New Doyle Sails loft to open in Galway, Ireland

Doyle Sails International is excited to announce another new loft opening in Galway to better serve the rapidly growing sailing industry in Ireland. The new loft is operated by Managing Director Donal Small and Loft Director Yannick Lemonnier and Sales Consultant Evan O’Connor.

The loft, formerly known as West Sails, is the largest sailmaking facility in Ireland with an impressive floor area of 450 sqm. The facility is located in the Galway Docks only a 2 hour drive from Dublin and 2.5 hours from Cork. The loft will be operated by Director Donal Small and West Sails former owner and accomplished sailor Yannick Lemonnier.

Donal has spent many years working within the yachting industry from his early start in boatyards to captaining large superyachts and racing professionally.

Donal’s offshore sailing achievements include Volvo Round Ireland Yacht Race, Fastnet Race, Middle Sea Race, Caribbean 600, plus several local Irish and UK offshore races. He has also completed transatlantic and transpacific crossings during his time as a superyacht captain.

Apart from offshore sailing, Donal has managed a number of campaigns and has coached the Irish Paralympic Sailing team for London 2012 and also was involved with the British Paralympic sailing team for Rio 2016.

L to R: Sales Consultant Evan O’Connor, Managing Director Donal Small and Director/Loft Manager Yannick Lemonnier on their visit to the Doyle Sails HQ in Auckland, New Zealand

Donal comments: “As the largest sail loft in Ireland we wanted to join with the global leader in high performance sails, which has the same track record in delivering excellent customer satisfaction.”

Doyle Sails Galway Loft is open for business as of 1st of January 2019

While the loft will be based out of Galway, they will also have representation in Belfast, Cork and Dublin. The loft has won investment from Kilcullen Kapital Partners led by well-renowned Irish sailor Enda O’Coineen – an important move which will offer the financial backing and assurance needed for a successful operation.

Business will continue as usual for the busy loft which will offer services in sail manufacturing, sail repair, covers and marine trimming. Dates will be announced shortly for “Launch Workshops” to take place in Galway, Belfast, Dublin and Cork which will be led by Donal.

Pick-up and delivery locations include Galway, Dublin, Cork and Belfast.

For more information and complete bios please visit the Doyle Sails Galway Loft page.

L to R: Sales Consultant Evan O’Connor, Sailmaker Regina Murray & Director Yannick Lemonnier

Doyle Sails Galway
Address: Galway Ocean Sports Centre, Enterprise Park, The Docks, Galway, H91 V25X, Ireland