A New Chapter at Ratsey & Lapthorn
Dear Friends,
For over two centuries, Ratsey & Lapthorn has been defined by craftsmanship and excellence — a commitment to creating sails that stand the test of time and accompany adventurers on their journeys across the world. Now, that story continues in a new direction.
We are delighted to announce the arrival of our first collection of hand-crafted bags, each design rooted in our maritime heritage and made with the same precision that has defined our sails since 1790. Originally created for sailors and shipbuilders, these bags have been thoughtfully adapted for the modern traveller. They reflect our legacy, connect us to the past, and celebrate beauty in utility: values that have always been at the heart of Ratsey & Lapthorn.
Our history with bags goes back as far as our history with sails. In the early 1800s, we began making totes from off-cuts of sail canvas, designed to transport and protect sails but also repurposed as sturdy carriers for coal and ice before the advent of refrigeration and heating.
Readers from the USA may know that the term "Ratsey" is still colloquially used to describe any tote bag at the East Coast, a testament to the lasting influence of this design. The original Ratsey Tote’s sturdy structure, signature red stitching, and reinforced corners have ensured its place as a practical yet enduring piece of maritime heritage — a modern heirloom.
Another enduring piece from our archives is the Ditty. Known to generations of sailmakers, the Ditty has long been the trusted toolkit bag for apprentices mastering the craft. Our modern interpretation combines this practical heritage with refined detailing, including intricate ropework accents.
The Ratsey Tote and the Ditty are two of the standouts in our core collection of hand-crafted bags, each made using materials and techniques perfected over centuries. Seasoned sailors will recognise familiar details from sailmaking, such as hand-sewn brass eyelets and the Ratsey diamond stitch — a reinforcement method traditionally used at high-stress points in sails, now translated into our bags with the same commitment to longevity and precision.
Our Tribute to Sailors' Knots
Complementing these designs is our new collection of knot charms: hand-selected by Des Pawson, one of the world’s foremost authorities on knots and sailors’ ropework. As the co-founder of the International Guild of Knot Tyers and the founder of the Museum of Knots and Sailors’ Ropework, Des brings a wealth of expertise to this collaboration, ensuring each charm is an authentic tribute to traditional maritime craftsmanship.
For centuries, sailors across the world have relied on knots for both practical and symbolic purposes — from strength and protection to love and connection. The True Lover’s Knot, symbolising eternal bonds, and the Hercules Knot, prized for its strength and resilience, are just two of the distinctive designs in our collection. Each knot is carefully tied by hand at remarkable venues like our Cowes loft or at the historic Chatham Dockyard, preserving and furthering the skills that have defined our brand for generations.
Our new range is a natural extension of what Ratsey & Lapthorn has always stood for: form with function, designed to endure. Every stitch, seam, and rope detail reflects our values — craftsmanship without compromise, utility paired with beauty, and admiration for objects made to last.
We are excited to share this new chapter with you. The full collection will be available from 1st July 2025, but we will be offering a limited, exclusive early release in June. Stay tuned for more details — and for now, consider this your first glimpse into what’s to come: a collection that carries the spirit of the sea and the dedication of generations of craftspeople.
Thank you,
The Ratsey & Lapthorn Team
