Ratsey & Lapthorn Classic Sailmakers, Cowes

Ratsey & Lapthorn Classic Sailmakers, Cowes Ratsey & Lapthorn have been your experts in classic sails, racing sails and sail repairs since 1790. Based in Cowes on the Isle of Wight.

When the Apéro extends way beyond dinner… who knows where the night will end. The Rat is all you need.
24/07/2026

When the Apéro extends way beyond dinner… who knows where the night will end.

The Rat is all you need.

22/07/2026

A busy and varied day at Cowes HQ… from making rat tails for something special to organising the 80 odd panels for a Cowes Week kite… there’s been a quick trip up the river to deliver some sails, old plans on display for some lovely visitors another little secret something and a few bags getting packed ready to head off to their new homes.. here’s a snapshot. Enjoy!

Keep your eyes peeled for some upcoming news and events!

21/07/2026

‘You can see the pride people take in their boats’ and you can definitely feel it too!

I had a wonderful half hour walking the dock this morning looking at the British Classic Week boats and chatting to the very welcoming owners and crew.

A credit to the club and the event.

The Ratpack. An elevated take on the classic kit bag every sailor knows and loves. Too good to put down.
06/07/2026

The Ratpack.

An elevated take on the classic kit bag every sailor knows and loves.

Too good to put down.

Hallowe’en, celebrated a century of sailing this year. At 80ft she is ’The perfect Gentleman’s yacht, she is a jewel’, t...
03/07/2026

Hallowe’en, celebrated a century of sailing this year. At 80ft she is ’The perfect Gentleman’s yacht, she is a jewel’, this according to her designer William Fife Jr. High praise indeed when you consider his legacy.

Hallowe’en got off to a flyer in 1926, only 2 months after her launch, winning line honours in the second ever Fastnet Race and setting a record that stood for 13 years. She was powered by Ratsey and Lapthorn Sails.

It is therefore such a huge pleasure to have the opportunity to work with Hallowe’en again 100 years later, to revisit our archives and design and build new sails using all that modern technology has to offer. Software to measure load, strain, pressure and aerodynamics in order to design sails that not only look classically beautiful but will perform and get results in a busy and competitive schedule of Mediterranean racing.

Hallowe’en’s new Main, Jib and staysail were delivered and fitted in May and she has already had great success on the water. At Argentario Race week she was sporting her new R&L upwind sails and took 4 from 4 bullets winning the Miramis Trophy - and I quote - ‘We had our best ever regatta’! - not bad for an old girl!

Congrats to all involved.

Halloween1926



📸 Marco Solari

Hallowe’en, celebrated a century of sailing this year. At 80ft she is ’The perfect Gentleman’s yacht, she is a jewel’, t...
03/07/2026

Hallowe’en, celebrated a century of sailing this year. At 80ft she is ’The perfect Gentleman’s yacht, she is a jewel’, this according to her designer William Fife Jr. High praise indeed when you consider his legacy.

Hallowe’en got off to a flyer in 1926, only 2 months after her launch, winning line honours in the second ever Fastnet Race and setting a record that stood for 13 years. She was powered by Ratsey and Lapthorn Sails.

It is therefore such a huge pleasure to have the opportunity to work with Hallowe’en again 100 years later, to revisit our archives and design and build new sails using all that modern technology has to offer. Software to measure load, strain, pressure and aerodynamics in order to design sails that not only look classically beautiful but will perform and get results in a busy and competitive schedule of Mediterranean racing.

Hallowe’en’s new Main, Jib and staysail were delivered and fitted in May and she has already had great success on the water. At Argentario Race week she was sporting her new R&L upwind sails and took 4 from 4 bullets winning the Miramis Trophy - and I quote - ‘We had our best ever regatta’! - not bad for an old girl!

Congrats to all involved.

Halloween1926

Quiet luxury
30/06/2026

Quiet luxury

27/06/2026

“We went to Ratsey & Lapthorn for a new mizzen staysail that would sit between our close reaching mizzen blade and huge downwind VMG running staysail. Essentially to fill an important gap in our existing wardrobe. The design and sail we have received has exceeded our expectations, both in capability and handmade quality. Importantly, it also works well over a much wider range than anticipated, both in apparent angles and wind strengths. It’s become our all purpose staysail of choice on Baruna, used effectively in our recent Giraglia race in which we headed the Maxi Class 0 Leaderboard after 100 miles of using this new reaching sail. The owner is most pleased”.
Chris Savage (tactician 72ft S&S )

# performance

Address

Cowes
PO318PB

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 5:30pm
Thursday 8am - 5:30pm
Friday 8am - 5:30pm

Telephone

+441983294051

Website

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