeezer. If you don't see the boat on the water this year then be sure to take a closer look at the Southampton Boat Show where she will be exhibited by Grand Soleil UK.

As well as the GS40 we have orders for cruising sails for a wide variety of marks including Sadler, Moody and Westerly. We are continuing our association with the London Sailing Project and over this winter have been servicing their existing sails as well as working on a couple of new sails for Donald Searle.

The dinghy loft is also very busy with a particular flurry of orders in the Wayfarer class. With their International Championships in Ireland the class is gearing up for a big year and judging by the number of orders from Irish boats they are not intending to let the silverware back across the Irish Sea without a struggle! Our CM Mainsail has caused considerable interest and scored some notable results at the 2000 Nationals. Featuring a slightly fuller shape our CM2 development is particularly suited to those sailing on the sea or coastal waters.

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