ABOUT US
We Are Ullman
We are more than sails, we are a living breathing expression of making a business out of something you love. We give people the wings they need to live freely. We offer trust and accountability in a world where both are hard to come by. We are making a difference to those around us, opening doors and giving back. We are a business built on family and our bloodline stretches continents. We have many stories to tell and many stories still to write. We will always be there when the sun rises, no matter where you are. We will meet you where you need us. We are where we belong. We belong here.
David Ullman founded the first Ullman Sails loft in the coastal town of Corona Del Mar. The first sails bearing his blue and red logo were made for a popular local dinghy, the Lido 14, and the sails won their first race.
Ullman expanded his sail loft in Corona Del Mar to accommodate larger sail repairs and build new sails for local dinghies like Naples Sabots, Lido 14s, and Snipes. Ullman Sails’ dominance in the Lido 14 class has continued for decades, with teams using Ullman Sails winning the majority of the class’s National Championships over the last 50 years.
Ullman moved and expanded the original sail loft to a new location on the Newport Beach Peninsula, growing the team to accommodate the new space and rapidly growing volume for his National Championship-winning sails. This is when the legendary Jeff Lenhart joined the Ullman Sails team, bringing with him his Snipe World Championship expertise.
In 1975, David and Jeff Lenhart won Gold at the Snipe Pan-American games.
The dynamic duo went on to win their second consecutive 470 World Championship in Marstrand, Sweden, without winning a single race - a true testament to "The Ullman System."
Ullman Sails expanded with its first satellite loft, Ullman Sails Dallas. During this time, Marcos Soares and Eduardo Penido of Brazil won gold at the 1980 Olympics, fully equipped with Ullman Sails. Marcos then joined Ullman Sails Rio, and Miyuki Kay, another world champion, joined Ullman Sails Japan.
In 1982, David Ullman secured his eighth Lido 14 National Championship title. The following year, he participated in the Admiral’s Cup once more, this time providing Ullman Sails for and sailing ‘Shenandoah’.
Ullman Sails San Diego, Ventura, and UK joined the Ullman Sails family, significantly expanding its global reach.
In just a few years, Ullman Sails expanded its presence within the USA, including locations in Newport Beach, San Diego, Ventura, Long Beach, Sarasota, Dallas, and Atlanta. It also established international locations in Italy, Brazil, Japan, Monaco, Norway, and Mexico.
Ullman Sails powered a top ranking finish in the highly competitive Etchells World Championships in 1985.
Ullman Sails made a significant impact in Olympic sailing, powering winners of the Olympic trials in 18 countries.
Ullman Sails International was established to oversee the expanding global network of lofts, marking a significant organizational advancement for the group.
Additionally, Ullman Sails introduced its first FiberPath sails initially designed for grand prix racers.
Between 1991 and 1992, Ullman Sails contributed to winning World Championship titles in multiple sailing classes, such as Contender, Flying Dutchman, Men and Women's 470, and the Tornado, alongside Olympic medals.
In 1996, David Ullman received the Rolex Yachtsman of the Year award
The Ullman Sails Newport Beach loft moved from its location on the Newport Beach Peninsula, where it had been since 1973, to its current location in Santa Ana. For the first time in the class, Ullman Sails powered the J/22 World Champions.
David provided private coaching for the USA 470 Men and Women Olympic teams, both winning silver medals with Ullman Sails. Recognized for his achievements, David was inducted into the 470 Class Hall of Fame.
Ullman Sails extended its reach in the United States with the addition of Ullman Sails Virginia and Ullman Sails Gulf Coast. David Ullman subsequently handed over ownership of the Ullman Sails Newport Beach loft to Bruce Cooper as he transitioned to overseeing the Ullman Sails group on a global scale.
David Ullman claimed victory at the Melges 24 World Championships in San Francisco at the age of 61 and received a nomination for Rolex Yachtsman of the Year. Moreover, Ullman Sails powered the success of the Tornado World Championship team.
Greg Koski from Ullman Sails Cleveland and Bojan and Vlado Grego from Ullman Sails Croatia joined the Ullman Sails family. Additionally, Ullman Sails expanded into Sweden and Seattle, while a new full-service sail loft joined in Whitsundays, Australia. With new dealers onboard, the Ullman Sails group now boasts the largest network of sail lofts in Australia.
Ullman Sails propelled the champions of the J/80 World Championship and secured another podium finish in the J/22 Worlds. Notable victories also include Tanton 73 “Velos” claiming 1st in the IRC B Division at the Rolex Big Boat Series and Team Vilagarcia clinching 1st place at the Italian Platu 25 World Championships with a full Ullman inventory.
Ullman Sails UK launched a brand new one-design loft, while Ullman Sails Norway underwent a complete renovation, initiating the process of establishing an innovative FiberPath membrane production facility dedicated to Ullman Sails.
The thrilling results from Ullman Sails included yacht Horizon securing 1st on the line, 1st in class, and 1st overall at the 2010 Pacific Cup with a full Ullman inventory.
New 18 Foot Skiff sails were designed by Bruce Hollis from Ullman Sails Sydney, while the Ullman Sails Virginia team created new traditional sails for the USCGC Eagle and the designing and development of a new Ullman Sails J/80 kite gets underway.
In race results, a Norwegian team won the Swedish Melges 24 Nationals fully powered by Ullman Sails.
The legendary sailor and explorer Skip Novak becomes an official ambassador for Ullman Sails, having relied entirely on Ullman Sails for his adventures for more than a decade.
Ullman Sails excelled at The El Toro Class North American Championships, securing 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, and 6th places in the senior class, along with 1st in the junior fleet. Additionally, Ullman Sails propelled the Italian team of Marco and Ilaria Rochelli to victory as the 2013 Italian Junior Snipe National Champions.
The Ullman Sails International loft owners convened in Cape Town to tour the impressive manufacturing facility of Ullman Sails South Africa. With 25 lofts and over 60 attendees, it marked the largest meeting in the group's history.
Ullman Sails achieved victory across all classes at the Newport Harbor Yacht Club Ahmanson Cup. Deke Klatt, representing Ullman Sails Ventura, secured 2nd place at the 2014 Wylie Wabbit Nationals in San Francisco. Additionally, 'Strange Brew' triumphed at the Melges 24 Hungarian Nationals with a full Ullman Sails inventory.
Brad Stephens joined the group as the head of technical development, and Ullman Sails was chosen for the latest Southern Wind project, an impressive 102ft super yacht.
Demonstrating versatility, Ullman Sails secured 1st and 2nd place at the Skipjack Regatta with classic sails from Ullman Sails Mid-Chesapeake. Additionally, Ullman Sails triumphs at the XXVI International Vila de Palamós Optimist Trophy.
2016 began with a resounding success as Paul Clitheroe and the crew of the TP52 ‘Balance’ shined the spotlight on Ullman Sails with their remarkable victory in the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.
Ullman Sails maintained its impressive global presence, securing victories across 9 countries on 5 continents.
Some notable achievements include securing 1st and 2nd place at the Melges 24 Chilean Nationals, achieving 2nd overall in the J/70 class at the first NOOD regatta of 2015 in St. Petersburg, Florida, and coming in 1st in class CSA 4 at Antigua Race Week. Additionally, Ullman Sails attained 2nd place at the US J/24 Nationals, among other victories. Noteworthy triumphs also include winning the Australia Sports Boat National Championships, claiming first place at the 505 Australia National Champs, and achieving success at the 2016 J/70 North American Championships.
Ullman Sails marked its 50th anniversary by honoring the philanthropic endeavors of our lofts. Initiatives included Ullman Sails South Africa backing the Sail Africa Youth Development Foundation, Ullman Sails Gulf Coast supporting Sails for Sustenance, and Ullman Sails sponsoring a Cape 2 Rio Yacht Race entry crewed by skilled sailors from South African communities with limited opportunities.
Ullman Sails announced their Expedition Series. In race highlights, Ullman propels the J120 leaders at San Diego NOOD, while loft owner Bojan Grego secured victory at the Snipe Croatian Nationals.
Ullman Sails International expanded its presence by opening offices in Cape Town through a merger with our largest sail manufacturing loft in South Africa. The acquisition strengthened our global network, ensuring high-quality sail manufacturing at competitive prices. Additionally, Ullman Sails welcomes new licensees in China and Canada, and new dealers in Italy and France, further enriching our international network.
Kajsa III DK46 took 3rd at the Trofeo de Vela Conde de Godo in Barcelona with full Ullman inventory. Ullman Sails customers scooped a 1st and 2nd in the Seascape Class at the 2018 Grand Prix Ecole Navale GPEN.
Ullman Sails consolidated its ownership of Ullman Sails South Africa, streamlining production and establishing Ullman Gear to upcycle sailmaking waste into sellable products. Under the guidance of Michael England (CEO), Michael Wittels (CFO), and Geoff Grylls, a brand turnaround strategy is implemented, ending manufacturing for non-Ullman lofts. This boosts global brand awareness, with new lofts opening in Florida and New York State.
Ullman Sails saw huge success at Airlie Beach Race Week, securing victories in both the Multihull and Trailable Yachts divisions. At Hamilton Island Race Week, Ullman Sails claimed first place in the Trailable Yachts division and swept the Multihull division with first, second, and third place finishes. Michał Burczyński incredibly won the 2019 DN Iceboat World Championship in a borrowed boat—the only equipment he owned was his Ullman sail.
The year begins on a somber note with the passing of Ullman’s superstar salesman Warren Oldroyd. Ullman assists with repairs during the TP52 circuit in Cape Town, but activities are cut short by the COVID pandemic, leading to global lockdowns and difficult management decisions. By year's end, Ullman Sails South Africa's manufacturing capacity is halved.
As the pandemic spreads and evolves, Ullman Sails faces even more loss with the tragic passing of a great friend and benefactor, Geoff Grylls. In commemoration of this a crew assembled to race the Mykonos Off Shore regatta in a Cape 31. They finished commendably, but the sadness and devastation caused by his death remains the overriding event of 2021.
Despite the losses and challenges faced, the year sees a successful cruising competition, increased product demand, and the completion of Ullman’s world-class Standards Manual.
Ullman Sails experienced a cautious yet positive period of regeneration as the pandemic eased. The year 2022 focused on consolidating the business and planning the first International Conference since 2017, scheduled for Cape Town in 2023. In December 2022, Ullman launched the "Six Seven by Ullman" line. The International Conference in 2023 was a success, filled with insights and connection. Dmitrii Tatarchuk and his team joined the Ullman family as Ullman Sails Croatia, and a women's sailing program was launched in Cape Town, fostering continued growth and learning on the water.
Bill Schopp, one of Ullman Sails’ customers, won the gold fleet in the Cal 20 Championships 2023. Mike Burch and his son, Kyle Burch, won the Mercury National Championships 2023 in Belvedere, California, with a full Ullman Sails inventory.
Ullman Sails kicked off the year with a new partnership with Sailing Zatara and The Downtown Sailing Center. Bruce Cooper of Ullman Sails Newport celebrated his 40 years with the Ullman Sails family and Chuck Skewes of Ullman Sails PNW & San Diego celebrated his 23 years with the group. Ullman Sails welcomed Álvaro García Requena for Ullman Sails Spain & Canary Islands, Richard D’Aguiar for Ullman Sails Malta, and Ian Savage for Ullman Sails New York. The year also saw growth for Ullman Sails Marseille with the expansion of their loft.
Matt Struble won his fourth DN Iceboat World Championship, powered by Ullman Sails. Our licensees claimed victory at the MexOrc 2024 regatta, with Chuck Skewes taking first place in his class, while Bruce Cooper and Greg Koski secured second place. In youth sailing, Sean Kavanagh incredibly won his third consecutive Dabchick National Championship.
The Legacy
of Ullman Sails
With over 50 years of experience, Ullman Sails has a rich and diverse legacy in custom sail design and sail manufacturing. With a global presence in 25 countries and 75 locations, our network of skilled designers, sailmakers, and decorated sailors collaborate to deliver top-quality sails. Our established legacy is founded in our passion for sailing, prioritizing customer satisfaction with attentive service and expert advice.
THE TEAM
Our Loft Family
Stephane de Senneville
Mauritius
Lawrence “Larry” Stenek
Hawaii
Phillip Doggett
Virginia
Greg Koski
Cleveland | Annapolis | Buffalo
David W Hodges
San Francisco
David Bolyard
Gulf Coast
Chuck Skewes
San Diego | Pacific North West
Christopher Aslin
Ontario | Toronto
Bruce Cooper
Yuri Kostarev
Russia
Alfred Lau
Hong Kong
Mehmet Ali Yelkenbicer
Turkiye
Catrina Southworth
United Kingdom
Álvaro García Requena
Spain | Canary Islands
Andrew Turner
Brisbane
Brad Stephens
Chief Technical Consultant
Bronwen McKiever
Grenada
Dmitrii Tatarchuk
Croatia
Ionut George Stan
Romania
Jon Pegg
United Kingdom
John Sanderød
Norway
Atsushi Igarashi
Japan
Lars Bo Poulsen
Denmark
Paul Mitchell
Whitsundays
Mike Farrington
Cayman Islands | Jamaica
Richard D’ Aguiar
Malta
Robert Gliders
St Maarten
Rod Carter
Newcastle
Patrick Boronat
Marseille
Michael England
President | CEO
Nils Bouwman
Benelux
Ian Savage
New York
John Burke
Detroit | Ontario
Gareth Griggs
Florida
Michael Wittels
South Africa
Our Partners
