Craig Millar Sails is the latest addition to the UK Sailmakers group, now known as UK Sailmakers South Africa. Based in Durban, this sail loft is gearing up and expanding to meet the new demand.
Millar, who has run his own boutique manufacturing sail loft for over five years, joins forces with the international powerhouse, UK Sailmakers. The recent announcement includes the appointment of Jerome McLoughlin as Director, who will play a crucial role in the loft’s expansion.
UK Sailmakers, with its roots dating back to 1946 in the USA, boasts over 50 lofts and service centers worldwide. Now, they are extending their presence into Africa, establishing Craig Millar Sails as their sole registered UK Sailmakers loft on the continent.
The UK Sailmakers South Africa loft produces high-quality bespoke sails for cruising and racing yachts, as well as One Design sails.
The two helmsmen of the loft bring a wealth of experience with yachting. Millar, renowned for his achievements in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, founded the Sail Africa Youth Development Foundation upon his return, leaving a lasting impact on Durban’s youth. He also steered the Point Yacht Club as its Commodore during significant transformations along the city’s beachfront. Millar’s sailing prowess was recently recognized with SA Sailing Colors for his performance in the 2022 J/22 World Championships held offshore of Durban.
Jerome McLoughlin, the latest addition, offers a unique blend of skills with his professional background in accounting and extensive sailing experience spanning nearly five decades. His sailing resume includes multiple participations in South Africa’s premier sailing event, the Lipton Challenge Cup, as well as races like the Vasco da Gama blue water races and the 1989 Beachcomber Mauritius to Durban race.
UK Sailmakers South Africa is dedicated to upholding the highest standards in sailmaking, and building on the reputation for excellence that Craig Millar Sails achieved. With a team of expert staff boasting over 100 years of collective yachting experience, they prioritize quality and customer relations above all.
Founded in January 2018, as Craig Millar Sails (Pty) Ltd, the loft began with a small production team of craftsmen and women that Millar has been working with for more than a decade prior. Since then, their exceptional sail manufacturing has garnered widespread acclaim, driven by word-of-mouth recommendations.
UK Sailmakers South Africa will offer bespoke sails for cruising and racing yachts, as well as One Design sails. Continuing with their high-quality service, well-designed long-lasting sails, and their most advanced design technologies and materials, the loft looks forward to assisting sailors in achieving their best performance.
Hoisting their new branding with pride as they expand more into the global market, Craig Millar Sails is honored to now be trading as UK Sailmakers South Africa.
All existing contact details will remain the same, and a new contact email: southafrica@uksailmakers.com. For more info visit the UK Sailmakers South Africa loft page, check out our website or follow UK Sailmakers South Africa on social media.
