Doyle Sails Solent has had young sailor and now apprentice sailmaker Sophie Thom on the floor since the start of 2024 as a part-time job, quickly into a full-time position, something she is thrilled to say she loves and is about to start juggling her new studies and sailmaking.
Having grown up on and around boats, and with a deep love of sailing Sophies says “I’m fascinated by the mechanics and makeup of sails, fortunate to visit the Doyle loft at age 15 was something I never forgot and when I finished school a few years later it was an avenue I was keen to follow. Luckily my dad knew Peter, having worked with him and the Doyle team in the past, so I was given his number and I sent him a message”
Sophie’s parents are professional sailors, her father has captained the schooner Atlantic. A fascinating childhood for Sophie spending time in some of the most amazing corners of the world and or on board doing deliveries.
“I loved being on deck, spending time with the crew and learning the skills needed to be a good deckhand!” says Thom “When I was a bit older (15) my dad was then captain of a modern schooner, and I was lucky enough to join him on a delivery, taking the boat from Southampton to Malta and back, this was the first time I was properly part of the watch system a ‘proper member of the crew’ – I loved it.”
Now 19 years old and headed to Southampton University, a choice made with proximity to the loft and her job. Sophie will begin a Bachelor of Arts degree in modern history and politics.
As an apprentice sailmaker, Sophie has been working on the loft floor learning a variety of skills; from machining and the prefabrication and process of new builds. Alongside she has spent time making furler covers/ bags and repair work.
“One of the things I like about the loft is that every sailmaker is involved in the whole sailmaking process, as well as the service work, and as a result, their skill levels are really high” she expands “I also get the opportunity to gain experience in all aspects of sailmaking – I feel very lucky to be learning from such talented guys!”
Joining Doyle Sails Solent has presented Sophie with fantastic opportunities to further her skill-set and learn about campaigning teams.
Peter and Will Alloway have both been instrumental in getting her involved with and sailing on client boats.
“It’s another thing I like about the loft, that the ‘for sailors by sailors’ ethos trickles down to the apprentices and that the floor team are encouraged and enabled to get out on the water.”
Thom has been given the opportunity to sail in the Cape 31 class, the fast-paced and exciting new fleet which has taken the UK by storm. Training and racing with Peter Greenhalgh on the Khumbu Red team along with various other teams including the Doyle Sails designer Chris Taylor and another event with David Kelly from the Doyle Sails Ireland loft.
Broadening connections in the sailing world has created more pathways, being on the loft floor when teams have been looking for delivery crew has seen Sophie complete a delivery on an IMOCA with Canada Ocean Racing, taking the boat from Les Sables d’Orlonne back to Gosport.
Continuing to push forward with taking opportunities as they come Sophie will continue with local events and has recently competed in the Brest Classic’s Regatta.
As the summer season winds down, now is the time that the UK preparation begins for a very exciting program in the Solent next year with the Fastnet, Admirals Cup and of course, the Cape 31 circuit continuing. A trifecta Sophie hopes to tick off.
The best sailing memories for Sophie are a pretty special collection, for her 5th birthday it was spent with her dad on board the classic racing yacht Marquita in Falmouth.
Another exciting memory was spending 3 weeks at sea at age 12 on Atlantic, sailing down the west coast of Alaska and the USA. Broad reaching in 25knts of breeze for days at a time on a 200 ft 3 masted schooner, something she says is addictive!
“I think some of my best memories have been the Cape 31 racing; it’s so fast-paced and such a high standard of racing.” Thom concludes “I have learned so much from sailing with guys who are really at the top of the game and, yeah, just enjoyed every second of it!”
ABOUT DOYLE SAILS SAILMAKING PROGRAMME // The Doyle Sailmaking Programme is regarded as one of the most comprehensive and advanced sailmaking curriculums in the world. With over 35 years of experience in training and developing world class sailmakers, we have developed over 500 sailmakers over the last 25 years. Linked here
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.
By sailors, for sailors.