4 minute read
Bags of sailing style
Cowes is synonymous with yachts and yachting, and all three are synonymous with Ratsey and Lapthorn, so it’s no surprise that their new range of everyday canvas bags is bursting at the handmade seams with elegant but practical nautical style.
Above: Ro makes the Ratsey bags on a vintage Singer called Sydney. Just like their hometown of Cowes, Ratsey and Lapthorn is steeped in sailing history. The brand has certainly earned its canvas stripes – established in 1790 Ratsey and
Lapthorn sails have been flown on vessels across the globe ever since, and it is arguably the oldest company on the Isle of Wight. The company’s rich maritime history boasts a long list of achievements, which impressively includes making sails for none other than HMS Victory at the Battle of Trafalgar. More recently, the brand has launched a new range of canvas bags that clearly have sailmaker craftsmanship sewn into every stitch.
In the airy sun-filled loft where the bags are made, the gentle hum of a vintage 1935 Singer Sewing Machine called Sydney fills the space. Rolls of reassuringly sturdy canvas in a range of beautiful colours neatly stock the wooden shelves next to spools of rough twine, cobs of cotton, needles, labels and leather – evidence that all the bags that come out of the Ratsey and Lapthorn loft are given personalised, handmade attention. Managing Director Jim Hartley explains how a sailmaker of such renown began making bags: “Many of the old sailmakers used to make bags for the sailors out of scraps of canvas left over from making sails – these original ‘Ratsey Bags’ were made to transport heavy items such as coal and ice onto ships.” Luckily for their modern clientele, the 2021 range is crafted from the same
Gary, the company’s master sailmaker, has worked there for over 40 years.
ethically sourced canvas as the original Ratsey Bags, but now boasts a few contemporary twists. They come in a variety of styles and sizes designed to complement everyday life – from a visit to the office to a day at the beach – and their carefully thought out colours include a beautiful indigo blue that was inspired by the colour of the sail plans from the 1950s and 60s. The Isle of Wight’s compelling maritime history also has an obvious influence on the 2021 range. “Being from the Island really matters,” Jim continues. “Cowes is the spiritual heart of the world of sailing, and the Solent is the playground for classic and traditional yachts. We, as a company, have a huge respect for that and are very proud of our long history within it.” Ratsey bags are beautifully designed, hand finished and built to last by real craftsmen. They are also sustainable, and Jim explains that these really are designed to last a lifetime: “You buy a Ratsey Bag once and you have it forever – you quite simply can’t break them. If there is any damage, we’d love to see them come back in for a repair – we want the bags to live and wear the scars of life with you, they just get better and better with age.” Besides style, functionality and durability, what is the secret behind the international popularity of the Ratsey Bag? “I think there is an appreciation around the world for British-made goods,” Jim says, “goods that have nautical heritage as part of their DNA.” If that doesn’t describe Ratsey and Lapthorn, nothing will.
The blue inspired by the colour of the working sail plans.
You can shop the new range of Ratsey Bags (and read more about their amazing history) at ratseyandlapthorn.com, or find them at regattas throughout the UK and the Mediterranean.
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Ladieswear 3/4 Watchbell Lane Newport I.O.W. PO30 5XU telephone 01983 525665 Menswear 21 Holyrood Street Newport I.O.W. PO30 5AZ telephone 01983 821908
An independant womens boutique specialising in branded clothing and accessories.
stockists of SEASALT CORNWALL . MAT DE MISAINE THOUGHT . POMODORO . ROBELL
COWES
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