Meet Brendan Huffman of UK Sailmakers Los Angeles, LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brendan Huffman.

Hi Brendan, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am a third generation Angeleno and sailor. My dad worked on boats for most of his life as a rigger. In high school and college, I worked as a sailing instructor before entering a career in political consulting. When Covid broke out, I was ready for a change and joined UK Sailmakers working out of its sail loft on Abbot Kinney Blvd. in Venice. What a blessing to be able to work outside every day and help customers enjoy their boats more! When I was a kid in the 1970s, there were seven sail lofts in the Marina del Rey area. We are the last loft left in the region. Along the way, my passion for sailing has been strong with many adventures along the coasts of California and Mexico and 11 races to Hawaii, two of which were solo. Sailing is in my soul, and I am fortunate to be able to spend so much time on the water often helping folks improve their sailing skills or just give them opportunities to share my passion with me.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Business wise, the challenges are typical of any small business these days–rising insurance costs, tariffs, and affordability for skilled workers to live in L.A.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
UK Sailmakers is a global sailmaking company with 40 lofts around the world. My business partner and I own our franchise which includes Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. We sell custom designed sails for our customers and give them unmatched support in terms of service. Our sail loft on Abbot Kinney is the only repair loft within 20 miles. Not only do we support sailboat owners, we also work with landscapers, artists and others that need repairs or to utilize sail cloth in their projects.

What matters most to you?
Growing the sport of sailing and give our customers the support they need to love sailing their boats. Sailing is in our souls. We take pride when our customers improve their skills, win races, or fall in love with sailing as we did many years ago. Locally, we volunteer with sailing clinics and support junior sailing programs with discounted prices for new sails and repairs.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.uksailmakers.com/lofts/los-angeles/
• Instagram: @uksailmakers
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UK-Sailmakers-International