The People Behind Ullman Sails International
Ullman Sails International is the global headquarters of the Ullman Sails network, based in California, USA, with its management team operating from Cape Town, South Africa. USI provides leadership, design innovation, and brand management to licensees around the world, ensuring consistency, integrity, and excellence across all Ullman Sails lofts.
Bringing together decades of experience in sail design and manufacturing, the team ensures seamless collaboration across continents to deliver sails that meet the highest standards.
USA – Head Office
ULLMAN SAILS INTERNATIONAL
2710 S. CRODDY WAY
SANTA ANA, CA
92704
TEL: +1 714 432 1860
South African Office
t/a ULLMAN SAILS (PTY) LTD
CORNER 9 BRIDGEWATER
AND POWERFUL STREET
PAARDEN EILAND 7405
TEL: +27 21 007 3826
Cape Town
Michael England practiced as a lawyer for 22 years in the corporate space where he worked for numerous multinational companies with licensing issues. He has run numerous companies, been on the boards of various entities and is passionate about creating sustainable businesses with great brands and is a specialist in turn around strategies for companies. He has been involved with Ullman Sails, as the longtime advisor to Geoff Grylls, and took over the role of CEO with effect from 1 January 2018.
DIRECTOR
Michael Wittels
Cape Town
Michael Wittels is an experienced finance professional and the Director of Ullman Sails International. Since joining the group in 2018, he has leveraged his expertise in cash flow management, business planning, internal audit, and analytical finance to drive strategic growth and operational efficiency. Michael brings a deep understanding of the maritime industry and a proven track record in steering financial performance and supporting global business objectives.
DIRECTOR
Cape Town
Lisl England joined Ullman Sails in 2021 and serves as Director, overseeing the company’s international network of licensees and ensuring alignment in brand, marketing, and strategic development across all regions. With a strong background in business management, brand strategy, and creative leadership, she brings a thoughtful, hands-on approach to building sustainable structures and cohesive global operations. Passionate about sailing, collaboration, and the people behind the brand, Lisl is dedicated to shaping a unified Ullman Sails identity and driving the group’s long-term success.
MARKETING & BRAND MANAGER
Cape Town
Morgan Strutt brings extensive experience in advertising, brand strategy, and brand development to her role at Ullman Sails. She joined Ullman Sails in 2022 and now leads the marketing team, ensuring cohesive brand communication and unity across all regions. Morgan’s deep expertise in shaping and amplifying brands drives the company’s vision and strengthens its presence on the international stage.
HEAD OF GEAR & SIX SEVEN
Cape Town
Rachael England has been with Ullman Sails since 2019, leading design, production, and brand development across Ullman Sails, Ullman Gear and Six Seven by Ullman. With experience in product design, ecommerce, and marketing, she oversees the creation and manufacture of upcycled sailcloth bags and apparel, combining functionality, sustainability, and coastal style.
COMMUNITY MANAGER | SOCIAL MEDIA
Cape Town
Allyssa van Rensburg joined Ullman Sails in 2024 and serves as Community Manager, leading the company’s social media presence and supporting global marketing initiatives. A passionate sailor, Allyssa has been competing from a young age, primarily in one-design classes, with a particular love for the J/22. She brings first-hand sailing experience together with creativity and digital expertise to strengthen the Ullman Sails brand and connect with sailors worldwide. Allyssa plays a key role in amplifying the voices behind the brand and building lasting engagement across platforms.
COMPANY SECRETARY
Cape Town
Lori Vasquez is the Company Secretary at Ullman Sails, where she ensures the administrative side of the business runs smoothly. With extensive experience in accounting, cost management, and office operations, Lori supports both the head office and international licensees with professionalism and care. Friendly, thorough, and highly dependable, she ensures the details behind the scenes are always taken care of.
MARKETING | SALES SUPPORT
Sandy joined Ullman Sails in 2017 after running her own business in Durban for eight years. She became Manager of the One Design Loft in 2018 after serving as Assistant Manager. With extensive experience in sailing administration, she has worked with South African Sailing, IRC, and ORC, and has been involved in seven Vasco da Gama Ocean Races and the Mauritius to Durban Race. Now based in Durban, Sandy is the Area Sales Manager for KZN, Gauteng, and the Free State, and also oversees social media and sponsorships for Ullman Sails South Africa.
Sydney
Brad Stephens is the Chief Technical Consultant for Ullman Sails. He creates and tests new products for Ullman customers while simultaneously enhancing the current offerings of the group. Brad Stephens is an authority on innovation in the sailing industry, having worked on the leading edge of sailmaking technology for nearly 40 years, including as a key mind behind the development of D4®. As a veteran sailor and design expert, Brad is also an established thought leader in the sailing community.
IT SPECIALIST
As the founder and director of Ghost-IT Corporate Solutions, Dewald has been providing IT services to businesses for over seven years. Since 2022, he has proudly served as the IT Service Provider for Ullman Sails International and is passionate about delivering proactive, hassle-free IT solutions.
