Our friends at Ballard Sails have some big news, as the locally-founded loft becomes Doyle Sails Seattle. They’re excited, and are reassuring their many loyal fans that the team and services will remain the same, while also expanding their offerings thanks to the global scale, resources, and technology of Doyle Sails.

We’re taking a cue from this respected local team, matching their enthusiasm as the Ballard Sails crew evolves into Doyle Sails Seattle. Doyle’s support is unique, allowing these Seattle sailmakers to continue everything they’ve become known for—including designing and building their own sails in-house. The team assures everyone that their location, their commitment to the Pacific Northwest sailing community, their signature skill and customer service, and their existing array of services endure. The horizons are now broader than ever as they tap into the network of one of the world’s foremost sailmaking brands. Here’s the announcement from Doyle Sails:

Doyle Sails is proud to announce the continued evolution of its a new Pacific Northwest presence with Ballard Sails joining the team as Doyle Sails Seattle, located primarily at  Shilshole Marina, but with extended coverage of the wider area from Blaine to Olympia, Washington.

Established in February 2010 by Joe Grieser and Alex Simanis, the Seattle loft has built a strong reputation over the past 15 years for craftsmanship, service, and performance across racing and cruising programs alike.

The pair have deep roots in the local sailing community and decades of combined sailmaking experience, including previous time at Lidgard Sails. The loft with its team of expert sailmakers has become a trusted partner for boat owners throughout the region.

The transition to Doyle Sails Seattle represents growth, not change. Customers can expect the same team, the same service, and the same values, now supported by the global design resources and advanced technology of Doyle Sails.

Operating across two large floors, the loft is equipped with heavy-duty industrial machinery capable of servicing everything from one-design fleets to Grand Prix race programs. The team recently built a TP52 mainsail inhouse, showcasing the scale and technical capability of the facility.

Doyle Sails Seattle provides new sail design and construction, annual service programs, repairs, recuts, and full race support. The loft has also supported offshore programs including the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, reinforcing its ability to manage demanding international campaigns.
Alongside, they have a full-service rigging shop, with wire swaging and cold head rod in house.

The Doyle Sails Seattle team also includes:

  • Ben Towery – Sales and Sailmaker
  • Elishia Van Luven  – Sailmaker, Logistics, and Customer Service
  • Lizzy Grim – Sailmaker
  • Joe Wilderman – Rigging and One-Design Expert

Together, the expanded team strengthens the loft’s ability to support everything from big cruising programs to highly competitive one-design fleets.

Joe brings extensive cruising knowledge through his Farr 1220 family cruiser, ensuring practical solutions for passage makers and performance cruisers. Alex remains deeply involved in competitive sailing, with Pacific Cup experience aboard his custom 27-footer Pell Mell, active one-design racing in the Moore 24 fleet, and on the crew roster for a Transpacific campaign in 2027.

Seattle’s vibrant racing scene including strong J/24, Moore 24, and J/70 fleets already keeps the loft closely connected to sailors at every level.

“Nothing changes,” says Joe “Same team of people, the same level of service and commitment to our customers. Now backed by the global Doyle Sails network.”

“We are thrilled to officially welcome Doyle Sails Seattle to our global network. Joe and Alex have built an outstanding reputation in the Pacific Northwest, and their commitment to quality and service aligns perfectly with Doyle Sails values.” Says Emma Hendy, Doyle Sails International “This allows us to extend even greater support to our customers in the region while strengthening our global service reach.”

For inquiries, sail service, or new build consultations, contact Doyle Sails Seattle at Shilshole Marina.