Bravo Sails

I have sailed, boatbuilt, repaired boats, rigged and sailmade since I could walk. I’ve worked professionally in all those roles.

In 2004, Adelaide Sail Loft started at Largs Bay. I bought into it and worked as production manager. In 2014 the loft needed a fresh start, so we bought it and changed the name to Bravo Sails. Anne and I manage the business together, and we train our staff in all aspects of sailmaking.

Being located at the Squadron puts us close to most Adelaide yacht clubs. We can meet a customer on their boat to discuss needs or they can drop into the loft and talk through the options with us.

All the sails we make are customised to what our customers need. The design is based on price, performance and longevity.

We talk about how the sail will be used and who will use it. We then measure, design and manufacture it locally.

We measure the boat to the dimensions and finishing details we use. That gives us the best chance of making the sail fit correctly the first time.

A racing sail is designed for a more specific role. It is usually lighter, and its useful life is judged by how long it remains fast.

A cruising boat usually carries fewer sails, so each sail must work across a broader range. Cruising sails normally carry more weight and reinforcement, and are often used until something fails.

We talk about what the owner needs, think through the trade-offs and select the cloth that fits the brief. Sometimes we quote a couple of options so the owner can compare them clearly.

Those sails are still travelling the world. They were built stronger, with heavier stitching and reinforcement. That takes more labour and adds cost, but there is no sail loft at Cape Horn.

It helped us develop what we call offshore upgrades. We also built a rainwater-catchment system into the boom bag, which is the kind of practical detail that matters on a long passage.

They should work in harmony, especially the mainsail. Mast bend and forestay tension are part of controlling and depowering the sails, so the sail design cannot be separated from the rig setup.

We prefer Teflon thread and Masacril fabric. We avoid binding tapes where possible, double-roll the edges and use three layers around eyelets. Those details help the finished cover tolerate UV and load.

We spread the sail out on the loft floor and inspect it properly. Then we discuss the repair-versus-replacement options, the likely short- and long-term result, and the owner’s budget.

Check stitching exposed to sunlight and load. Scratch the thread: if it turns to powder, or if the sunny-side row has become a line of holes, the repair is urgent.

Also inspect corners, webbing, slides, bolt ropes and edge tapes. Pack sails dry and neatly, and deal with small problems before they spread.

Rushing the decision and relying on too much well-meaning advice without asking the sailmaker. People naturally recommend the setup that works on their own boat, but it may not transfer to yours.