A NEW sailmaking service for east coast sailors is expected to be up and running early in the season with two of the best known names in the sport involved. Cork based UK McWilliam Sails, currently enjoying exceptional demand in Britain is reestablishing a Dublin operation through Mark Pettitt.

The 36 year old Dun Laoghaire sailor is currently training at UK McWilliams in Cork and aims to have a servicing and advice operation available shortly. The main loft near Crosshaven will continue to design and build new sails while Pettitt is understood to be opening his service loft at an as yet unconfirmed northside Dublin location.

The Cork sailmaking company has four lofts and recently announced a link up with the Ulmer Kolius (UK) world wide group of individually owned sailmaking firms. The latest technology of Tape Drive Clear material has boosted business as it is set to replace mylar cloth as it holds it shape better, improves strength and performance at relatively little extra cost claim UK McWilliam.

Pettitt is one of Ireland's best known competitive sailors, predominantly in J24 and cruiser/racer events at home and abroad since his teens.

"In essence what I am doing now is moving from being a casual worker to establishing a real business with something tangible to offer. I hope that through me, UK McWilliam can establish a more solid base in Dublin. What I am doing is picking up existing business from existing customers," Pettitt told The Irish Times yesterday.

Already, the sailmaking firm has a broad customer base in the area covering the rapidly expanding 1720 fleet, Ruffians and throughout the cruiser classes.

Meanwhile, the season is already off to an early start for the 1720 and Skiff classes. Up to a dozen Skiffs are expected at the Royal St George.