Ullman Sails

What Ullman Sails does

Ullman Sails is a privately held custom sailmaker founded in 1967 by David Ullman in Corona Del Mar, California, and now operated from dual headquarters in Santa Ana, California and Cape Town, South Africa. The company designs and manufactures custom sails across four primary product families — Racing (Race Dacron, Race Laminate, FiberPath Regatta/Grand Prix, and the Axia Red Line downwind series), Cruising (Navigator, Enduro, Voyager, UltraCruise, UltraLam, Performance FiberPath, Axia Blue Line), One Design (covering Cape 31, J/22-J/120, Melges 24, Optimist, Snipe, VXOne and other classes), and Specialty/Superyacht — using proprietary FiberPath membrane lamination with carbon and aramid fibers produced at a Cape Town facility.

The business operates a hybrid go-to-market combining a global network of 75+ licensed lofts and dealers across 25 countries with direct OEM supply relationships to major catamaran builders (Robertson & Caine, Leopard, Balance, Voyage, Knysna Yacht Company, Royal Cape Catamarans). Revenue is generated from custom sail manufacturing (one-time project sales), recurring sail repair and service (warranty-conditioned), apparel and upcycled merchandise through Ullman Gear and Six Seven by Ullman (e-commerce), and OEM contracts. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed; professional measurement services are priced at $100 in major areas and $250 outside, free for existing customers. The company is family-influenced, currently led by President Michael England and CEOs Michael Wittels and Lisl England.

Name

Ullman Sails

Legal name

Ullman Sails International, Inc.

Website

https://ullmansails.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1967

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Ullman Sails is a privately held, 1967-founded custom sailmaker operating 75+ lofts across 25 countries, manufacturing proprietary FiberPath membrane and laminate racing and cruising sails for consumers, One Design classes, and major catamaran OEMs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Custom Sail Manufacturing

NAICS

Cut and Sew Apparel Contractors (315210), Broadwoven Fabric Mills (31321)

SIC

Apparel & Other Finishd Prods Of Fabrics & Similar Matl (2300), Wholesale-Apparel, Piece Goods & Notions (5130)

akta.pro primary industry

Sailing & Rigging Retail (Sailboats, Sails, Hardware) (CRAMAIAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Sailing Yacht Manufacturing (IMAJAEAA), Sailing Experiences (Lessons, Regattas, Day Sails) (THAJAJAG)

Keywords

• Custom sail manufacturing
• Racing sails
• Cruising sails
• Membrane sail technology
• Marine OEM sails

Headquarters

HQ city

Newport Beach

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices8 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Custom Sail Manufacturing: Primary revenue stream from designing and manufacturing custom sails for racing, cruising, and One Design classes. Sails are custom-built to fit specific boat specifications, sailing style, and customer budget. Revenue is project-based with significant customer engagement throughout the design and manufacturing process.
2. Sail Repair and Service: Ongoing service revenue from sail repairs, maintenance, and inspection services at global lofts. The company emphasizes regular servicing as a condition of warranty coverage and offers service monitoring and scheduling through local lofts.
3. Ullman Gear (Merchandise): E-commerce revenue from upcycled sailcloth products including bags, apparel, and accessories sold through ullmansgear.com. Since 2019, approximately three tons of sail fabric has been upcycled into sellable products.
4. Six Seven by Ullman: Apparel line launched in December 2022, combining functionality, sustainability, and coastal style with upcycled sailcloth materials.
5. OEM/Original Sails for Boat Manufacturers: Revenue from supplying original sails to boat manufacturers including Robertson & Caine, Leopard Catamarans, Balance Catamarans, Voyage Yachts, Knysna Yacht Company, and Royal Cape Catamarans as the trusted OEM sail supplier.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Ullman Sails designs, manufactures, and sells custom-built sails for racing, cruising, One Design classes, and OEM boat builders through a global network of 75+ lofts across 25 countries. The company also produces upcycled sailcloth merchandise under the Ullman Gear and Six Seven by Ullman brands and provides sail care, measurement, and repair services.

Product overview

Ullman Sails is a globally recognized sailmaking company founded in 1967, operating as one of the largest sail makers in the world with over 75 locations across every continent. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of custom sails organized into Racing and Cruising categories. Racing sails include Race Dacron, Race Laminate, FiberPath Regatta, FiberPath Grand Prix, and the Axia Red Line downwind series (Code 50, Code 60, Code 75, Symmetrical, Asymmetrical, and JT). Cruising sails span the Navigator, Endurance, and Voyager series in various materials (Dacron, Laminate, and FiberPath), plus the Axia Blue Line for downwind sailing. The company also produces One Design sails optimized for championship classes (Cape 31, Far East 28R, J-Class, Melges 24, Optimist, and others), Ullman Gear accessories, Six Seven by Ullman lifestyle apparel, and provides digital tools like the Spinnaker Coloring Tool. Services include sail care, measurement, and warranty support. The product portfolio is anchored by FiberPath membrane technology, a proprietary high-pressure, high-heat lamination process delivering lightweight, low-stretch, strong sails for racing performance.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• FiberPath: Premium membrane sail product line featuring carbon and aramid fibers, designed for racing performance with lightweight, low-stretch construction.
• Ullman Gear
• Six Seven by Ullman

Products and services

• Race Dacron Lightweight, durable Dacron sail for bay sailing and recreational racing use, featuring practical reinforcements and a clean finish.
• Race Laminate Lightweight race laminate delivering enhanced performance over Dacron, with radial construction providing superior durability and low stretch for long-lasting performance.
• FiberPath Regatta High-performance custom string laminate sail engineered with carbon and aramid fibers, available with film, taffeta, or NWT skins for optimal durability and speed.
• FiberPath Grand Prix Elite-level membrane sail combining custom string laminate with cutting-edge design, offering exceptional load management and shape-holding for maximum racing performance.
• Axia Red Line Series Performance-driven range of downwind racing sails including symmetrical, asymmetrical, and Code sails designed for fast rotation, smooth acceleration, and tight trimming angles.
• Navigator Dacron Affordable, durable cross-cut Dacron sails custom-designed for day sailing and coastal cruising, featuring premium tightly woven Dacron with exceptional resilience.
• Enduro Dacron Durable Dacron sail for coastal cruising and circumnavigation with advanced finishing and reinforcements ensuring excellent shape-holding and broad wind range.
• Enduro Laminate Lightweight, high-performance laminate with taffeta-coated finish for extra strength and longevity in cruising applications.
• Voyager Dacron Crosscut Dacron sail offering durability, easy handling, and reinforced construction for reliable offshore cruising performance.
• UltraCruise Offshore and high-latitude sailing sail combining radial and crosscut construction for low stretch and exceptional tear resistance.
• Voyager FiberPath Premium membrane cruising sail crafted with high-end fibers for technical look and superior performance in diverse sailing conditions.
• UltraLam Voyager sail combining radial and crosscut construction for low stretch and exceptional tear resistance in offshore cruising.
• Performance FiberPath Engineered for extreme conditions with enhanced fiber density and reinforced materials for maximum durability.
• Axia Blue Line Series Cruising spinnakers with Active Luff construction, designed for easy trimming across varying wind speeds for enhanced speed and enjoyment.
• One Design Sails Precision-crafted sails for championship performance across multiple One Design classes including Cape 31, Far East 28R, J-Class, Melges 24, Optimist, Snipe, VXOne, J/22, J/24, J/70, J/80, J/105, J/109, J/111, J/120, optimized for each class specifications.
• Ullman Gear Gear and accessories including upcycled sailcloth products and sailing equipment sold through the Ullman Gear e-commerce brand.
• Six Seven by Ullman Lifestyle brand offering upcycled sailcloth bags and apparel combining functionality, sustainability, and coastal style.
• Sail Care Services Comprehensive sail maintenance and care services including inspection, repair, UV protection, and storage best practices for extending sail lifespan.
• Sail Measurement Services Professional sail measurement services for accurate sail fitting, with options for major areas ($100) and remote locations ($250); free for existing Ullman Sails customers.
• OEM Original Sails for Boat Manufacturers OEM supply of original sails for new boat builds by major catamaran and yacht manufacturers, including Robertson & Caine, Leopard Catamarans, Balance Catamarans, Voyage Yachts, Knysna Yacht Company, and Royal Cape Catamarans.

Quantifiable outcome

• Olympic Gold Medal - 1980 Moscow Olympics (Marcos Soares and Eduardo Penido, Brazil) with Ullman Sails
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and strategic.

• Skip Novak / Pelagic ExpeditionsflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2018Skip Novak is a legendary sailor and explorer who has been an official Ullman Sails ambassador since 2018. Ullman Sails provides sails for his various high-latitude expeditions and works together to develop durable sail designs for challenging environments. Partnership supports Pelagic Expeditions' scientific work in polar regions.
• Robertson & CainecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRobertson & Caine is a major catamaran manufacturer. Ullman Sails serves as the trusted OEM sail supplier for Robertson & Caine boats, providing original sails designed specifically for each model.
• Leopard CatamaranscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeopard Catamarans is a leading catamaran builder. Ullman Sails provides original sails as the trusted OEM partner for Leopard Catamaran builds.
• Balance CatamaransflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerA 20-year partnership involving collaborative sail development. Together they developed Obsidian 150 sailcloth with Dimension Polyant, combining laminate speed with transoceanic durability. Dallen Roos serves as Key Account Manager with half his day dedicated to Balance.
• Voyage YachtscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVoyage Yachts is a yacht manufacturer. Ullman Sails serves as the trusted OEM sail supplier for Voyage Yachts boats.
• Knysna Yacht CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKnysna Yacht Company is a South African yacht builder. Ullman Sails provides OEM sails for Knysna Yacht Company boats.
• Royal Cape CatamaranscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRoyal Cape Catamarans is a catamaran manufacturer. Ullman Sails serves as the OEM sail supplier for Royal Cape Catamaran builds.
• Dimension PolyantstrategicTechnology or IntegrationDimension Polyant collaborated with Ullman Sails to develop Obsidian 150 sailcloth - a material combining high-tech laminate performance with transoceanic passage durability based specifically on feedback from the Balance Catamaran fleet.
• The Little Optimist TruststrategicGTM or Marketing PartnerThe Little Optimist Trust, founded by Greg Bertish, empowers disadvantaged youth through sailing. Ullman Sails provides sails, gear, event support, fundraising, and community outreach programs to support youth sailing.
• Sail to ShelterstrategicGTM or Marketing PartnerSail to Shelter repurposes elite and superyacht sails into shelters for humanitarian aid. Ullman Sails facilitates connections between this organization and their partners, contributing to giving sails a second life as shade and shelter.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• North Sails: North Sails is the world's largest sailmaker, founded in 1957, with a global loft network and dominance in top-tier events (America's Cup, Volvo Ocean Race). Direct competitor to Ullman Sails in custom racing, cruising, and One Design sails serving the same sailor customers.
• Quantum Sails: Quantum Sails is a major global custom sailmaker formed from the merger of North U.S. and several independent lofts, with deep OEM and One Design class presence. Directly comparable to Ullman in custom sail design, OEM partnerships, and global service network.
• Doyle Sailmakers: Doyle Sailmakers is a New Zealand-founded global sailmaker with a strong cruising and superyacht franchise. Directly competes with Ullman in custom cruising, offshore, and superyacht sails with a similar loft-based distribution model.
• Hood Sailmakers: Hood Sailmakers is an established U.S.-based custom sailmaker with a strong offshore and cruising reputation. Competes with Ullman in custom cruising and offshore sails, particularly in North American and Caribbean markets.

Emerging players

• Evolution Sails: Evolution Sails is a performance-focused sailmaker with strong presence in One Design and grand prix racing. Overlaps with Ullman in high-performance racing segments but with smaller scale and more concentrated class focus.

Others

• Dimension-Polyant: Dimension-Polyant is a leading sailcloth manufacturer and one of Ullman's key technology partners (co-developed Obsidian sailcloth). While not a direct competitor, it is an enabling supplier adjacent to Ullman's product performance story.
• Contender Sailcloth: Contender is a major sailcloth supplier and listed partner of Ullman Sails. As a materials provider rather than sailmaker, it is an ecosystem enabler adjacent to Ullman's manufacturing rather than a competitor.
• Challenge Sailcloth: Challenge Sailcloth is another sailcloth supplier partnered with Ullman. Adjacent ecosystem participant providing fabric inputs for woven and laminate sails rather than competing in finished sail products.
• Bainbridge International: Bainbridge International is a sailcloth and marine fabric supplier that is a listed partner of Ullman. Functions as an upstream input provider rather than a finished-goods competitor.
• Harken: Harken is a leading marine hardware manufacturer (blocks, travelers, furling systems) and listed partner of Ullman Sails. Sits in the marine equipment ecosystem alongside Ullman but serves complementary hardware rather than competing in sails.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@UllmanSailsTV
• Facebookfacebook.com/ullmansails
• Instagraminstagram.com/ullman_sails
• Xx.com/ullmansails
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ullmansailsinternational

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Ullman Sails