From the Golden Age to the modern day, the Netherlands stands as a beacon of maritime excellence. It is in these waters that FLYER SAILS charts its course, drawing inspiration from legendary Dutch sailor Conny van Rietschoten. In 1978, Van Rietschoten, an unexpected champion, masterfully navigated the 68-foot S/Y FLYER to victory in the prestigious Whitbread Around the World Race. At his side stood navigator Gerard Dykstra, who would later emerge as one of the world's most distinguished naval architects. Decades later, when Dykstra designed the FLYER33, our founders seized the opportunity to design and deliver its complete sailing wardrobe. The extraordinary daysailer, adorned with our sails, garnered such acclaim at regattas and boat shows that a lasting partnership was forged, giving birth to FLYER SAILS—a new Dutch sailmaker with an international presence.
Today, FLYER SAILS assembles an elite crew of sailing specialists. Our deck is staffed with Olympic competitors, Ocean Race participants and veterans, undefeated club champions and seasoned yachtsmen who live and breathe the maritime life. Every member of the FLYER SAILS team understands the art of sailing and what's expected of sails in various settings. Supporting our front-line team is a dedicated back office of accomplished designers and sailmakers. Armed with cutting-edge software and premium materials, they make sails that consistently outperform expectations. We are on the floor at our Sri Lankan OEM loft to ensure a smooth order flow. The entire FLYER SAILS crew maintains the same unwavering commitment to excellence that defined Van Rietschoten and Dykstra's historic partnership in the late 1970s.We can spin whole stories around it, but when it comes to a new sail, it’s all about finding the perfect balance between durability, performance, and price. These are the three variables you can tinker with. Higher-end sailcloths last longer but come with a higher price tag. Advanced designs deliver superior performance but require more engineering. And "cheap" always ends up being expensive. But you have to understand that before you see it.
So don't expect to find cheap sails with us. A high-quality sail that lasts longer than a low-quality one is not only more sustainable and cost-effective in the long run, but it also enhances your experience every day.Recent studies show a century old company with 438 agents worldwide might offer you peace of mind, but it doesn’t guarantee that your next sail will provide the perfect balance of value and performance. At FLYER SAILS, we are inspired by the AVIS motto: "We try harder." It’s been the spirit of the second-largest car rental company in the world for over 50 years—and it’s the way we approach every sail we make.
At FLYER SAILS, we embrace the Dutch approach—practical, price-conscious, and quality-driven. We don’t just want to sell you a sail; we want to provide the one that makes you happy. Nothing more, but certainly nothing less.