UK SAILMAKERS LOFT OF THE YEAR ANNOUNCED

View fullsize

Every year UK Sailmakers recognizes one of our group members as “Loft of the Year.” The honoree is selected by the UK Board of Directors based on overall performance, growth, and demonstration of exceptional levels of quality sailmaking and customer service. The award is presented at the annual managers meeting where all the lofts discuss how to make and deliver better sails to our customers around the world.

This year’s Loft of the Year is UK Sailmakers Northwest, located in Sidney, British Columbia, and run by Stuart and Joy Dahlgren. The Dahlgrens won for several reasons. First, the loft is one of the newest lofts in North American and is run by the youngest loft owner in the group. Being Millennials, they are tech-savvy and have used software and technology to grow their business. They purchased the machinery for making X-Drive sails, they document construction and material details for all sails they make with lot numbers, part numbers and photos. And to make sure everyone in the loft is kept up-to-date, they have advanced business software that keeps all their teams in the loop.

View fullsize

When Stuart and Joy bought the loft eight years ago it was a mature loft in need of rejuvenation. That’s exactly what the loft got; they built a new loft building with their home above the loft. Further, their commitment to UK Sailmakers can be seen by the quality of sails they provide their customers and the exceptional customer service they provide. It’s this blend of performance and service that cements a customer/sailmaker relationship; and because they deliver on those attributes in spades, UK Northwest has grown year-after-year to the point where they have exceeded the level of business their predecessor had achieved.

View fullsize

If you’re sailing in the Pacific Northwest, keep an eye out for WESTERLY, the Dahlgren’s Santa Cruz 70. WESTERLY has done numerous races to Hawaii and all the major PNW coastal races and ends-up on the podium more times than not. Joy campaigns her bright yellow Moore 24 AMORÉ and this past year, they bought a second Moore 24 so Stuart can race in the same fleet. They are active sailors and racers, which lets them get a pulse of the sport in their area.

View fullsize

Congratulations to the Dahlgrens and all involved with UK Sailmakers Northwest for a great year of sailmaking and service. Keep up the good work; you’ve set a high bar that all the other lofts diligently will strive to equal in 2020.