Local sailmaking mainstay UK Sailmakers Northwest is pleased to announce the successful transition of ownership from Tim Knight to Stuart and Joy Dahlgren. While the actual purchase took place earlier this summer, all parties were committed to ensuring a high level of continuity for customers and industry partners and thus executed a ‘soft handover’ that has resulted in seamless service for both repair and new sail clients.

‘I could not have been happier, Stuart and Joy have shown great aptitude and that coupled with the great staff, the business is actually invigorated with new energy and ideas. The old values that made the company the biggest Sail loft in the NW: Excellent Sails, Great Service and Great People are still the cornerstones of the Loft.’ says Tim Knight. As Tim continues with the Company as a Sail Consultant and advisor, he looks forward to witnessing the youthful innovation the new leadership team will undoubtedly add to the business.

Stuart Dahlgren added ‘When we saw the opportunity to be involved with sailing on a full-time basis and combine our passion with business, Joy and I didn’t hesitate. I’ve always been drawn to pursuits that blend craftsmanship with modern technical advancements, which is a theme I recognized right away as a customer of the Sidney loft. So, while we will be looking to embrace new technologies, we will never forget that balancing it with old school craftsmanship is the key to our company slogan ‘The Fast that Lasts!’’.

The immediate plans for the Company include initiatives to enhance service coverage in sailing regions beyond the current UKNW lofts, an overhaul of the Company website to make it easier for clients to find information on sails and local events, and to continue the Company’s pre-existing mandate to support youth sailing programs in the Pacific Northwest.

About UK Sailmakers Northwest: Serving West Coast sailors since 1984, the Company currently owns and operates two full-service lofts. While community based, they also benefit from being a part of the UK Sailmakers International family. Their service area includes Western Canada, Washington, Oregon, Alaska, Idaho, and Montana. The Company values its position as the region’s single largest employer in the sailmaking trade and the leading sailmaker sponsor of the Pacific Northwest’s premiere yacht racing events.

For information, visit: www.uksails.ca