Ratsey & Lapthorn Classic Sailmakers, Cowes

30/04/2026

There's nothing quite like the first sail of the year. When winter-stored yachts return to the water and the Solent comes alive again. Since 1790, we've witnessed this ritual 236 times.⁠
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20/11/2025

A brilliant feature in the December Luxury Issue of where amongst the usual excellent coverage of the Superyacht world you will also find features on the World’s greatest gifts and Britains finest for 2026. You can find us perfectly placed on page 60. Thank you for the lovely write up.

18/11/2025

The revival of Boojum, like all classic yacht restorations, began when the notion of enduring design, fair winds, and the blend of elegance and adventure took over all sense of practicality.

Classic Boats are a labour of love and we as a sailing community can only be grateful to those romantics that take on such projects.

For John Mclean this was absolutely sealed upon realising that in addition to an impressive bowsprit, elegant lines and comfortable living quarters for his family, she also sports a bar and a fireplace.

We really enjoyed this project, John’s eye for detail and unwavering commitment to Boojum has meant that this 116year Gaff Cutter has a beautiful set of hand worked Classic Ratsey and Lapthorn Sails and a new lease of life. They took part in Cowes Classic Week before embarking on the voyage to Portugal where John and his family have sailed Boojum as she was intended to be, not as museum piece but for family and friends to enjoy the freedom of the sea.

18/11/2025

10/11/2025

Love looking through our archives, there is always something I haven’t seen before.

We’ve got a lot of sails coming though the Cowes Loft door at the moment for their winter wash, repair and storage, and this absolutely Classic advert from the Loft at City Island, New York shows us that some things don’t change!

Salt and water.

31/10/2025

On this very Autumnal day at Ratsey and Lapthorn HQ in Cowes, we’re dreaming of Antibes, in the early summer sunshine.

Warm sun and teak oil. Sails, peeling and filling in the light breeze, waves lapping against hulls, saltwater and rosé.

29/10/2025

‘To create something exceptional, your mindset must be relentlessly focussed on the smallest detail’ – Giorgio Armani

The Ratsey Diamond Stitch, has been used on our sails from the beginning. It is a very functional stitch and yet so pleasing to the eye. Traditionally used for reinforcement at high stress points on sails. You will also find it where leather covers are used to protect the varnished surfaces on wooden boats.

So beautiful and neat is the simple repeat pattern of this diamond stitch, we had to bring it to our bag range and you will find it on the Ratsey, the Ratsey Mini, the Lapthorn, the Ditty and the Ratpack. Even the little wraps on our absolutely gorgeous knot charms feature this pretty little pattern.

17/10/2025

The Ditty - Once used as a test of the apprentice sailmaker’s skill, we have elevated this simple and very traditional design to create a really stylish bag that is entirely made in the Uk by 3 separate masters of their crafts.

constructs the bag from canvas and leather in Somerset.

Then it come to Cowes where who usually finishes our classic sails, uses the same tools and skills to hand sew the brass rings on to the bag.

Finally it goes to from the International Guild of knot Tyers, who hand makes the cord before tying the landyard handle and attaching the rope work.

A true collaboration of masters of their crafts, combining their skills to create a beautiful product.

10/10/2025

Sailing aboard Manitou this summer has been a huge pleasure, her incredible history with JFK spans the decades to today’s equally fantastic, fun loving and welcoming crew of mixed ages and nationalities.

A huge thank you to Hamish and Karen everyone involved with for and epic season.

We are proud to have a yacht of such pedigree flying our flag and indeed Ratsey and Lapthorn sails.

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