Taking sailing by storm Cork sailmaker goes global

A LEADING Irish sail designer has been appointed head of one of the world’s largest sailmaking firms.

Sailmaker Des McWilliam (62), who is based in Crosshaven, Co Cork, is to become president of UK-Halsey, one of the top-three global companies specialising in the field.

The group has a reported annual estimated turnover of €15 million. McWilliam’s appointment was sanctioned at the company’s annual meeting in New York last week.

He will replace company founder and former US marine Butch Ulmer, who is retiring.

UK-Halsey was founded in 1946 as Ulmer Sails. It now runs a network of sail lofts around the world, with 17 in North America, 21 in Europe, three each in Asia and Australia, and two in South America.

It has a reputation for using the most advanced techniques and technology. The McWilliam loft in Crosshaven, which has been in business for 40 years, will become the nerve centre for developments.

“I like the idea that we’re sitting here in our old stone watermill talking about high-grade aerodynamics across the world,” Mr McWilliam said.

Such is the creative nature of the business that he expects the diplomatic skills of an “archdeacon or pope” may be required at times to harness the energies of “entertaining free thinkers”.

Mr McWilliam employs six staff in the Cork harbour premises, including recent recruit Kenneth Rumball, the Irish Fireball dinghy champion.

McWilliam is a prestigious brand name – the suits of sails have equipped competitors in the Admiral’s Cup, incorporating the Fastnet and other international and national yachting events.

However, Mr McWilliam said he was just as happy “designing good sails for people who are passionate about getting out in a boat”.