Saturn Sails was established originally in Ayr, by Colin McKenzie and John Highcock in 1979. We have increased our customer numbers gradually throughout the years and we are now servicing yachtsmen in a purpose-built sail loft, situated in Largs Yacht Haven.
Samples of sail-handling systems and accessories are on display in our reception area and each of their merits can be fully discussed with one of our staff on visiting the sail loft.
Service is our keyword and this, together with our combined experience and knowledge of over 50 years in sailmaking and 20 years of manufacturing in Scotland, ensures that you have a well-proven and reliable product.
We use the latest computer design systems with CAD/CAM and lasercut panels, which are carefully stuck together before machining with our 3-step stitch sewing machines. All of our machines are in pits enabling staff to easily handle sails at floor height, with two machines having an extra-long reach under their arm to cope with large bulky work. Pneumatics are also used for several machines, giving extra speed, pressure and control with automatic pullers.
We have camber photographs and analysis on file from the very first sail we produced, as well as numerous sail plans and a database on sizes for over 3000 yachts.
All sails and accessories are carefully designed and produced on a "one-off basis" as we are NOT a mass-production sailmaking business.
Sail cloth is carefully selected from our main suppliers with whom we have excellent relationships. These include Contender, Dimension and Bainbridge. For Racing yachts our cloth is selected for minimum stretch and weight, combined with a good length of life, but for Cruising yachts durability, handling and especially a long-lasting life, are more important.
We carefully select sail cloth with the aid of stretch test graphs for each sail, specifically according to sail type and aspect ratio.
It is because of our in-depth knowledge of sail cloth and yachts that we are able to advise our customers of the most suitable sails for their requirements.
CUSTOMER'S COMMENTS
June 14, 2010
Just to let you know - sails are great, have radically changed the performance of the boat and am thoroughly delighted...
many thanks again
Callum.
May 27, 2010
Enjoying a good pub lunch in Craighouse after a great reach down the Sound in a good force 4-5. Genoa looking terrific, pulled us along at 7.5 knots (no main, no engine!).
Very many thanks for a lovely new foresail.
Best wishes,
Bill M.
March 08, 2010
The jib is fantastic!!!!!!!!!! ... ...Looks much lighter but I am sure strong enough. Sets beautifully and measured perfectly. Well done - a satisfied customer and more importantly the cheque is in the post.
Gordon B.
July 14, 2009
Many thanks indeed for the sprayhood which you designed & manufactured, and have now fitted to our Hunter Ranger. We are absolutely delighted - thank you very much. I have great pleasure in enclosing payment.
Your faithfully,
Susan H.
March 17, 2009
This is just a quick note to say thankyou to you and your company for the great job you carried out on Allegro. We are very pleased with the result, and its all down to the attention to details you gave to all our requests, right from the start. You must have been down here at least half a dozen times - probably more. The result is that we now have a range of options from your creation: full canopy, sun awning, bimini.
The little 'flap' under the helmsmans seat is the final touch.
We will be recommending you to our friends and admirers!
Best Regards,
Damian C.
January 03, 2009
...Just wanted to let you know I'm absolutely delighted with the cover for the sunroof. The whole experience has been wonderful and the quality of the finished product has stunned me.
Once again many thanks. Happy New Year
Tony C.
December 05, 2008
You may recall that you made a genoa for us for our Nic 35 in about 2005. Well we're in Peru now and have had to have some repairs done on the UV strip. I thought I'd tell you that the sailmaker here described your sail as quote a work of art unquote. He thought it was smashing, but added that it was a pity you were so far away! You probably get some complaints, but I thought I'd tell you how good your sail was. It has done about 8,000 miles so far. Merry Christmas
Linda L. T.
December 04, 2008
My boat 'Duet' features in the new edition of Sailing Today (Jan '09 issue). Your sails from 1984?? that were fitted to the boat when we bought her, and your saturn logo feature in the article. Thought you might be interested.
Bill P.
