There is a particular kind of trust that only comes from decades spent sailing together. For Gwen and Austin Fragomen, that trust is embedded throughout their Botin 65 Interlodge 8 programme, and at the centre of it stands Doyle Sails Newport’s Dave Armitage.
For nearly 20 years, Dave has worked alongside the Fragomens, designing sails and sailing onboard through a succession of yachts and campaigns. It is a relationship that extends far beyond sail design. Dave understands how the team sails, how they communicate under pressure, and what they need to perform at their best. That level of familiarity is invaluable aboard a high-performance yacht such as the Botin 65.
The team’s primary focus this season is the 2026 Newport Bermuda Race. One of offshore sailing’s most respected challenges, the 636-nautical-mile classic demands meticulous preparation, a well-drilled crew, and absolute confidence in both boat and sail programme.
Training is already underway in Newport, with Interlodge 8 using this weekend’s New York Yacht Club Round the Island Race and NYYC Annual Regatta as key preparation events. Every mile raced provides an opportunity to refine sail trim, improve boat handling, and strengthen the teamwork required for success offshore.
Joining the programme this season is Doyle Sails expert Rob MacMillan. Together, Armitage and MacMillan provide a unique combination of design expertise and on-the-water performance knowledge, helping ensure the team extracts the maximum potential from both yacht and sails in race conditions.
The Fragomens’ sailing ambitions extend well beyond Newport. Alongside the Botin 65 campaign, they are also racing a Botin 44 under ORC in Europe, with a busy programme planned for September.
Gwen continues to campaign the Botin 44, where she has been at the helm for the past two seasons, building valuable experience and confidence in one of Europe’s competitive ORC fleets.
At the same time, Gwen and Austin campaign Interlodge 8 together, leading a dedicated team as they prepare for the Newport Bermuda Race and a demanding season of offshore racing.
“When you’ve worked with the same sailors for nearly 20 years, you develop an understanding that goes far beyond sail design. You know how they sail, what they’re trying to achieve, and how to help them get there.” — Dave Armitage, Doyle Sails Newport.
ABOUT DOYLE SAILS // Doyle Sails strives to deliver success through high-performance, high-quality, custom sails that continue to redefine the boundaries of sailmaking technology and innovation; whilst connecting sailors to inspire, support and encourage sailing.
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 with the same passion. Sailing is in our DNA, and we are the custodians of a legacy that has been supporting sailors for four decades and counting.