A fabulous 2012 for Hyde Sails

by Hyde Sails 25 Dec 2012 06:30 GMT

As another year draws to a close, we reflect on some of the big stories from the year...

• 11 new distributors were across the globe
• Two new UK offices opened to co-ordinate business worldwide
• First international distributor conference
• Attendance at wide range of boat shows, globally
• Great domestic and international race performances
• Many more happy customers

Distribution growth

It was another fabulous year for distribution growth... we welcomed 11 new distributors across the world. Hyde is now represented in 21 countries, covering Europe, the USA, Canada, the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand including:

• 26 distributors around the UK
• 13 distributors in the USA
• 5 distributors in Australia
• 2 distributors in The Netherlands

Sales and Marketing Director Richard Franks said: 'We are delighted to welome all our new distributors and were proud to hold our first international distributor conference in 2012, which was a great success. We look forward to strengthening the network further in 2013."

New South Coast UK office

Hyde Sails has opened a new South Coast UK office in the world yachting capital of Hamble. The opening of Hyde's new South Coast office follows the establishment of an East Coast office, at Fox's Marina in Ipswich, earlier in the year. The two offices will act as hubs for Hyde's distribution network and management teams overseeing the UK loft network and co-ordinating strategy globally.

Hyde's Managing Director, Nigel Grogan, explained: "The two offices will provide the physical presence in both key locations for the support of our distributor network. Full sales and logistic support can be sought from them regarding sales, sail design, accessories, architectural products, covers and repairs as well as providing the management hub for our international customers whether retail, own label or boat manufacturer." Read more here.

Success in Hungary

Hyde's first season in Hungary has been a real success... Hyde appointed its distributor in Eastern Europe, the Westport Company, to introduce the brand to Hungary, Croatia and Slovenia, at the beginning of 2012 and the brand has already had an impact. This season Hyde's successes included finishing second at the X-35 Hungarian Championship and second at the ORC Hungarian Championship. Read more here.

Italian Oppie winner

Sailing with Hyde sails, young Andreas Totis has just won the junior title at the Trofeo Torboli, the big Italian 'end of season' Optimist event, which saw over 250 sailors, 122 juniors, competing at Fraglia della Vela di Riva on Lake Garda. Andreas (LNI Mandello) finished the event with a race win to take the title by one point from Polish sailor Urbanski. Read more here.

New Clipper sails

The new boats have arrived in the UK, as have the sails, but the first sailing days for the new generation of Clipper yachts won't be until 2013...

The Hyde Sails team has been working hard developing the sails for the new 70ft boats, which will feature in the 2013-14 Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.

The race organiser, Clipper Ventures, had commissioned Hamble based naval architect Tony Castro to design the new fleet of modern raceboats to replace the smaller 68-footers used for the last two editions of the race. The first of the Clipper 70s will be on display at St Katherine's Dock in London during the forthcoming London Boat Show. Read more here.

New Hyde loft in Spain

Tarifa is home to the latest addition to Hyde's international network of sail lofts, covering the South of Spain region.

Based in Tarifa, near Cadiz, Gibraltar and the Costa del Sol, Monty Spindler runs a 100sq m loft, which is equipped to modify and repair dinghy and yacht sails.

Monty has been sailing since the age of six, and has over 30 years of sailmaking and sail design experience. The partnership with Hyde means that Monty's loft will now be able to supply customers with new sails, as well as continuing with its successful repair and alteration service. You can read more about Monty Spindler and his loft here.

Looking ahead to Dusseldorf

Hyde will once again be present at the massive Boot Dusseldorf, building on the success of previous years. Our German distributor, Arne Wolpers will be on hand all week with a range of the Hyde Sails team. Catch us in Hall 11 on stand 24.

Great feedback

In this section we'll be including our selection of comments received during the month. This month's top comments are from a wide range of happy customers. Keep sending us your feedback and we'll feature your feedback here...

"Took out the Farr 40 IOR "The Gambler" with new membrane sails for the first time today and it was fantastic. We had only 5 on board with the heavy jib in about 15knts and she went very fast and high with the jibs sheeting close on a transverse track. We took part in the Wednesday afternoon fun race and felt the boat was much improved both upwind and down." Rick Byerley, Hyde Sails Australia

"I am now home having spent May and June, and September and October sailing on Wanderer, our Bavaria 38, out in the Ionian and all the way round the Pelopennise. We are very grateful to you for the absolutely beautiful sails that Hyde made for us, through your goodself. They are a joy to use, and a joy to see set properly and pulling handsomely in light airs or a good stiff breeze. The material the sails are made from is truly up to the mark and it performs well in a variety of conditions." Happy customer, Hyde Sails UK

"I have no idea how you pulled this off, but the Jeanneau 43.3 genoa we ordered on the 23rd arrived here today (the 26th). You have been amazingly fast all the way along, but this tops anything!" Colin Ferrel, Hyde Sails Japan

Tell us your news

Don't forget, we'd love to include your news in our round-up newsletter and regular international news releases, .

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