Ratsey & Lapthorn, the world's oldest sailmaker, was founded in Cowes in 1790. For over two centuries, the company has crafted sails using hand techniques such as flat seaming, hand roping, leatherwork and reinforcement built for strength under load. These time-honoured methods are the foundation of their enduring quality. At Homo Faber, Matt Robinson, Head Sailmaker at Ratsey & Lapthorn, brings these traditional techniques to the loft's bags, cut and finished by hand using sailcloth and sailmaking construction. "I do not rush a stitch that has to hold for a decade of racing," he says.