Essex Rigging we have been involved in the sailing industry since 1978 and offer a selection of services to the sailing and non sailing fraternities where our rigging and engineering skills overlap.

They offer both off the shelf and custom made wire and rope products along with an ever expanding selection of chandlery.

Lonton and Gray builds upon the combined vast knowledge and skill of Dick Lonton and Ian Gray, resulting in over 50 years of experience.  This, coupled with an extensive practical sailing experience makes Lonton & Gray arguably one of the most experienced and respected sailmakers on the East Coast of England.

They pride themselves in quality and customer service, all of their sails are computer designed and manufactured in their loft on the East Coast of England.

1st, 2nd & 3rd at the 2019 Championship and the 2108 Championship. In fact, the top 4 all used Hyde sails. Peter Thompson & Mark Dell won the championship but were pushed very hard by Alex Farrell & Steve Hopper. Hyde Sails own Dave Hall sailed with Steve Hopper at the 2108 event and took third place.

Since the rule change the current Mainsail and Genoa are now made in white 5.52 Polykote. A very hard wearing and stable cloth ideal for the conditions and use the Sandhopper sails require

Hyde will continue to be involved with the Sandhopper, it has a place in Hyde’s history in that the company has its roots in the corner of the UK where Hyde’s first loft was based.

Hyde Sails are known in the fleet for their consistency in shape and reliability and are the best value sails available

CELEBRATING OVER 40 YEARS OF QUALITY SAIL MAKING

Sandhopper sails from the Batt sail loft are fast and beautifully made to the highest standards from the finest materials.

With over 30 years Noble marine insurance experience, Noble Marine is widely regarded for providing excellent cover and a 5 Star claims service for all types of customers.

Having specialised in Marine Insurance for over 195 years GJW Direct can provide you with the perfect cover for your boat with instant quotes available online. 

TBYC has circa 30 boats afloat at any time and has had since the early 1970's. They are used for racing, cruising and one can often be seen with a catch of fish! 

Maylandsea Bay Sailing Club, has had a fleet of Sanhoppers since the 1970's and has had ever since. They have up to 10 boats afloat and regularly have these out racing and cruising the wonderful surroundings of the River Blackwater. 

There are boats in all sorts of locations accross the country as you would expect, given that these have been produced since the 1970's and there appears to only be one we cannot trace.  If you have the details of a boat and have not been in touch with the association before or for a while please let us know where the boat is and who the current owner is.