Tamas Bakos
UK Sailmakers has expanded its worldwide group of lofts by adding a new sales office in Budapest, Hungary. Tamas Bakos, who has more than 20 years of experience as a sailmaker, is bringing his expertise to UK Sailmakers group. Tamas wass one of the leading racing sailors in Hungary and campaigned Solings and Flying Dutchman in the 60s, 70s and 80s. On the other end of the sailing spectrum, he also sailed on IOR maxi boats.
Grand prix racing has waned in Hungary as in most sailing markets and has been replaced by performance cruising sailors. Those with production boats who primarily daysail and cruise may also race a few times a year. According to Tamas, even cruising sailors need well-shaped yet durable sails. “You don’t want to scare your crew by having the boat heel over too much, which is what happens with blown-out sails,” said Tamas.
UK Sailmakers’ X-Drive sails are the perfect solution for 90% of the sailors in Hungary. The sails are durable enough for daysailing and cruising, while holding their shape well for several races each year. The biggest race in Hungary is the Kékszalag (Blue Ribbon Grand Prix) that is a 155 km race on Lake Balaton in mid-July. In 2019, 562 boats were registered – making it the regatta with the most competitors in Europe and many were Tamas’ cruising and racing customers.
Tamas joined UK Sailmakers knowing of the group’s solid reputation for building performance sails that are also affordable. “The knowledge-base of the UK Sailmakers group is extensive, and the guys in the group freely share their experience, which makes it easy for a local loft owner to deliver world class sails,” said Tamas.
Tamas’ company, Klipper Marina Kft, is the exclusive distributor of Seldén, Liros, Rutgerson and Nautix in Hungary. To welcome Tamas to the group, you can e-mail him at: hungary@uksailmakers.com
