Ella Vickers at the Go Green Expo displaying her recycled sailcloth bag line. (Check out the product discount below!)
Who would have thought that old sails could be recycled to become fashionable and practical totes and bags? Well, in 1989 the idea was born when Ella Vickers, a first mate on the Columbia sailing yacht, which raced in the America cup, decided to make bags out of the discard sails. Everyone wanted two or three of the bags and the rest shall we say, was sailing history.
Since then, the Company, Nauti Gear, has expanded to include multiple products ranging from bags, accessories, to décor items made out of either white Dacron cruising or Kevar/Mylar racing sailcloth. Not only are the bags fashionable, they are durable and water resistant.
Top sellers of her line are the white Dacron Backpack ($129.00), the red and white Sailcloth Duffel ($179.00), white and green Open Tote Medium (on sale at $89.00), all round versatile San Francisco shoulder bag ($169.00), and the St. Barth’s smaller black Kevar shoulder purse ($79).
In addition, to Ella’s best sellers, I love the Briefcase shown above ($143) as well as home decor items, the nautical Spinnaker shower curtain priced at $79.00, and the dog bed cushion cover for your best first mate priced at $70.00. All products can be purchase online.
Love these products as much as I do? Green Talk readers can obtain a 15% discount by using the code, EVSC09 until January 1, 2009. So, add one of the Nauti Gear products to your life to put a little wind in your own sails!
Air Conditioner King says
May 26, 2008 at 10:31 pmThe Briefcase looks nice also. Great idea to recycle this discarded sails into a fashionable bags. 🙂
Green Talk says
May 27, 2008 at 1:17 amAir Conditioner King, her products are really nice and durable. I was able to feel them and see them up close at the show. Anna
Green Projects says
June 1, 2008 at 9:31 pmI was mentioning this blog post to a few other people that sail last week and we came up with a suggestion:
Tell people who sail where they can donate or sell their old sails. Old sails tend to end up in the garbage or they just sit around in garages or attics in my case.
Green Projects’s last blog post..Greening Up My Replacement Window Company
Green Talk says
June 2, 2008 at 12:53 pmI spoke with Ella and she said they can send their old sails to her. They will send you a bag in exchange. Here is her address:Ella Vickers7507 Anaca Point Rd.Wilmington, NC 28411Pass this information on to your sailing friends! PS How are your seedlings doing? Anna
Fashionkraaziness says
May 14, 2009 at 10:45 amWOW! I love these! They promote well-being for the environment and remain casually trendy! Ella Vickers Handbags are perfect for travel, the beach, or everyday use. Hot item for the summer!!!
Day Skipper Courses says
January 7, 2010 at 8:53 amWell I bet the crocodiles are happy! They look quite funky actually. They are probably pretty good in the rain and wind too!
Vintage Bags says
March 3, 2010 at 4:32 amThis was really nice products. I really the design as well as of the materials that was used for the bag.Thanks for sharing this!