Banks Sails have been at the forefront of modern sailmaking for forty years. The company was founded by Bruce Banks, a brilliant helmsman and sailmaker. Our first loft was opened in Sarisbury, Southampton, in 1962, and remains to this day our international headquarters.

Ken Rose, the internationally renowned sail designer, joined us in 1964, and before long developed the revolutionary tri-radial spinnaker - the Banks Starcut. The Starcut set a new standard and every serious ocean racer had one in his inventory.

In 1969 we became the first sailmaker to install a computer for sail design - our Stantec Zebra valve computer is now a museum piece! Ken's Checkmate design system, which was introduced in 1983, was the first program able to shape sails vertically and horizontally at the same time, making full use of the new generation of kevlar/mylar fabrics.

Bank Sails continues to integrate the very latest in technology with proven craftsmanship on the loft floor. Every sail is an individual labour of love.

In 1999 we were delighted to announce that we were to merge with Ratsey & Lapthorn of Cowes, Isle of Wight, thereby forming the largest British sailmaker.

Today we have an eviable network of international lofts and a reputation for continued excellence in all fields of sail design, be it racing, cruising or one design.