Our Story

Founded in 1987 by Spyros and Dimitris, two champions with multiple World, European, and National Cup titles, Banks Sails Greece began as “Yacht-Care Sailmakers.” With their deep passion for sailing and a few sewing machines, the twins embarked on a journey to craft high-quality sails. Their love for the sport and commitment to excellence led them to quickly establish a strong presence in the Greek sailing industry. As they continued to race with top teams of the time, they promoted their work by combining their expertise with the thrill of competition. Spyros played a key role as a crew member of George Andreadis, an Olympic sailor and Chairman of World Sailing, further elevating their reputation within the sailing community.

As the years went by, their dedication to craftsmanship and sailing led to a significant milestone in 2008 when they were invited to join Banks Sails, a world-renowned sailmaker based in Italy. This partnership expanded their horizons, allowing them to offer top-tier products on an international scale. In 2020, the next generation of the Banks Sails family took the reins in Greece, with Spyros alongside his two twin sons, George and Stratis, who are highly ranked in world championships and have won numerous national titles.

Today, George, Stratis, and Spyros continue to race among the top Greek professional sailing teams. Their remarkable achievements include winning 17 cups in 2022, securing 3rd place in the 1st Division, 19 cups in 2023, and 15 cups in 2024. Their ongoing success on the water reinforces their legacy as not only master sailmakers but also elite sailors. Together, they continue to promote the Banks Sails brand, offering unmatched expertise, quality, and performance to sailors across Greece and beyond.

Bruce Banks, Banks Sails, Banks sails Europe

There could actually be a book or a movie about it. But to put it briefly: the namesake of the current Banks Sails Europe is Bruce Banks. Bruce, originally known as an internationally recognized sailor, made his name primarily as a sailmaker. As the son of a jeweler, he started racing dinghies, such as the National 12s and National 14s, before the Second World War. He earned fame by winning the Sir William Burton Trophy in 1939 and 1950 in his 12-footer and winning the Prince of Wales’s Cup four times between 1950-55 in his 14-footer. Bruce was known as one of the best British helmsmen of the time and was even a reserve for the Firefly class at the 1948 Olympic Games in Torbay.

In 1952 Bruce got his chance at the Olympics when he and Stanley Potter competed in the Star class. Their boat Fortuna finished 13th. Four years later, in 1956, they took eighth place in Starlight III. Bruce also competed in the first Finn World Championship in 1956, where he finished eighth despite winning the final race.

Banks Sails – Early 1960s. In 1961 Bruce Banks set up his own sailmaking company, Bruce Banks Sails Limited, and set out on a quest to find the perfect sail. The company quickly built a reputation for excellence, with their sails being used on everything from dinghies to 12-metre boats. Bruce later became Chairman of the British Sailmakers’ Association and also sat on the technical committee of the Royal Ocean Racing Club. Sadly, Bruce Banks was killed in a car crash on the M27 in Hampshire. His son, David, continued the sailing tradition in the UK for many years, as well as serving the international market.

In the late 80s and early 90s the first outlines of the current Banks Sails Europe began to emerge, led by Paolo Semeraro. Graduating with honors in Hydraulic Engineering, he won many national titles in various Olympic and offshore classes during his studies, eventually representing Italy both at the Olympic Games and in the America’s Cup.

After starting Banks Sails Europe, Paolo came up with the brand in the early 2000s: MEMBRANE. A revolutionary new concept for new generation string sails. Not only designed, but also manufactured in sunny Bari, Italy. Still! When the rights to the Banks Sails brand were acquired, Banks Sails Europe grew rapidly thanks to a clever but strict franchise formula. And after that? Well, then even more national, European and world championships were won.

In December 2012, with his wealth of experience in project management and consulting for large, well-known Italian boat builders, Paolo decided to start a new company: Neo Yachts & Composites. Here he built extremely fast full carbon Cruiser/Racers sailing yachts from 40-80ft. The yard was conveniently located a stone’s throw away from the Banks Sails sail loft. All NEOs are made from prepreg unidirectional carbon. The first prototype, the NEO 400, was launched in December 2013 and immediately won the Rolex Middle Sea Race. NEOs are currently sailing all over the world, both as fast cruisers and racers.

Nowadays Banks Sails Europe is very active throughout Europe. We have separate sail lofts, all operating under the flag of Banks Sails Europe. In most Banks Sails Europe lofts you will find sailors, competitive sailors who are active at the highest international level. And we can proudly say that we know most of our customers by name. We like to cherish that. We are now big enough to deliver top quality at “normal” prices, but still small enough to give personal attention. Above all, we are just a bunch of professionals who love to discover, improve and innovate.