Sail Recycling network launched in the south west

The Sail Recycling network, the first of its kind in the UK, will operate in the south west. Old sails will be repurposed into lifestyle products such as bags and deck chairs

There are no formal ways to recycle sails in the UK

Durable and tough, sails often end up in landfill at the end of their life. Credit: Graham Snook/Yachting Monthly

The Sail Recycling network – the first of its kind in the UK – has been set up by the not-for-profit Clean Sailors and the Topsham-based Sails & Canvas.

It will operate out of the south west.

Sailcloth is made from a number of natural and synthetic materials including cotton, polyester and nylon, making it sturdy and durable.

Sail recycling - old sails can be turned into lifestyle products like bags rather than end up in landfill

The old sails will be turned into lifestyle products such as bags, washbags, deck chairs and doorstops. Credit: Clean Sailors

While sails are often used for many years before being discarded, they are not formally recyclable and therefore end up in landfill.

Now Clean Sailors has teamed up with Sails & Canvas to help turn old sails into new things.

Their first local partner is SKB Sails in Falmouth.

Continues below…

The Oceanvolt electric drive allows you to monitor how much renewable energy you are generating and how much power you are consuming

Renewable energy afloat: the latest tech

Sam Fortescue examines how renewable energy afloat is benefitting from technical developments in other sectors

Biofouling on a propeller. Invasive species can damage boat parts

Invasive species: How sailors can help tackle biofouling

While yachts are unlikely to introduce invasive species from abroad, they can help them spread around the coast. Sarah Brown…

A yacht with antifoul, with one side of the hull washed down after a season in the water

How to antifoul your boat: a step by step guide

No one likes to antifoul their yacht, but keeping a boat free of the harmful growth is vital. Adam Fiander…

The dirty truth about teak

Teak is beloved by boat owners and shipyards for decking and yacht building, but any claims that it is sustainably…

Sailors are encouraged to drop off their old sails at SKB Sails, free of charge.

The sails will then be upcycled by Sails & Canvas at their estuary sail loft in Topsham, Devon, and made into a host of lifestyle products such as bags, washbags, deck chairs and doorstops.

The founder of Clean Sailors, Holly Manvell said there were plans to expand the network.

Recycle your sails where you see this sign

‘It’s awesome to have bought our project to life in Falmouth with our local partner, SKB Sails, and we look forward to rolling our Sailing Recycling Network out further afield over the coming months, keeping these huge sheets of highly durable materials out of landfill,’ she added.

Clean Sailors was founded in July 2020 and aims to raise awareness of ocean conservation issues through research and sharing tips on sustainable sailing.

Enjoyed reading this?

A subscription to Yachting Monthly magazine costs around 40% less than the cover price.

Print and digital editions are available through Magazines Direct – where you can also find the latest deals.

YM is packed with information to help you get the most from your time on the water.

Take your seamanship to the next level with tips, advice and skills from our experts
Impartial in-depth reviews of the latest yachts and equipment
Cruising guides to help you reach those dream destinations