a free no obligation QUOTE
Our Sailmakers can help you with rig changes, improvements, new designs and most aspects of sail performance. Our sails and rigging can be found around the world.
The Company is now owned and run by
Mark Butler
The company was started by James Lawrence in the 1960’s. James was a commercial barge skipper, trading under sail, when he started making sails for barges and other traditional vessels. James and his staff concentrated on working in the traditional styles and methods while many other sailmakers moved over to more modern techniques. The company is now owned and run by Mark Butler who joined in 1977 and took over from James in 1995.
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James Lawrence are the leading traditional and classic sailmakers in the world – no other sail loft has our range of experience in the traditional and classic market.
You’ll know within minutes that we know
what we are talking about…
All of our commissions start with a simple email, phone call or even a visit to our sail loft. Your enquiry will be dealt with knowledgably, accurately and with enthusiasm - you'll know within minutes that we know what we are talking about! This is often followed with a visit to your boat where we discuss your requirements in detail. Sometimes we will sail with you to offer advice on performance, rig balance, and rig handling etc.
If you are having problems with your boat’s handling – talk to us. As Mark says “ It’s apparent that the knowledge of how to sail a classic rigged boat is becoming scarce but that’s where our team can help.”
Get a quoteThank you for the transformation of how “Touchwood” now sails after the final 2 new sails have been fitted. She is so well balanced , the helm is light, windward performance vastly improved, and faster overall on any point of sail”
The sails have exceeded expectations: the authenticity is near perfect and the sail shape and cotton really does improve the way the boat sails; the boat seems happier sailing with the cotton she was designed for
I don’t know what I would have done about the sail work without your willingness to fix my mess. Your skilled sailmakers are a rare asset in the world of sails
The sails looks beautiful and the boat sails wonderfully well, perfectly balanced
Sail has arrived safely and is now bent onto spars – to which it fits perfectly – and is absolutely beautiful! I am thrilled with it
