6-15th January 2012 - Stand D141

January 2012 – Marking the start of its 180th anniversary celebrations, Jeckells the Sailmakers was joined by a host of inspirational sailors at the Tullett Prebon London Boat Show, all of whom have received support from Jeckells for their remarkable challenges.

Rachel and Paul Chandler, who endured a terrifying ordeal when they were held hostage by Somali pirates for over a year in 2009 whilst sailing from the Seychelles to Tanzania, joined in the celebrations, taking a break from restoring their boat, Lynn Rival, after the damage caused by the pirates. Now based in Dartmouth, Rachel and Paul hope to re-launch the restored Lynn Rival in June so that they can continue their travels, complete with a brand new set of customised sails from Jeckells.

Also joining in the 180th anniversary celebrations was Leukaemia survivor Olly Rofix. Olly, who is based near Ipswich in Suffolk, was diagnosed with a very rare form of Leukaemia where he was only the third known person in the world to have had this strand of the disease. With his only chance of survival to have a bone marrow transplant, an unrelated donor was found through the Anthony Nolan Trust, of which there were only two possible donors out of nine million people on the international register.

Following the transplant and during eight weeks in isolation, Olly set his heart on sailing around Britain in his 18ft sailing boat, the ‘Jolly Olly’, which he restored himself. This is a dream that he successfully completed in October 2011 after his eight month Round Britain Sailing Challenge where he raised awareness and funds for the Anthony Nolan Trust.

Olly presented Chris Jeckells, Managing Director of Jeckells the Sailmakers, with a signed photo of his boat the ‘Jolly Olly’ as a token of appreciation for the sponsorship of sails that they provided for his challenge.

British Yachtswoman Jeanne Socrates also wished Jeckells a happy birthday at the show. In May 2011 Jeanne became the oldest woman to sail solo around the world via Cape Horn. In October 2012 Jeanne will be embarking on her third attempt to sail non-stop solo around the world and, when successfully completed, at the age of 70, will set the world record as the oldest woman to do this and the first woman to do so from North America. All in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care, Jeckells will be supporting Jeanne in this remarkable voyage.

Commenting on the 180th celebrations, Managing Director of Jeckells the Sailmakers, Chris Jeckells said, “It’s with great pride that we celebrate 180 years of sailmaking, since my Great, Great, Great, Great Grandfather founded the company in 1832, and we are honoured to be joined by these truly inspirational sailors. They all have a remarkable story to tell and it’s with great pleasure that we are able to support them in their incredible endeavours.

“These four people are just indicative of the many wonderful, interesting and talented people we have the pleasure of working with.”  

Jeckells the Sailmakers has been manufacturing sails for 180 years, with three generations of the family taking an active part in the everyday running of the company. Over the years, Jeckells has built up a strong reputation for designing and manufacturing high quality and durable sails, tailored to suit its customers’ exacting needs.

ENDS