Simon is the founder of Freeman Sails and has brought the art of sailmaking back to the port of Padstow with the first sail loft in the town for nearly 100 years.
Freeman Sails was born out of an idea whilst working as a sailing instructor at Rock, noting the lack of sail makers on the north coast of Cornwall. Simon graduated from the North West School of Wooden Boat Building in the Pacific North West of America in March 2010 and set up Freeman Sails in a former sail loft in the heart of Padstow.
After several years of operation in an industrial unit on the outskirts of Padstow, the company moved to a larger loft at South Quay in the heart of Padstow’s harbour community in December 2014. The new premises have been converted into a sail loft incorporating a raised floor with machine pits. We are able to combine traditional sail making methods with modern computerised CAD/plotting machines to design and manufacture all types of sails and covers.
We offer a quality, efficient and friendly, service that caters for sail and canvas work from the smallest job (dinghies) to larger commercial projects.
Simon Freeman – Founder & Owner
Having an idea come to reality!
Simon was working a tedious office job miles from home when he had an idea about bringing a sail makers back to the busy fishing harbour in Padstow. Simon went through extensive training in America and earnt all the qualifications needed to create a sail loft in his hometown.
What started as a modest idea has now turned into reality with Simons own fully functioning sail loft in the heart of Padstow.
Nikki – Seamstress
This golden egg started off an apprentice when she first came to work at Freeman Sails. Working her way up to a fully qualified seamstress she tackles everything head on and runs the show when Simon is away from the loft. She really is the backbone of the business and worth her weight in gold.
Keith Freeman
Mr Freeman senior is Simons dad and he is on hand to help out with everything and anything. Being ex forces his organisation skills are second to none and knows where everything is in the sail loft, he helps by making the day run like clockwork and is one of the most supportive people to have around.
Marlene Freeman
Mrs Freeman is Simons mum, she also plays a pivotal role behind the scenes, from delivering sails and products to where they need to be, shopping for anything needed at the loft and most of all helping to look after their Granddaughter which enables Simon and Vicky to have a good work/home life balance. Without her support the running of the business wouldn’t be a success.