Suffolk Sails continue to support Felixstowe Ferry Sailing Club. Suffolk Sails and FFSC have had a long association since Simon Scammell (owner of Suffolk Sails) moved to the area (actually to a houseboat at the ferry) and he bought a 505 to sail, “the only place to sail according to local legends was ‘The Ferry’” Simon said. Suffolk Sails was formed around 1980 by Jim Welland after partnering Clarence ‘Austin’ Farrar at Seahorse Sails and later Austin Farrars Sailmakers. Suffolk Sails started life in a small workshop next door to Robertsons boatyard on the river Deben in Woodbridge, liable to flooding it wasn’t long before the loft moved to its current premises down river next door to the famous Tide Mill. Simon joined Suffolk Sails in 1998, and ‘retired’ Jim in 2007, with Matt Read joining that year. Today Suffolk Sails offers sail-making, boat covers and many associated products.
Simon and Matt sailing their B14
Ever since joining FFSC Simon has been involved in the sailing committee and on the General Committee. When Matt Read joined Suffolk Sails the bond to the club grew, Matt a ‘born and bred’ ferryman, bleeds the River Deben. Matt has helped with Youth Sailing and also ran the club’s biggest in-house event to date Bart’s Bash, with over 40 yachts, dinghies and surfers joining in to race and socialise, “it’s what makes the club special” Simon said.
Barts Bash 2016
Simon in the past has campaigned everything from 505s, Lasers, GP14’s , Merlins, B14’s, Laser 5000 and 18ft Skiffs. A double Cowes week winner, Classic Regatta winner, Open meeting winner, Haven series winner, he even finds time to take his children sailing.
Joined by Matt Read in 2007 an experienced sailmaker previously at Quantums (now Onesails, formerly Parker & Kay) sail loft on the East Coast. Matt has an extensive knowledge of all the latest cruising and performance sailcloth’s that are now popular. Working on everything from Cadet one designs right up-to Spirit 65 yachts.
A convert to sailing Matt has crewed in the front of Merlin’s, Fireflies (a race win at the Nationals and podium overall), B14, an IRC winning bowman (semi retired!) Matt is always looking at ways to make crewing easier and faster.
Suffolk Sails purchased a 3D printer, and design software in 2017, they can now design and print custom parts in a variety of materials from Carbon composite to MDF! What started as primarily used for boat and sail fittings now they can design and print projects for model enthusiasts and engineers. Early take of Smar -Azure in 2008 means that Suffolk Sails sails are now fast and repeatable, all sails are computer designed and cut or hand laid in the loft. Championship and race winning designs in Cadet One Design, B14, Shearwater catamaran, Merlin Rocket, Hunter Formula 1, IRC, Classic yachts and more.
Please visit Suffolk Sails shop
FFSC would like to thank Simon & Matt at Suffolk Sails for their kind support throughout the years and look forward to many years of support in the future.
River Racing Marks and Dart 16 Jib donated by Suffolk Sails to FFSC
