I don’t think Helen or I ever felt this good coming out of a seminar, ever. The rare combination of knowledge, generous hearts and passion for ancient craft that we met with over these few days was, well, overwhelming. What is it about people who love sailing and all things nautical that makes them so ? I wonder. But there’s a definite connection between the two as clearly exemplified by Hasse & Co. Of course at the core of your wonderful loft is your vibrant spirit. A spirit that we found shared by the “gals”… Halie, Kelsey and Alison are gifted artisans as well as great teachers. We feel pretty lucky to have benefited from their passion and know-how. We are already promoting your sail repair class with fellow sailors.

Take care, fair winds…Jean Baillargeon

I can’t begin to express my gratitude for the opportunity to spend this past weekend with you all. I’m thrilled with the things I’ve learned from your talks, not just about sail repair, but many ancillary issues as well. I am excited to practice the hand skills, and eager to get to my own modest sewing machine and apply what I learned to repairing my boat cover. But perhaps the brightest finish on my experience was the evident reverence and commitment on the part of the entire staff for the quality that is imbued in the products of the loft, and their desire to pass on skills that support that quality.

I’ve attached a snapshot of my ‘home-work’ assignment. The stitches are uneven and poorly spaced. I was careless with the fairness of threads. The round cross-stitch at the bottom is solid, but entirely lacking in elegance. I debated embellishing it, and decided I want this first effort entirely undecorated. I will use it for my small but growing collection of hand sewing tools. Every time I pick it up, I will be reminded of my baptism in the loft, of the devotion of the Hasse staff to making unsurpassed objects of sailing utility and artistry. I will see my own rudimentary efforts and recall that every start is inevitably modest, but with persistence, one can do more and more.

Thank you all for sharing your inspiration!

Sincerely,
Stu – Master and slave to s/v Ripple

I can’t thank you enough for providing a truly extraordinary weekend of learning at your loft. I don’t think I could possibly have absorbed more in that time frame, but more importantly, it was rejuvenating to be in the company of so many wonderful and inspirational people, most notably you and your crew! Please also extend my gratitude to Lacey, Megan, and Halie, who all did a great job. Now I need to get my act together and buy a boat so I can get some of those amazing sails!!

Thanks again,
Steve