An Evolution in sails

by Jeni Bone on 21 Oct 2009 Four renowned sailmaking lofts in Australia and New Zealand have joined forces to form the global Evolution Sails group, now covering Singapore, Canada, the US, New Zealand and Australia.

According to Cameron Percival at Evolution’s Sydney operations – based at Mona Vale on the northern beaches – 'the move will reinforce their position at the pinnacle of sailmaking within the region.'

'The principals are well-known and high profile in their own regions. We all have solid marine and sailmaking backgrounds and have contacts across the whole market.'

The four new additions to Evolution Sails are headed locally by, Cameron Percival and Geoff Couell (Sydney), Paul Eldrid (Perth), Rob White and Graham Sherring (Queensland) along with Rodney Keenan and Graeme Robbins (New Zealand).

Percival continued 'Whilst aligning themselves with an internationally acclaimed brand, the group will continue to retain a strong local focus. The Evolution Sails group also understands the importance of building and maintaining long-term customer relationships, and combining the needs and requirements of each and every yacht owner.

'Along with experience and expertise, the Evolution Sails advantage in a competitive market is 'customisation and understanding the needs of every level of the market', says Percival.

'Our in-house membrane facility means we can now offer clients a full custom sail solution, We can control and manage the whole process, choose the different fibres, individual string paths, film weights, thread mixes. Every job is a custom job for us.'

Cruising sailors can also benefit from custom panel layouts. 'Many of these issues have been a compromise for both clients and sailmakers in the past,' adds Percival.

Able to design and fabricate to suit the needs of all boats, 'from Grand Prix to Club', Evolution Sails have already been adopted by some of the region’s leading Racing yachts including Limit, Lahana and the just launched Scarlet Runner.

'This same technology is also available to our Cruising clients who require a stable sail with strong construction techniques, ensuring a long lasting and durable cruising sail.'

The local Evolution Sails have been showcasing their technology with both Racing and Cruising yachts competing in major events such as the Sydney-Gold Coast Race, Airlie Beach Race Week and Hamilton Island Race Week.

'There will be plenty of our sails seen on the Asian circuit starting in a few weeks and of course, the upcoming Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.'

Evolution has also taken up sponsorship of the Royal Motor Yacht Club Pittwater’s Monday night Racing Series.

More at www.evolutionsails.com.au and www.evolutionsails.com