Most Sydney sailors will be familiar with the stalwart Doyle Sails Sydney loft owned by Shane Guanaria. Shane has been at the forefront of sailing and sailmaking in Sydney for more than two decades and has raced on everything and anything that comes through Sydney waters, from junior classes to super maxis.
Shane learnt to sail at Middle Harbour Yacht Club in Flying Elevens at the age of 6, crewing for Anthony “Knocka” Nossiter. Shanes’s father, Ian, is a keen sailor and had him down at the local Sailing club every weekend from birth. Ian is still sailing competitively on his Beneteau First 35 out of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia.
Shane competed in his first race with Ian onboard his Tasar during a frostbite series at about 3 or 4 years of age.
Looking back, some of his fondest memories are while sailing, “it would be a hard pick; I have a few; the first would be representing Australia in the Laser class at the 1999 ISAF Youth World Championships,” said Shane, “the other would be winning the 2013 Sydney to Hobart yacht race on Victoire.”
These days Shane is most frequently seen in the Australia 52ft fleet, in which he has played an integral part in bringing Doyle-powered customers to the top of the podium, frequently racing with long-time customer and friend, Gordon Ketelbey on board Zen.
“I spent much time with Gordon travelling this year, and he overheard a few phone conversations. Recently he said to me, “You are not a salesman; you just solve problems and offer options”, said Shane.
Shane emulates the Doyle Sails ethos; by sailors, for sailors. As sailmakers and lifelong sailors, we share a common passion with our clients. “Working with them on their cruising plans or Hobart campaigns is of obvious interest, and working towards a common goal is always fun. No two boats, owners and their plans are ever the same; everything we do is custom, hence why I still believe that building our sails in Australia ensures that the end result is everything that the owners want”. Shane continues, “It is incredibly satisfying seeing something go from a discussion, all the way through to fitting sails to the boat and watching them win their first race or make their way around the world.”
Shane has worked closely with other 52s in the local fleet to ensure they are taking advantage of the Doyle Sails race-winning technology. “Working with a full team of Doyle Sails designers and engineers that are passionate about delivering the best possible product to our clients, whether it be a cruising boat, club racer or Grand Prix. I love that they take a full interest in each project and customise the designs and structure to suit each customer’s requirements best. There are no shortcuts taken.”
“Being a part of the development of the Structured Luff sails has been a highlight for me, and seeing first-hand the performance increases these sails bring. Initially, some put the product down for just being a sales pitch, and seeing the same people attempting to mimic the technology is very satisfying.” Say Guanaria.
Shane’s loft, located in Gladesville, is within proximity to all significant sailing clubs and is the most extensive loft in Australia. Shane and his team deliver the quality, performance and customer service you have come to expect from Doyle Sails every day.
ABOUT DOYLE SAILS // Doyle Sails strives to connect our world-class sailors with the sailors of the world to inspire, support and encourage sustainable sailing. Delivering enjoyment and success through high-performance, high-quality, custom sails that continue to redefine the boundaries of sail-making technology and innovation.
As sailors, our obsession with sailing connects us to the water. The water is our playground; a sanctuary where we seek enjoyment and relaxation; a competitive playing field; sometimes our home, and always a place that unlocks our sense of adventure wherever that adventure takes 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 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.