WeatherMax80 is twice as strong and six times more durable under abrasion and rubbing than acrylic. It is about half the weight, it is 100% solution dyed and very importantly for stackpacks and enclosures it is breathable.
WeatherMax80 is the ideal fabric for marine and many non-marine covers. If you are looking for a sprayhood, stackpack, sail cover, cockpit enclosure, Bimini, winter cover or dodgers give us a call to discuss your requirement in greater detail and see how WeatherMax80 can help you.
The design team at Dolphin Sails have created a solution to a major problem using bespoke specialist design software.
We regularly hear that boats needed shade but did not want to deal with frames or battens and that traditional Bimini’s did not offer enough protection from the sun.
For this project on the newly launched Nautor Swan 115, we used just the boats CAD files to create an awning that gives maximum coverage without the need for any new fixing points.
The form finding software helps us create a structure, that has a unique double curvature design. This double curvature will tension the fabric so that it becomes rigid. Once set up the fabric will become drum tight. This tension cuts down to a minimum any flapping or ‘panting’ that is normally very prevalent in standard awnings.
Using just the CAD file we were able to design and manufacture the awning before fitting it first time!
The awning was used through out the Monaco Boat Show and was greatly appreciated as it allowed guests to view this stunning boat in greater comfort.
A Dolphin Tensile Awning offers protection to the crew using the cockpit or foredeck, the boat and makes life below deck more comfortable especially when the aircon isn’t required.
We always like working on beautiful boats and so it has been a pleasure to be involved with the preparation of Kismet, a 55’ Fife designed cutter, before her trip to the south of France to ‘do the circuit’ this autumn.
“Kismet” spent many years unloved and slowly disintegrating in an Essex mud berth before her current owner rescued her and restored to her to her full glory some 10 years ago. After the refit our sister company, Gowen Ocean, were ask to supply a full inventory of sails. Whilst ‘modern’ woven polyester fabric was used, much of the finishing was by hand in the traditional method – hours of painstaking work.
The boat enjoyed success at various local and international regatta’s before being put away whilst the owner enjoyed sailing his IRC rated yacht.
Once it was decided that ‘Kismet” would be campaigned in this years south of France regattas we were again asked to help plan an inventory of sails that worked best with the CIM rating system and maximise the potential of the boat and the likely conditions.
After much consideration the main, 3 headsails and the asymmetric were replaced. Each sail was made using Contenders Fibercon Pro classic light cream. In addition to the new sails the existing whoompa was converted to a 150% light genoa.
The classics started off in Cannes at the Régates Royales Cannes, racing for Panerai Classic Yacht Challenge. In a strong fleet of 20 boats, “Kismet” placed an excellent second overall.
Being 120 years old “Kismet’ qualified for the unique Gstaad Yacht Club Centenary Trophy, this is open to any yacht over 100 years old. In a close race she narrowly finished second to last years winner.
After the Centenary Trophy, “Kismet” set off on the feeder race from Cannes to Saint Tropez, she handsomely won the Coupe d’Automne trophy.
The final event was the hotly contested Les Voiles de Saint Tropez. With 3 of the 4 races counting and only a couple of points separating the top 6 boats “Kismet” stood of the podium with an excellent 3rdplace.
Overall a very pleasing and consistent set of results against many of the top classic sailors in the world.
Kismet, 55′ Fife, sailing in Saint Tropez 2018. Gstaad Yacht Club.
Gstaad Yacht Club – Classic Yachts sailing in Saint Tropez 2018. “Kismet”
Traditional Finishing
Kismet racing in France
Kismet’s new mainsail
Hand sewn finishing – Kismet – Fife 55′
Traditional Hand Sewing
Classic Yachts sailing in Saint Tropez 2018. Gstaad Yacht Club
Help us celebrate our 5th year of exhibiting at the Southampton Boat Show!!
We will be in our usual position ‘Stand F076’ in Mayflower park, just a few seconds walk away from the pontoon marina entrance.
The 2017 show was a great success and we are really pleased to report that many of those enquiries from last year have been converted into orders with those owners now enjoying their new covers and sails on their various travels.
During the show we will be unveiling of our new designed ‘T’ top sprayhood which proving to be very popular. The ‘T’ top allows the sprayhood window section to be removed giving a greater flow of air. We will also have samples of the new and latest sail cloths which are now available, so to find out more pop by our stand F076.
Whether you are planning adventures up local creeks or the trip of a life time around the world the Dolphin Team will be available all week – please feel free to come along and see how we can help you achieve the maximum enjoyment from your boat.
If you would like to arrange a meeting during the 2018 Southampton Boat Show, which runs from 14th – 23rd September, please contact us on sails@dolphin-sails.com
Paul Austin – Hamble – 02381 980090 – paul.austin@dolphin-sails.com
Jon Sturmer – East Coast – 01206 384412 – jon@dolphin-sails.com
If you are looking to buy a new boat or just need ‘a few bits’ you are certain to find what you are looking for during the 2018 Southampton Boat Show.
Dolphin Sails will be exhibiting at the Fox’s Boat Show which runs from Friday 18th May until 20th May.
Members of the cover and sails team will be on hand to answer all your questions, discuss fabric options, cover designs, sail inventories and if your boat is in Fox’s marina meet with you on board.
Fox’s Yacht Sales will be open to show you their extensive listing of brokerage boats or you could ask them about a new Beneteau.
Experts from Fox’s Marina are around to discuss refits, electronics, rigging, Copper Coating and basically anything to do with keeping your boat in the best possible condition.
Contact Dolphin Sails on 01255 243366 for further details.
We will again be exhibiting at the worlds largest marine trade show at the RAI exhibition centre in Amsterdam.
Based in the Superyacht Hall of the exhibition, Matthew Vincent and Angus Roberts will be on the stand to discuss how our unique awnings can be created using specialist bespoke software. With virtually limitless options available we can help create a stunningly beautiful structure that will open up endless possibilities to enhance the enjoyment of your sailing yacht, motor boat, home, office or public space
Feedback from our customers is always welcomed, especially regarding our unique Tensile Awnings. An Oyster 72 that is currently based in the Caribbean has just sent this photo and comment.
Feedback from our customers is always welcomed, especially regarding our unique Tensile Awnings. An Oyster 72 that is currently based in the Caribbean has just sent this photo and comment.
“Thought you might like to see the tensile boom awning in use, boss is loving having it here in the Caribbean and it’s only taking 5-10mins to put up now we have all the lines marked.”
WeatherMax80 Tensile Awning
Starting in front of the sprayhood, the awning comes aft to cover the companion way and cockpit area creating a perfectly shaded area for the owners and their guest to relax in. In addition to helping keep the cockpit cool the awning helps to reduce the temperature below decks as well, this has the benefit of not having to run the aircon so often reducing noise and maintenance.
The sprayhood and tensile awning are both made using WeatherMax80. The fabulous clarity of vision through the sprayhood is due to the Strataglass laminated window material.
To discuss how Dolphin can help with your awnings and covers please contact:
Jon Sturmer or Paul Gray on 00 44(0)1255 243366 or sails@dolphin-sails.com
One less job for the winter…. let Dolphin wash and service your existing sails and covers.
Its nearly the end of 2015 and with this brings a close to the sailing season for many customers. To help with the longevity of your sails and covers it is best to remove them from the boat during this coming period. Sails and covers that are left on during this cold, wet and damp period are more prone to dirt and may even start to suffer from mould and mildew, inturn leaving unsightly marks which are hard to remove. Did you also know that some insurance policy’s insist that all sails are removed from the rig whilst the boat is laid up ashore.
Start on a clean tack for 2016 !!
Let us wash, service and store your sails until the 2016 season, we have many drop of points in the UK on the East and South Coast, as well as a new service loft in Palma, Majorca.
East Coast – Drop off points from Woodbridge through to The Medway (including Ipswich, Tollesbury, Walton, Fambridge, Bradwell, Burnham, Benfleet, Chatham and Gillingham)
South Coast – Solent plus collections outside this area can be arrange
Spain – Palma, Majorca
email : service@dolphin-sails.com tel: 01206 384412
With these localised drop off points we can hopefully ease the collection and delivery of your sails and covers for you. If you contact us now to make arrangements then at least this is one job removed from the boat maintenance list !!
Due to our current rate of expansion we are now seeking to employ a new Cover Maker/Template Maker in our Harwich Cover loft. If you are enthusiastic person and have a GOOD level of Sailing knowledge, please do get in touch with us, we may well have a career waiting for you…….
Candidates must have a UK / European driving license.
Candidates will be required to undertake travel in the UK and internationally (mainly Palma de Majorca)
Please send CV’s and covering letters to Paul Gray paul@dolphin-sails.com
After last years outstanding success we have received some great feedback from our customers who have been on the water this season enjoying their boats. This is what they had to say……
Their brief comments below –
Dolphin Sails
‘Finally I decided to have another go at getting Dash the sails that she deserved. I had seen other MGC 27s with beautifully cut sails so I knew it must be possible. I wanted that lovely aerofoil curve that I had only ever seen on other boats with laminate sails so I decided to investigate.
At the Southampton Boat show I was presented with the opportunity to visit each of the sailmakers and sound them out. As a weekend sailor with almost no racing experience I felt completely out of my depth until I visited the Dolphin Sails stand. I immediately felt like a valued potential customer.
They listened carefully to what I had to say and we discussed the various options, despite my lack of knowledge I did not feel under any pressure at all, they understood what I was looking for and a cruising laminate seemed the obvious way to go to get the performance and stretch resistance that I wanted. ‘
My thanks to everyone at Dolphin Sails, especially Paul who had endless patience with me and was prepared to spend as much time on my boat as was necessary to get my sails working perfectly.
MGC27 ‘Dash’ – Tim Jenner (read further down for the full story)
Dolphin Covers
‘The quality of materials and workmanship was outstanding. The attention to fitting and customer satisfaction can only be described as unique.
The result has drawn many admiring comments and has made a huge difference to the overall appearance of the boat.’
Moody 42 ‘Blue of Hamble’ T Stattersfield (read further down for the full story)
To arrange a meeting during the 2015 Southampton Boatshow, which runs from 11th – 20th September, please contact us on sails@dolphin-sails.com
or
Paul Austin – Hamble Marina – 02381 980090 – paul.austin@dolphin-sails.com
Jon Sturmer – East Coast – 01206 384412 – jon@dolphin-sails.com
WeatherMax80 sprayhood and Bimini
WeatherMax80 Outboard Cover
Read in full what our customers think about us below
MGC27 ‘Dash’ – Tim Jenner – I had invested in new main and genoa for Dash, my MG C27 eight years ago, the sails were at the budget end of the market and I was disappointed right from the start, but I did not feel confident enough in my knowledge to complain to the sailmaker and Dash is a very good boat, we regularly passed other boats when out cruising despite our mainsails lack of shape.
Finally I decided to have another go at getting Dash the sails that she deserved. I had seen other MGC 27s with beautifully cut sails so I knew it must be possible. I wanted that lovely aerofoil curve that I had only ever seen on other boats with laminate sails so I decided to investigate.
At the Southampton Boat show I was presented with the opportunity to visit each of the sailmakers and sound them out. As a weekend sailor with almost no racing experience I felt completely out of my depth until I visited the Dolphin Sails stand. I immediately felt like a valued potential customer.
They listened carefully to what I had to say and we discussed the various options, despite my lack of knowledge I did not feel under any pressure at all, they understood what I was looking for and a cruising laminate seemed the obvious way to go to get the performance and stretch resistance that I wanted.
A week or so later I met with Paul on Dash for him to take the measurements.
The first trials of the sails in the spring were a revelation to me. They helped me set up the rig then we fitted the sails and went for a sea trial. Dash performed beautifully and the new sails looked and performed better than I could have hoped with Dash now able to sail at 30 degrees to the wind, something I had never been able to do before.
The highlight of the year for us is the Round the Island Race and Dash performed superbly well this year with her beautiful new sails, coming eighth in our group of around fifty boats. I believe that this result would not have been possible with the old sails.
My thanks to everyone at Dolphin Sails, especially Paul who had endless patience with me and was prepared to spend time on my boat to get my sails working perfectly.
T Stattersfield – Moody 42 ‘Blue of Hamble-’ Last summer I became dissatisfied with both the look and effectiveness of the existing windscreen and sprayhood on my Moody 42 CC yacht. Looking around the Southampton Boat Show at various options, Dolphin Sails quickly came to the forefront as potential suppliers.
They were prepared to come over to Hamble very early one morning during the show in order that ideas could progress quickly.
The concept of removing the windscreen and installing a more modern sprayhood was declared feasible and Dolphin set about the project with a meticulous level of attention to detail with multiple fittings to ensure that the end result was as intended and catered for a captain and crew of very different heights!
I have a reputation for ‘project creep’ and a simple sprayhood replacement morphed seamlessly into a new bimini and cover, wheel and binnacle cover, hatch covers, genoa sock and a most elaborate padded outboard cover.
The quality of materials and workmanship was outstanding. The attention to fitting and customer satisfaction can only be described as unique.
The result has drawn many admiring comments and has made a huge difference to the overall appearance of the boat.
WeatherMax Colour Guide (HighRes) (19.4 MiB, 2,312 hits)
We will be in our usual position ‘Stand F076’ in Mayflower park, just a few seconds walk away from the pontoon marina entrance.
