Resail’s marketplace for pre-owned sails

The past 12 months Resail received 127 used sails through co-operation with class organisations, acquisitions on Marktplaats (Adevinta) or gifts from supporters.

The sails measured from 6m2 being a jib of a one design class to a 250m2 Code-zero from a Volvo Ocean Race 65.; in total 3.140m2 of sailcloth, 80% of it being Dacron (polyester) based.

So what did we do with them?

  • Sixty-five sails (51%) are used for upcycling into new products (approx. 1.000m2);
  • Fifty Sails (39%) have been sold to sailors in France, Spain, Portugal, Belgium and The Netherlands using various E-marketplaces;
  • Two sails have been repaired by sailmakers before re-sale;
  • One sail has been professionally washed by our partner Zonklaar before re-sale;
  • Two sails were deemed unrepairable and are sold to be used as tarp;
  • Some small parts are used for recycling research & testing;
  • We still have 10 sails in stock for future transactions.

So what did we learn?

  • How to place a succesfull add that quickly attracts a buyer;
  • There is room for a dedicated marketplace;
  • There is money to made in trading;
  • The southern EU countries like to re-use sails from the North.

Resail, there is always a second life for sails!