October Newsletter
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The Final Stretch: With plenty of sailing ahead.
October is behind us, and there's a familiar feeling in the air as we head towards the final stretch of the year. For some, the sailing season is winding down, while for others, it's only just getting started. Either way, it's a good time to look ahead, make a few plans and perhaps give your boat a little attention before the next adventure.
This month, we're celebrating some fantastic results on the racecourse, sharing stories from across the Ullman fleet and looking at a few things worth considering before ordering your next sail.
So, whether you're planning your next race, preparing for summer or already dreaming about some well-earned time on the water, there's plenty to enjoy in this month's issue.
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
PODIUM FOR DEFIANCE
From sail development in Cape Town to the World Championship podium in New Orleans, it's been an exciting year for Ullman's next generation of J/22 sails.
Mike Gemperline and the crew of Defiance, coached by Greg Koski, secured third overall at the 2026 J/22 World Championship, finishing on 25 points after seven races against a competitive 46-boat fleet.
With a newly developed Ullman sail package, the result marks an encouraging milestone for the international development programme.
read more >
Credits: Hannah Lee Noll
DOUBLE VICTORY FOR ULLMAN-POWERED PROTIS
Hamble Winter Series | Ullman Sails United Kingdom
The Hamble Winter Series delivered some proper autumn racing in Week 3, with a fresh northerly breeze and gusts reaching 21 knots.
Flying a full Ullman Sails inventory, Protis put in an impressive performance, securing two race wins in IRC 3.
With shifting conditions keeping crews on their toes, it was a great day on the Solent and an even better result for the Protis team.
Congratulations to the crew on a fantastic double victory!
Explore Ullman Sails United Kingdom >
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A CELEBRATION OF WOMEN ON THE WATER
Ullman Sails Women's Series | Ullman Sails South Africa
What a wonderful year of sailing, learning and coming together on the water!
The Ullman Sails Women's Series wrapped up at Royal Cape Yacht Club on 24 October, bringing to a close a season that was about so much more than racing.
From the opening race day in May to the Women's Cruise in August and the final races in October, the series celebrated women taking the helm, building confidence and sharing their love of sailing.
Every opportunity to get out on the water, learn something new or encourage another sailor is a step towards a stronger, more inclusive sailing community.
Here's to the women who took part, the friendships formed and the next generation of women finding their place on the water.
We were proud to be part of it!
Explore Ullman Sails South Africa >
See the Full Album >
TWO BOATS. ONE CLEAR DIFFERENCE.
Illusion 12 | USA
Sometimes the best way to test a new set of sails is to line up against another boat and see what happens.
That's exactly what Dennis Schmalzel and his brother Doug did on 14 October, putting Illusion 12 #1 and #2 through their paces in a lively 15–25 mph breeze.
With one of the boats sporting a fresh set of Ullman sails, the difference was noticeable.
Dennis reported that the Ullman-powered boat was definitely faster during their head-to-head sailing.
A promising outing for the new sails, and a great reminder that nothing beats putting them to the test on the water!
Explore One Design >
OPENING DOORS THROUGH SAILING
Ullman Sails South Africa × SA Sailing Academy
Every sailor remembers the people who helped them find their feet on the water. The person who handed them a tiller, taught them their first knot or gave them the confidence to take on something new.
Those early opportunities can change the course of someone's life.
That's why we're excited about Ullman Sails South Africa's new partnership with the SA Sailing Academy.
Sailing teaches far more than how to handle a boat. It builds confidence, encourages teamwork and teaches young people to make decisions, take responsibility and trust their own abilities.
But those opportunities aren't always easy to come by.
By supporting the Academy, Ullman Sails hopes to play a part in making sailing more accessible and helping young people discover what they're capable of, both on and off the water.
Because the future of our sport depends on more than the boats we build or the sails we design.
It depends on the people we welcome aboard.
Every sailor starts somewhere. Someone just needs to give them the opportunity.
Learn More >
See Upcoming Courses >
MX 820 SAILING STRONG WITH ULLMAN SAILS
Fleet News | Ullman Sails
There's nothing quite like seeing a boat powered up and making the most of the breeze!
The MX 820 is looking fantastic on the water, sporting a full Ullman Sails inventory.
From upwind sailing to reaching under its asymmetric spinnaker, it's great to see the sails in action and the boat enjoying some time on the water.
Great-looking boat, great sailing and plenty more adventures ahead!
KEEP IT GOING.
The boats change.
The miles add up.
The next crew steps aboard.
Keep learning. Pass it on.
We’ll see you on the water.
Initiatives we support
Take Your Loft Global: Partner with Ullman Sails
Are you an independent sailmaker or marine business owner ready to scale?
When you join the Ullman Sails family, you retain your local independence while gaining immediate access to an elite global network. Partnering with us unlocks advanced centralized design suites, world-class manufacturing pipelines, premium product lines like FiberPath, and an international marketing engine.
Whether you are based in a major regional hub or a historic sailing port, let’s talk about how our heritage and technical backing can expand your market share and accelerate your growth.
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