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Doyle Sails Newport strengthens North American presence with the expansion of sail loft and team. In July, Doyle Sails announced their Newport loft’s opening, specializing in new sails, repairs, service, and canvas. With 23,000 square feet of space, the Doyle Newport team stands out as the only loft in Newport capable of handling and building sails from superyachts to smaller one-design sails.
Newport, Rhode Island is a global sailing city where many America’s Cup Challenges and world championships have contributed to the growth of yachting and the sport’s storied past. With a large number of significant regattas and yachts calling Newport home, coupled with world-class facilities and hospitality, it is no wonder that Newport continues to strengthen its foothold as a top sailing destination.
Rob MacMillan remarks, “A lot of US production has shifted offshore. But you actually get cost efficiency building locally, because every boat’s a little bit different. And that little bit is what clients notice, that orientation towards detail. If you’re shipping sails all over, that gets lost.”
Sustainability remains a focus for Doyle Sails, with recyclable materials and clean sail building at the forefront of the team’s business strategy.
The caliber of sailors and yachts in the region demands quality, performance, and innovative solutions, which Doyle Sails is proud to offer. In August 2018, Doyle Sails opened its first sales office within the Newport Shipyard, where Tony Rey, a Superyacht, Ocean, and Grand Prix sailor, has worked with local yachts of all sizes delivering the Doyle Sails solution. Doyle Sails is proud to strengthen the Newport presence even further with Rob MacMillan, Dave MacMillan, and Alex Clegg.
Dave MacMillan had to say of the progress at Doyle Sails Newport, “We have certainly accelerated the timing on our renovations. We have had tremendous growth this fall with our recent hires and new sail orders. We recognized we better start the process now. It is exciting to see the makeover at our loft, particularly when you consider the rich history of sailmaking here. To meet the demands of a modern sailmaking loft and the range of boats we are intent on building sails for, we’ve added three more sailmaking ‘pits’ in the floor, upgraded our inventory of machines, and we are in the process of renovations that will add 5,000 square feet of sailmaking floor space. We are fortunate to have added thirteen employees to our team. All along, the focus for our growth has been on building a business and team that enables us to help the community we serve to get more of what they want from their sailing experiences, along with ensuring we can build exceptional sails locally. Given the combination of our growth, the sails being constructed now, and our renovations, it is an exciting time for all of us at Doyle Sails Newport.”
Doyle Sails Newport is continuing a tradition of sailmaking in New England. Doyle has a long history of heritage in New England, beginning with Robbie Doyle; Robbie knew that well-engineered sails would make a clear difference in any boat’s performance. He drove that hard and that mission has led to the success Doyle has had present day. Doyle North America is behind some of the most innovative solutions in the superyacht world, building all of the world’s largest sails. Their client list includes the Sea Eagle 2 sails, Sailing Yacht A, Maltese Falcon, and Black Pearl.
Rob MacMillan
The addition of Rob MacMillan to the Doyle Sails team brings vast experience, knowledge, and accomplishments in sailing, along with a passion for sustainability. Rob has held positions with Quantum Sails and served as the CEO of Hood Sailmakers, and during his sailing career, Rob has been a critical contributor to many winning teams. Rob is also the Co-Founder and President of 11th Hour Racing – a foundation committed to making the marine industry more sustainable.
Tony Rey
Tony Rey, a long-time Newport resident, is a world-class tactician, coach, and race team leader with years of experience on the winner’s podium in racing yachts from 15-200 feet. He is a veteran of the America’s Cup, Volvo Ocean Race, and Olympics and has raced at the highest levels of Grand Prix circuits from Etchells and J70s to TP52’s, maxis, and Superyachts. Tony is also on the Board of Directors at US Sailing, where he is working on innovative ways to help promote and participate in sailboat racing and cruising throughout the region.
Alex Clegg
Local sailor Alex Clegg, who calls East Greenwich, Rhode Island home, has a life-long association with sailing, working his way up from dinghy sailing as a child by competing in most Grand Prix regattas and Offshore races around the world. Alex brings more than ten years of sailmaking experience with him to Doyle Sails Newport. As a member of the New York Yacht Club, Storm Trysail Club, and East Greenwich YC, he is regularly at the start line of all local and regional races.
Dave Mac Millan
Rhode Island resident brothers Dave & Rob MacMillan bring a wealth of sailing and sailmaking knowledge to Doyle Sails. Before joining Doyle, Dave served as the New England Regional Manager for Quantum and COO at Hood Sailmakers. His career started in academics as a teacher and a coach, before becoming the Program Director and President for Greenwich Bay Sailing Association. Alongside his coaching of sailing, Dave sails with a range of yachts at IRC, PHRF, One Design, and Team Racing events. Dave acknowledges his success in sailing stems from his opportunity to sail with and learn from some of the most respected and accomplished sailors on a local and international level.
Dave Armitage
Supporting Doyle Sails Newport is Doyle Sails designer Dave Armitage, originally from the ‘City of Sails’ in Auckland, New Zealand. Dave’s impressive career has seen him sail at all levels, including Optimist, P Class, Lasers, Keel Boats, and Match Racing. Dave has competed at the international level in Lasers and won the America’s Cup in 1995 with Team New Zealand. After moving to the USA in 1996, David joined Halsey Lidgard Sailmakers in Connecticut, where he designed sails for a range of projects from dinghies through to America’s Cup and Volvo Ocean Race boats. In 2001, he joined Quantum Sails, where he worked as a sail designer and trimmer for several successful one-design campaigns such as Farr 30’s, Melges 32s, Farr 40s, and TP52’s.
This team is ready and committed to serving the sailing community at the highest level.
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