EVOLUTION SAILMAKERS

Written by Karen Soule

Evolution Sailmakers by Latell & Ailsworth is proud to be the Salty Dawg’s sail production sponsor.   Located in Deltaville and Hampton, VA and their newly opened loft in Oriental, NC, Evolution combines the latest sail membrane technology with old-world craftsmanship to make sails for one-design racers to blue water cruising catamarans and monohulls to traditional tall ships. 

For this year’s 2025 Caribbean Rally, Evolution Sailmakers will be a daily presence in Hampton, VA.  Jerry Latell, founder and owner of the loft, and Stephanie Sweeney, the Hampton sales representative will be on-hand, offering on-board sails and sail handling systems evaluation by appointment.  “We can recommend small tweeks and adjustments that can really improve a boat’s performance,” Jerry says.  “Over 1500 miles, that can make a huge difference.”  The loft will also provide Salty Dawg members emergency sail repairs with sufficient notice. 

“Our mission is pretty simple,” says Jerry.  “We aim to deliver the finest sails built by our sailmakers right here in the U.S. for sailors throughout the world.”  The loft recently hosted Practical Sailor who produced a dynamic video detailing the loft’s facilities.  You can view the video at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UNsdTnUc8Q 

Jerry describes their process in four steps: 

Step 1:  Listen  First step is a sit-down meeting, zoom or phone call where each sailor describes their boat, the type of sailing they do and their goals.  It’s important to understand their budget and the timeframe for any needed sail.   The sailmakers who will actually build the sails will talk about specific sail cloth possibilities and ask about any unique rigging needs or other design requirements.  Special logo designs?  No problem. 

Step 2:  Design  After the initial discussion, an Evolution sailmaker will usually measure the boat with each sail requiring perhaps a dozen separate measurements.  Jerry says that he’ll record any measurement less than four inches in millimeters to insure an exact fit.  The sailmakers combine all the needed elements into a concept using the latest computer-aided design software.  Then each customer signs-off on the proposal and the loft goes to work. 

Step 3:  Build  Once the design and sail elements have been approved, the loft procures the needed sailcloth, cuts the panels, sews them together and finishes off the myriad of minor but critical details.  Did the genoa require a foam luff or would a rope luff make for easier furling?  How many mainsail reefing points does this blue water catamaran need?  What’s the best way for an in-mast main to be deployed?   All these details and more are considered in the design and build. 

Step 4:  Install Evolution Sailmakers has a 15-member staff that will install each sail to again, insure a perfect fit.  And every sail is backed by a 5-year guarantee. 

Jerry Latell, Stephanie Sweeney and the rest of the Evolution Sailmakers all look forward to helping the Salty Dawg community achieve their cruising goals.  You can also visit their website at:  Latellsails.com 

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