Meet our sail expert: Chris Owen

Chris Owen has been thriving in the Sail industry for over 45 years, collaborating exclusively with Kayospruce's Sailcloth range.

Joining Kayospruce in 2017, Chris Owen has taken the sailcloth range to new heights with driving technological investments. Some recent innovations include Kayospruce's brand new, state of the art, automated conveyor cutting machine. This groundbreaking investment means that Kayospruce can now offer a fast, convenient, and reliable cutting service to any customer project.

Starting his career as an apprentice, Chris began by perfecting the basics of old styled sail-making, from laying out sails on the floor, to templating world championship winning sails.

Shortly after, Chris began designing and building dinghy and keelboat sails which provided various opportunities, including working with world class sail-makers and sailors from around the world, like Michael McNamara. It was here that Chris expanded his skills in sail-making and coaching and started to make a name for himself in the sailing world.

To bring these skills into the 21st century, Chris was introduced to, what was, a very basic computer program which proved to be an utterly groundbreaking moment in his career.

Chris quickly mastered the 'Sail-making soft-ware' technology which introduced new versions and the soft-ware developments continued, enabling Chris to assist bigger and more innovative sails. Graphic development remains an integral function to the design process, with his sails having won World Championships in GP 14's and Class Wins at both Scottish Series and West Highland Week.

Only the best

Sailing with legendary Merlin Rocket sailor, Spud Rowsell, and make the sails for his Phil Morrison designed trimaran "Exmouth Challenge", which finished 3rd in The Round Britain Race. "They certainly were a challenge; the biggest sails I had made to date,

Winning Gold

"Undoubtedly my highlight as a Sail Designer, so far, is to witness my sails be successful. Peaking specifically after winning a gold medal, at The Olympic games (Beijing, 2008). My Spinnaker, after 2 years of development, crossed the line in the medal race in the Yngling class to win the gold medal with the Yngling girls, Sarah Ayton, Sarah Webb and Pippa Wilson - a truly fantastic feeling."

2012 Olympics

In 2010, Owen invested in the Azure Project for Sail Design software and analysis software, exposing designs to Aero and Structural analysis. 'The following year, he coached Stevie Morrison and Ben Rhodes at Weymouth ahead of the 2012 Olympic games.' Since then, Chris has been appointed Chairman of the Azure Project User Group, providing him with access to cutting edge software for Sail Design.