About GP Sails

 

About Grant – Expert Sailmaker & Championship Sailor

Grant’s lifelong passion for sailing began in 1976, when he first took to the water as a young boy, inspired by his father, Brian—a highly respected boat builder and accomplished catamaran helmsman. From these early beginnings, Grant developed a deep understanding of boats, performance, and craftsmanship that would shape his entire career.

Quickly progressing through the ranks, Grant moved from dinghies to his first catamaran—a Condor—before earning a place in the prestigious 1984 Tornado Olympic squad. His competitive success continued to grow, securing multiple National and European Championship titles across a range of high-performance catamaran classes.

Among his many achievements, Grant has won the renowned Eurocat regatta in Carnac sailing a Spitfire, and has competed extensively in some of the UK’s most iconic sailing events, including Cowes Week, Burnham Week, and Ramsgate Week. His versatility across different classes of sailing craft highlights both his skill and adaptability at the highest level of the sport.

A standout accomplishment in Grant’s career is holding the Round the Island Race record on a Firebird catamaran, completing the course in an impressive 4 hours and 33 minutes using sails he crafted himself while working at White Sails. Over the years, Grant has amassed an extraordinary total of 23 National and European Championship wins—an achievement that places him among the most accomplished sailors in the field.

Decades of Sailmaking Excellence

Alongside his racing success, Grant has built an exceptional reputation as a professional sailmaker. Beginning his career in 1980 with Dolphin Sails, he spent 15 years honing his craft before moving to Hyde Sails in Burnham, where he quickly rose to manage the offshore sail loft. His career continued with White Sails, working alongside renowned sailmaker Jerry White.

With over four decades of hands-on experience, Grant has mastered every aspect of sail design, manufacturing, repair, and performance optimisation. In fact, he has produced more than 50,000 sails throughout his career—an incredible testament to his expertise, dedication, and attention to detail.

GP Sails – Local Craftsmanship, World-Class Quality

After facing redundancy due to sail production moving overseas, Grant turned challenge into opportunity by founding GP Sails. His vision was simple: to provide high-quality, locally made sails with a personal, customer-focused service.

Today, GP Sails operates from the very loft where Grant once worked, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques. Whether you need new sails, expert repairs, or ongoing servicing, Grant and his friendly, knowledgeable team deliver a tailored experience for every customer.

At GP Sails, every sail is built with precision, performance, and durability in mind—ensuring you get the very best out of your time on the water.