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.

 

 

Meet Oliver – Bringing New Energy to the GP Sails Service Loft

Experienced sailor. Passionate about sail care. Here to help.

We’re pleased to welcome Oliver to GP Sails, where he is taking the lead in running our service loft and helping customers get the very best from their sails.

With a lifetime of sailing experience, a passion for the sport and a strong background in customer service, Oliver brings a fresh perspective to the GP Sails team. Having spent years sailing both dinghies and offshore yachts, he understands just how important well-maintained sails are – whether you're chasing results on the racecourse, enjoying weekends on the water or preparing for your next big adventure.

A sailor who understands your sails

Oliver’s experience extends well beyond the loft. As an experienced offshore sailor and liveaboard, he has spent thousands of miles at sea, gaining a practical understanding of what sails go through and the demands placed on them.

From the wear and tear of regular racing to the challenges of long-distance cruising, Oliver appreciates that every sail has a story and every customer has different needs.

His approach is simple: provide honest advice, quality workmanship and a service that helps you make the most of your sails.

Taking care of your sails, from start to finish

As Service Loft Manager, Oliver is helping oversee the day-to-day running of the GP Sails service loft, ensuring that every sail receives the attention it deserves.

Our services include:

• Sail inspections and check-overs – identifying wear, damage and potential issues before they become bigger problems.

• Sail repairs and restitching – helping extend the life of your sails with quality repair work.

• Sail laundry and cleaning – removing dirt, salt and grime to keep your sails looking and performing their best.

• Reproofing – helping restore the protective properties of suitable sail fabrics.

• Honest advice – whether your sail needs a simple repair, a full service or it’s time to consider a replacement.

Working alongside the experienced GP Sails team, Oliver is committed to maintaining the high standards of workmanship that customers have come to expect.

More than just a service loft

At GP Sails, we believe looking after your sails is just as important as choosing the right ones in the first place.

Oliver is passionate about making sail care straightforward and accessible, helping sailors understand the condition of their sails and make informed decisions about their maintenance.

Whether you’re dropping off a well-used dinghy sail, preparing your yacht for another season or looking for advice on a repair, Oliver and the team are here to help.

Get your sails ready for the next season

The best time to look after your sails is before you need them. A winter check-over, a thorough clean and a little preventative maintenance can make a real difference to their lifespan and performance.

If your sails are due some attention, get in touch with Oliver and the GP Sails team.

GP Sails – Keeping you sailing.

Contact GP Sails to book your sail service or discuss your repair requirements.\