Hyde open in Cowes

Rob Larke to head new sail loft

Hyde Sails has announced the appointment of a new Hyde loft in Cowes on the Isle of Wight.

Situated at the former UK Halsey premises, the latest addition to Hyde’s UK network is headed by Rob Larke, who has some 20 years of sailmaking experience, including two years managing the former Halsey loft. Rob spent nine years working for Hyde’s prior to widening the breadth of his knowledge with a number of other world class sailmakers.

The Cowes loft is situated in a prime location ideal to serve the sailors of the Isle of White and the Solent. Rob Larke and his team have designed and constructed many regatta-winning sails. Most recently this has been seen in the Sigma 38 fleets (top five boats at the nationals) and in the J/80 (Warsash Spring and Hamble Winter Series winners).

Loft manager Rob Larke commented: “Hyde Sails is a forward thinking business that is expanding world wide whilst not forgetting its roots and its customers. I am excited about this new step, which will be mutually beneficial. We plan to work closely together to develop new technology, Hyde’s can also offer international support that will enable us to construct more sails therefore increasing our capacity to service and repair sails in house.”

Hyde’s Sales and Marketing Director, Richard Franks, said: “The Cowes loft is a perfect addition to our UK distribution and service network, enabling us to continue to deliver a high quality, personal service to our customers at a local level. It will be particularly useful during Cowes Week when we will once again offer our popular repairs service, with the added benefit of the Cowes-based facility.”