The next generation in Elvstrøm Sails is on its way, and with 2024 being our 70th anniversary at Elvstrøm Sails, it only felt right to get a perspective on sailmaking from some of those who are the next generation.
Here, we are going to meet Katrine Milton, Simon Barlebo and Mads Christian Taatø, who all had their different ways into sailmaking and indeed into joining Elvstrøm Sails.
Yet, they do also have one in common: They are avid sailors and have always been.
For the trio, it all started in various dinghies, and while Katrine still races the International Europe sometimes, their focus shifted to keelboats.
And sailmaking, of course!
- I first touched base on sailmaking for fun, really. I studied at a boarding school which has a focus on sailing – and through that, we were asked if we would like to try and sew a furl cover. I joined in and thought it was great fun to try it. Later, we had a week, where we had to go and find a quick internship to see what a given job would be like. This was where I first tried sailmaking – and now I’m here – and sailmaking is more fun than ever, Katrine Milton says.
Simon, on the other hand, joined through visiting our stand at a boat show:
- I met Elvstrøm Sails at a boat show and since I was looking for a job at the time, I got involved. After a test period, I really liked sailmaking, and I was offered the opportunity to become an intern, and now I’m also on this four-year internship just like Katrine.
For Mads Christian Taatø, it’s a slightly different case. He is a very avid sailor and our new trainee in the sales department. Mads Christian is, however, not unfamiliar with sailmaking in any way – his surname might be a clue for Danish customers as he is the son of Thomas Taatø, the owner of Elvstrøm Sails Øst in the Eastern part of Denmark.
- I was born into it, really... My dad has been running the sail loft in Nivå for many years in the shape of Elvstrøm Sails Øst, covering the eastern part of Denmark. Sailing and sailing boats has always been a part of my life, and I have always been sailing. We had the X79, then the X99 and now the X362, and alongside it, I started sailing in an Optimist at the age of six, and I have not looked back ever since, Mads Christian says.
Now the next generation is ready to join – with Elvstrøm Sails as an integrated part.
Continuing the legend
For the trio, the job has opened more doors in terms of racing regattas nationally and abroad, but it’s also a matter of working for the brand which has been with us for 70 years this year. A brand, created by a sailor whose legacy is highly regarded by the next generation.
- Of course we haven’t seen Paul competing, but you quickly get some of the stories about his great endeavours. For me, it all started when I joined Hellerup Sejlklub (Paul’s home club), and there you really get an idea of what Paul Elvstrøm did through his life in the sport. Clearly, our generation has its new names such as Anne Marie Rindom, who I am a great fan of – but it’s also super cool to represent the Elvstrøm name at work, Katrine says.
Mads Christian adds:
- To be a small part of the history of Elvstrøm Sails is a big deal for me. Elvstrøm Sails is a brand I take big pride in working with. And for one who has been involved in sailing, and technically also in the brand since I was a kid, it’s fantastic to be in the head office now. I have gone all the way from repairs and rigging to now train as a salesman, and I do always enjoy getting around in the world of Elvstrøm Sails. I’m sure there are lots of good things to come.
