Doyle Sails Halifax is now under new ownership, with UK-born Luke Porter at the helm. Luke, an experienced sailor, has acquired the Doyle Sails loft in Halifax and plans to expand services throughout the Canadian Atlantic region. The existing team of sailmakers, Brad and Grant, will continue to ensure a smooth transition for our customers.
Luke began sailing at six months old in a nautical family and has been passionate about the sport ever since. He has worked in the marine industry since 2001, gaining skills in fibreglass repair, rigging, and boat maintenance. In 2009, he started his own business and later managed repairs and maintenance at the Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron while serving as Race Director.
Since moving to Nova Scotia, Luke has been involved in racing multiple yachts, including a Beneteau 36.7 and several “Archambault’s”, and participated in significant events such as the trans-Atlantic voyage of the replica tall ship “Matthew” in 1997. He currently races on a J120 “Helix” and owns a 44-foot cruising catamaran.
Luke has been a race official since 2013, holding positions as a Regional Judge and Race Officer, and is applying to become a National Race Officer. “I spend much of my summers running regattas or managing protest committees,” he says. He is the PRO for Chester Race Week and has contributed to various regattas across Canada and the Caribbean.
Additionally, Luke teaches sailing courses and offers training for sailors and race officials, sharing his knowledge through provincial associations and local clubs.
“I’ve long been a fan of Doyle Sails and I’m very excited to join the team. The Halifax loft is a well-established enterprise to which I can bring fresh experience and energy.” Says Porter about joining the Doyle Sails network “The Maritimes are a focal point of sailing, a breeding ground for successful athletes and with a rich sea faring history. I look forward to working with Doyle Sails to continue to provide the services that sailors of all types of need in this region.”
“The continuation of Doyle Sails Halifax is fantastic for both the global network and in particular the local sailing communities nearby with invigorated leadership, Luke Porter has a wealth of knowledge and experience in this community” says Emma Hendy, Doyle Sails Chief Commercial Officer.
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.