Used and recycled boat sails transformed into luggage in a professional rehabilitation workshop.
Last Spring "Vis-à-Vis", a professional rehabilitation association based in Ifs, within the conurbation of Caen, opened a textile workshop devoted to recycling used boat sails. Rather than wasting it, used sail fabric and offcuts are recovered and transformed into luggage to give them a "second lease of life".

Indeed, the workshop which opened last April employs 4 people on a full-time basis to manufacture sports bags, shopping bags, laptop computer cases, beach bags… Although brand new, these bags have already braved the oceans since they are made from former sails, spinnakers, awnings, sheets, life jackets...

The idea began to form, "because the nautical sector is developing in Calvados," explains Christophe Letuppe, from the association "Vis-à-Vis" (an association governed by the French law of 1901). The association is looking to, "provide working tools and an environment which will enable employees to regain professional skills." The workshop staff design models themselves.
Every month, a hundred or so of their creations leave the Ifs-based workshop. And they are all extremely colourful. They are also hard-wearing and sure to resist the elements.

Each model is tailor-made and, consequently, unique. Sale prices range from 18 to 70 Euros depending on the product.
Vis-à-Vis collects raw materials from sail makers, sailing schools and retailers and is also happy to welcome to its premises anyone wishing to recycle sails, spinnakers...

For further information

You can visit their shop, located in Ifs, near Caen, Rue de Roquencourt.

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