DOYLE-FRASER- A GREAT NEW NAME IN SAILMAKING

by Bob Fraser on 20 Jul 1999 An historic agreement was signed in Marblehead, USA this week between the founders of two major sailmaking companies. Robbie Doyle, president of the Doyle group and Bob Fraser, managing director of the Fraser Sails group of lofts.

Under the agreement, the Fraser lofts will join forces with Doyle Sailmakers, trading under the name of 'Doyle-Fraser'. Sails they produce will now carry the 'Doyle' style logo, while the Fraser sails lofts will still retain their independent ownership.

'The alliance will strengthen both groups and bring benefits to both parties, but more importantly will offer a broader product range and global service base to our customers', commented Fraser.

'The Doyle group are particularly strong in One Design, with multi world champions Dave Curtis and Judd Smith heading the One Design program. For example Doyle Curtis sails took out the 1st six places at the past Etchells World Championships and 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the last Soling Worlds. These same designs will now be manufactured in Australia.

Other areas of interest to our group include the emerging Mega yacht market. Doyles have an outstanding customer list in this market with sail inventories supplied to over 40 mega yachts. Interestingly, Rupert Murdoch's 140' Morning Glory is equipped with Doyle sails while the Australian loft is presently building more sails for son Lauchlan's Swan 51' Karakoram.

Doyles have also introduced a number of sensible innovation to the cruising market including the foam luff roller furler headsail know as 'Quicksilver' and the patented 'Stack Pack' mainsail handling system which is now used on all Moorings charter yachts around the world.'

Robbie Doyle commented, 'The grand inclusion of the Fraser lofts within the group is a real winner. Their success in the grand prix area, particularly in offshore racing yachts is well known throughout the world. We have been particularly interested in the D4 sails developed in Australia. The victory of the D4 sails in this years grueling Sydney-Hobart race confirms the durability of this innovative sailmaking method. Now we have the opportunity to offer these sails to our customers through our network of lofts.

We also recognise the talents of people such as design director Brad Stephens, who will work with our designers, including JB Braun, to fully integrate our design system.

The inclusion of the Fraser lofts also establishes the business as being truly international, offering service and support to our clients on a global basis, with over 40 lofts in 18 countries.

Doyle-Bouzaid New Zealand have been the licensed agent for D4 sails for the past season. It is expected that as many as eight yachts using Doyle sails will be crossing the Tasman to compete at this years' Hamilton Island Race week. It is also expected that at least seven of these yachts will be using D4 sails!'

Robbie Doyle, a successful America's Cup veteran and former Olympian plans to join the crew of Brindabella for this years Hamilton Island series.


FOR MORE INFORMATION ON DOYLE SAILMAKERS, DOYLE-FRASER SAILS AND D4 SAILS:

Contact Doyle Fraser Sails New South Wales
Tel: (612) 43404766
Fax: (612) 43405499
Email: steve.hewitt@doyleaustralia.com