Sailmaker Pinnell & Bax (P&B) sold
Sailmaker Pinnell & Bax (P&B) has been sold to Rhys Rollitt and Steve Badham of Goat Marine, a sailing dinghy and equipment business in Cornwall.
Northampton-based sailmaker Pinnell & Bax produces hand-built bespoke sails, covers, and accessories in its sail loft, using a computer-led laser plotter then completing construction by hand.
There is a workshop on site for boat repairs and maintenance, as well as a chandlery selling blocks, ropes, spars, wing foil and SUP kit and clothing.
Robbie Storrar and Alan Bax created the Storrar & Bax brand in 1974, manufacturing championship winning sails, repairing boats and spars and supplying chandlery and clothing from their base in Newcastle, changing the name to Pinnell & Bax in 1991.
In 1997 the company moved into brand new purpose-built premises in Kings Heath, Northampton, equipped with sail loft, mail order, chandlery and repair workshops. Sailing expert Dave Wade joined the business, progressing through to become Commercial Director.
Goat Marine, based in Callington, offers a range of sailing dinghies, including the Solo, K6 and Merlin Rocket, with options for hulls only or complete, ready-to-sail packages. It also offers boat refurbishments, upgrades and repairs in its workshop, alongside production of carbon fibre items. There is also a chandlery selling sailing clothes and equipment.
Rollitt commented:
“I am so excited to be leading this business into a new period of growth.
“Everything you love about P&B, the knowledgeable staff, the swift service, and the winning sails, stays, but we can add more investment into stock, the website, and new outlets to develop an even more comprehensive range to satisfy our customers.”
Rollitt and Badham are set to open a P&B shop in South West England, with plans for more P&B outlets in the future.
Ian Pinnell, Managing Director of P&B, will remain as a consultant for the next two years and all staff, including Dave Wade, will remain in their roles.
Badham from Goat Marine said:
“It is great to be leading P&B in this new phase, we are really looking forward to being able to support Dave Wade and the team here to develop P&B even further.”