About SKB Sails - SKB Sails

Open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 12pm

Capabilities and Equipment

From precision sail design to complex custom cover builds, our newly expanded 6,000 sq ft loft in Penryn is fully equipped for quality and efficiency. Our Ten-strong team brings over 150 years’ combined sail and cover making experience, pairing deep expertise with a culture of innovation. We design in SMAR Azure and use Gemini Nest for automated nesting, driving our Blackman & White plotter-cutter for accurate, repeatable patterning — and our sewing and fabrication gear is set up to handle everything from dinghy sails to superyacht covers, all under one roof.

History

SKB Sails began in 1980 as a two man sail loft focused on quality repairs and custom covers. Over the years, we’ve grown into a skilled 10 person team serving a broad range of clients, from weekend sailors to commercial operators. Our sail loft remains rooted in Penryn, Cornwall — where traditional craftsmanship meets modern innovation.

Meet the Team

We're a close-knit crew of makers, sailors, and problem-solvers. Each member of our team brings hands-on experience and attention to detail to every project. We take pride in working directly with our clients throughout the process — from initial consultation to final fit — and in delivering work that speaks for itself.

Nick Head

Owner / Director

I served a 4 year apprenticeship straight from school in 2000 age 16. I was head of sail design in 2005 after winning the Sigma 33 nationals the same year. I went on to purchase the company in 2012 with a team of 3. We are now a team of 10.

Currently a B-class helm and Shannon coxswain at Falmouth RNLI Lifeboat station. I also coach a youth team at Falmouth rugby club. I enjoy local racing in various classes when I can.

Neil Capper

Owner / Director

I began my career in the marine industry in 2006 as an apprentice Sailmaker, but soon discovered a passion for cover making. Since then, I’ve dedicated myself to perfecting the craft of creating high-quality, bespoke covers.

In June 2023, I became a Director at SKB where I now lead a talented team of cover makers. Together, we continue to produce exceptional, custom-made covers for clients across Cornwall.

REQUEST A QUOTE TODAY

Tell us what you need — whether it’s new sails, custom covers, marine upholstery or awnings — and we’ll get back to you with a detailed quote. No obligation, just straightforward advice and pricing from people who do the work.

Get a Quote

Google Reviews

Ian Horne

Not for the first time, exemplary service from the team at SKB. Firstly, Nick and his team did a great job valeting and repairing our mainsail and fitting new sacrificial strips to our headsails. Over the winter period, Neil and his team produced a new stack pack and spray hood for us with a special ‘shout out’ to Katie and Rachel for a really first class job, we’re delighted. All jobs were completed to a high standard, on time and on budget. To top it all, and without exception, a great bunch of people to work with. Definitely my first port of call for future jobs.

David Lane

We found ourselves in Falmouth longer than expected this cruising season to take advantage of its wealth of marine tradespeople, including the sailmakers at SKB Sails.

We first approached Nick and his team to inspect and make repairs to our storm staysail, which is vintage 1990ish, but thankfully has been used only infrequently. Their work was first rate, done quickly and at a good value.

This broke the ice for us, and we next inquired about a bespoke drifter sail for our Sunward 48ft ketch. Despite living aboard and cruising full time for >10 years, we had never purchased a brand new special purpose sail. Everything but our Dacron genoa, mainsail and mizzensail has been purchased secondhand.

We were longing to replace a drifter sail that had outlived its useful service life ~2 years ago. It was quite versatile for us - 7-20kts, 60-135° apparent wind, 180° when poles out, etc. We provided its measurements to Nick, and he came back with a proposal to design and build a new radial-cut drifter for us using Stormlite 210 rip stop polyester.

Again, Nick and crew were responsive to our needs, and they crafted a superior product at an excellent price/value, and delivered it under 2 weeks. We’ve now flown it twice, and it has already become our go to sail.

Sabine Underwood

SKB replaced our big awning. We are so pleased with it, it is beautiful and easy to let down and pull up. Great customer service and communication throughout the process. Thank you!

David Wilkes

SKB made amazing new radial cut sails for us. They set beautifully and the construction is bomb-proof. They also repaired our old sail and covers…again the construction is superb, with reinforcement at all the stress points which was missed by others. They are very quick, and go the extra mile to please. Thanks Nick, Neil, Katie and team.

Tim Light

My 20 year old boat cover, made by SKB sails has lasted so well but took it in for a refurbish and back good as new. They are prompt efficient and cheerful what more do you need

Julian Edwards

We had a unique requirement for a very large boat canopy. Very few businesses have the space or ability to manage a job of this size. Fortunately SKB were prepared to take it on. They spent a day templating on our barge and discussed in detail all the options. The end result was delivered and fitted this week. We are delighted, a really great job.

Steve Sampson

Katy and Livy at SKB Sails in Falmouth have made this super cover for Flying Colours, my Sargo 31. I am delighted and Neil Capper, one of the partners, has been great to deal with. So they now have a pattern, the cover fitted first time without adjustment, and if you want one I would give him a call.