2025 was a defining year for Ullman Sails, marked by world-class results, enduring partnerships, and the people who shape our brand.

The year began with top-level competition across disciplines, from the Australian 16ft Skiff Sprint Championship to the frozen arenas of the DN Iceboat World Championships. February delivered one of the standout stories of the year as Matt Struble claimed his 5th DN Iceboat World Championship on Lake Winnebago, followed just days later by his 7th North American Championship title. This is a remarkable achievement built on preparation, fitness, and experience.

In March, longtime partner Robertson & Caine celebrated the launch of their 3,000th yacht. As their OEM sail partner for over 25 years, Ullman Sails was proud to share in this milestone and the craftsmanship behind it.

June brought strong results on multiple continents. At the Devon Yawl National Championship in the UK, eight of the top ten boats sailed with Ullman Sails, including overall winners Dan and Nigel Ellis. In South Africa, Ullman Sails Pink Things, sailed by Morgan Evans and crew, finished 3rd overall in the Tuzi Tekwini Ocean Race, winning ORC Division B and the ORC Regional Championship. Dealtry Pickford, also proudly flying Ullman sails, delivered a strong performance aboard the Class 40 MOST.

July marked the close of important chapters as Gary Swenson and Rossi Acree retired from Ullman Sails Ventura, followed by the retirement of Bruce Hollis, whose nearly 40-year legacy as Director of Design helped shape Ullman’s global performance edge.

August delivered one of the year’s biggest victories at the Copa del Rey MAPFRE, where Nunoto Cafiver, powered by Ullman Sails and crewed by Álvaro García (Ullman Spain), secured an extraordinary triple crown: ORC C Champions, ORC European Champions, and Copa del Rey Overall Champions.

Later in August, the Lipton Challenge Cup took place down in South Africa, the trial year of the J22 One Design Class in the Challenge. 5 boats out of 18 powered by Ullman Sails. Ullman Racing, sailing for Royal Natal Yacht Club, took home the 3rd overall trophy, 1st KwaZulu-Natal Boat, and Winner of the Triangle course.

In September, Tony Strutt of Ullman Sails South Africa was honored with the SABBEX Artisan Answering the Call Award, recognizing his leadership and craftsmanship.

October hosted the Ullman Sails Women’s Series which highlighted the importance of inclusion and opportunity on the water. The event showcased women and new sailors stepping into competitive roles, learning, growing in confidence, and supporting each other. Competitors of varied backgrounds reinforced that creating space for women and new sailors is key to growing the sport and helping more people fall in love with sailing.

Coming out of Ullman Sails Benelux, the Grevelingen Cup , a winter racing series held on the Grevelingenmeer, kicked off in October and saw November racing setting the tone for the season. Competitors embraced cold mornings, unpredictable conditions, and shorter daylight hours. The Grevelingen Cup helps keep the sailing season alive when many others have packed up for the year. The series celebrates the commitment and passion of those who choose to keep racing through winter.

The year closed in December by celebrating Brad Stephens’ 50 years in sailmaking, a milestone that reminds us just how much dedication, experience, and passion live within the Ullman family.

As we look ahead, 2025 stands as a year that reinforced what defines Ullman Sails: performance without compromise, partnerships that endure, and people who leave a lasting mark on the sport.

photos Bronny Daniels