What happens to a sail at the end of its life, has been a problem Doyle Sails has been working to solve for many years. However, finding an economically and sustainably sound solution for the millions of square meters of high performance sails neatly stored all over the world is easier said than done. Until now.
Doyle Sails is proud to partner with Sail to Shelter, a not for profit organization headed by Angela Abshier, set up entirely to upcycle retired sails by converting them into shade and shelter for humanitarian aid organisations to support crises around the world. Sail to Shelter designs meaningful new uses for a sail’s second act.
Abshier from Sail to Shelter has worked tirelessly to connect leaders in their fields together for the greater good. Aligning retired Doyle sails with CoArchitects, a solution has been designed.
Sail to Shelter’s strategy is simple:
1. Keep sails out of the landfill.
2. Give sails a meaningful second life.
3. Support humanitarian aid organizations around the world with basic shade and shelter solutions.
Populations around the world are facing displacement for reasons ranging from desertification due to climate change, a single massive weather event and war. Regardless of how they end up there, millions of people won’t have basic shelter from the elements.
Sail to Shelter with donations and the support from the Doyle Sails loft network globally have come together to become the solution. This brings us to where we are today, not only are we upcycling, but the Sail to Shelter model uses sails and resources from the closest geographical point to the crises as possible.
While most elite racing sails have a very short life with some not sailing more than a dozen times. These sailors race to win and that means that your equipment has to be in perfect condition every time, and with custom designs specific to each yacht, there isn’t a secondary market.
Here at Doyle Sails we acknowledge the problem is one that every sailmaker can help solve and encourage as many that can help to do so. Doyle Sails has pledged to be committed partners and have already been able to link Sail to Shelter with our global network of over 55 lofts, in turn locating sails around the world.
Sail to Shelter is a not for profit organization in the US. All sails are donated and tax deductible. If you have sails to donate, we would love to hear from you.
ABOUT DOYLE SUSTAINABILITY // Since 1982, Doyle Sails has delivered outstanding quality and innovation to our loyal customers across the globe. As a global business, we recognise that all our business activities has an impact, both on the people involved in our products, our community and the environment.
The ocean’s health is key to the sustainability of our business, and we endeavour to continuously improve our actions to ensure this is protected. Our Voyage to a Better Future pillars are our company standards and values, which outline our goals and achievements for a sustainable business. We have developed our pillars in-line with the World Sailing “Sustainability Agenda 2030” recommendations, helping to ensure our pillars are aligned with the global industry standards. Learn more here.
ABOUT DOYLE SAILS // As sailors, our obsession with sailing connects us to the water. The water is our playground, a sanctuary where we seek enjoyment, a competitive playing field where we race as comrades; it’s sometimes our home and always a place that unlocks our sense of adventure wherever that adventure might take us.
Our obsession with sailing takes us to every corner of the world and onboard every yacht. We become part of teams, share in the adventures of friends and families, sharing our knowledge and experience with those who have the same passion for sailing as we do. Sailing is in our DNA, where the water unlocks our sense of adventure. We are the custodians of a legacy that has been supporting sailors for close to four decades, and while our world changes around us, our commitment to sailors who seek the same enjoyment and adventure as we do hasn’t.
From our sailors to yours. We are your experts in sailing. Your adventure starts with Doyle. By sailors, for sailors.
For all media and enquiries please contact
Doyle Sails International
communications@doylesails.com