Duffel bag Alfa Large, dacron / grey / red #5 / stripe
Regular price
€189,00
Tax included.
Travel with style with this unique large recycled sail carryall. The Duffel Bag Alfa Large, dacron / grey / red #5 / stripe from JMSailsandBags is made from repurposed sailcloth and canvas. It features canvas sides and external pocket, internal and external zippered pockets, long soft marine-grade webbing handles, and a sturdy closing zipper. The downwind sailcloth nylon or polyester lining and brand and authentification label make it a truly unique product. Handmade in Italy from upcycled sails, it has a length of 60cm, diameter of 30cm, and external and internal pockets. It also has a #10 heavy duty zip and handles in marine grade 40mm webbing.
The Duffel Bag Alfa Large, dacron / grey / red #5 / stripe is the perfect choice for stylish travelers looking for a unique and sustainable product. Its combination of recycled materials, quality craftsmanship, and functional design make it a must-have for any adventure.
Regular price
€189,00
Tax included.
Travel with style with this unique large recycled sail carryall. The Duffel Bag Alfa Large, dacron / grey / red #5 / stripe from JMSailsandBags is made from repurposed sailcloth and canvas. It features canvas sides and external pocket, internal and external zippered pockets, long soft marine-grade webbing handles, and a sturdy closing zipper. The downwind sailcloth nylon or polyester lining and brand and authentification label make it a truly unique product. Handmade in Italy from upcycled sails, it has a length of 60cm, diameter of 30cm, and external and internal pockets. It also has a #10 heavy duty zip and handles in marine grade 40mm webbing.
The Duffel Bag Alfa Large, dacron / grey / red #5 / stripe is the perfect choice for stylish travelers looking for a unique and sustainable product. Its combination of recycled materials, quality craftsmanship, and functional design make it a must-have for any adventure.
Our Story: Crafting with Purpose, Teaching with Passion
It all began with a love for the sea and a deep respect for the materials that carry us across it. We saw beauty in sails that had done their duty—weathered, worn, but still full of life. Instead of letting them go to waste, we decided to give them a second chance—transforming them into bags and everyday objects, full of character and story.
But this isn’t just about making things—it’s about passing something on. Along the way, we’ve made it our mission to teach others, especially the next generation, how upcycling works. We share the techniques, the craftsmanship, and the values behind it: care, patience, and respect for materials.
By combining tradition with sustainability, we’re not only creating unique, functional pieces—we’re helping others discover the power of making with meaning.
Customise Your Bag – Your Style, Your Story
Want to make your bag truly yours? We offer custom options so you can choose exactly what you like – from colors and size to personal lettering or numbers. Whether it’s your initials, sail number, or a favorite color combo, we’ve got you covered.
Here’s how it works:
🧵 Choose Your Style & Size
Pick from our existing bag models – whether it’s a tote, duffel, pouch, backpack,... We can adjust the size to suit your needs. If you have something different in your mind tell us and we will do our best to make your item.
🎨 Select Your Colors
You can let us know your favorite colors or match it to your boat, team, or personal vibe. We’ll show you what’s possible based on available sail materials.
🔠 Add Letters or Numbers
Want to add a special touch? We can include sail numbers, initials, or even a short word or name using authentic sail insignia or stitched designs.
📩 Just Get in Touch
Custom orders aren’t automated (yet!) – so simply [contact us here] or email us directly. We’ll walk you through the options, share available materials, and make sure your bag turns out just right.
Every custom bag is unique, just like the sails they’re made from. Whether it’s for you or a special gift, we love bringing your ideas to life.
Ready to create your own? [Get in touch →]
All about our policiesCustomise Your Bag – Your Style, Your Story
Want to make your bag truly yours? We offer custom options so you can choose exactly what you like – from colors and size to personal lettering or numbers. Whether it’s your initials, sail number, or a favorite color combo, we’ve got you covered.
Here’s how it works:
🧵 Choose Your Style & Size
Pick from our existing bag models – whether it’s a tote, duffel, pouch, backpack,... We can adjust the size to suit your needs. If you have something different in your mind tell us and we will do our best to make your item.
🎨 Select Your Colors
You can let us know your favorite colors or match it to your boat, team, or personal vibe. We’ll show you what’s possible based on available sail materials.
🔠 Add Letters or Numbers
Want to add a special touch? We can include sail numbers, initials, or even a short word or name using authentic sail insignia or stitched designs.
📩 Just Get in Touch
Custom orders aren’t automated (yet!) – so simply [contact us here] or email us directly. We’ll walk you through the options, share available materials, and make sure your bag turns out just right.
Every custom bag is unique, just like the sails they’re made from. Whether it’s for you or a special gift, we love bringing your ideas to life.
Ready to create your own? [Get in touch →]
All about our policies
What are sails made of?
Modern sails are typically made from high-performance synthetic materials designed to be lightweight, strong, and resistant to stretching and harsh marine conditions. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common ones:
Common Sail Materials:
1. Dacron (Polyester):
- The most widely used sailcloth for cruising.
- Durable, UV-resistant, and holds shape well over time.
- Has a classic woven texture.
2. Mylar (Polyester Film):
- Often used in performance sails.
- Lightweight and has very low stretch.
- Usually layered with fibers like Kevlar or Carbon.
3. Kevlar (Aramid):
- Extremely strong and light.
- Used in high-performance racing sails.
- Doesn’t handle UV exposure well, so it's often laminated.
4. Carbon Fiber:
- Super stiff and light, top choice for racing.
- Excellent shape retention, but more fragile and expensive
5. Spectra/Dyneema (Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene):
- Very strong and lightweight.
- Excellent for offshore sails due to its durability.
- Slippery texture and high UV resistance
6. Technora®is a high-performancearamid fiber, similar to Kevlar but with a few unique advantages.
- It’s super tough, incredibly lightweight
- has excellent fatigue and flex resistance, making it ideal for performance sailing
7. Nylon:
- Mostly used for spinnakers and downwind sails.
- Light, stretchy, and colorful.
- Not as strong, but great for catching wind in light conditions.
Some sails are made of a blend of materials and weights.
What are sails made of?
Modern sails are typically made from high-performance synthetic materials designed to be lightweight, strong, and resistant to stretching and harsh marine conditions. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common ones:
Common Sail Materials:
1. Dacron (Polyester):
- The most widely used sailcloth for cruising.
- Durable, UV-resistant, and holds shape well over time.
- Has a classic woven texture.
2. Mylar (Polyester Film):
- Often used in performance sails.
- Lightweight and has very low stretch.
- Usually layered with fibers like Kevlar or Carbon.
3. Kevlar (Aramid):
- Extremely strong and light.
- Used in high-performance racing sails.
- Doesn’t handle UV exposure well, so it's often laminated.
4. Carbon Fiber:
- Super stiff and light, top choice for racing.
- Excellent shape retention, but more fragile and expensive
5. Spectra/Dyneema (Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene):
- Very strong and lightweight.
- Excellent for offshore sails due to its durability.
- Slippery texture and high UV resistance
6. Technora®is a high-performancearamid fiber, similar to Kevlar but with a few unique advantages.
- It’s super tough, incredibly lightweight
- has excellent fatigue and flex resistance, making it ideal for performance sailing
7. Nylon:
- Mostly used for spinnakers and downwind sails.
- Light, stretchy, and colorful.
- Not as strong, but great for catching wind in light conditions.
Some sails are made of a blend of materials and weights.
Delivery times
Finished products are shipped within 24/48 hours and delivery in Italy takes 1-2 working days, for EU countries about 4 working days. Count about 3 days for made to order products, shipping and delivery are the same as for finished products.
Delivery times
Finished products are shipped within 24/48 hours and delivery in Italy takes 1-2 working days, for EU countries about 4 working days. Count about 3 days for made to order products, shipping and delivery are the same as for finished products.
Packaging: A bag in a bag
Upcycled Sail Wet Bag – One Bag, Endless Adventures
Say goodbye to throwaway packaging and hello to your new favorite gear bag. Made from real downwind sails that have seen some serious ocean time, these upcycled beauties are tough, lightweight, and full of character.
We use them as packaging for your order—but here’s the cool part: they’re made to be reused. Take yours to the beach, gym, pool, or anywhere you need to stash wet or sweaty gear. It’s like getting a free wet bag with your purchase!
Why you’ll love it:
- Made from real, repurposed sailcloth
- Every bag is totally unique
- Water-resistant and quick-drying
- Super handy for swimwear, gym stuff, or sandy flip-flops
- Helps cut waste and keep sails out of landfill
Built for adventure. Made to last. And just plain awesome.
Packaging: A bag in a bag
Upcycled Sail Wet Bag – One Bag, Endless Adventures
Say goodbye to throwaway packaging and hello to your new favorite gear bag. Made from real downwind sails that have seen some serious ocean time, these upcycled beauties are tough, lightweight, and full of character.
We use them as packaging for your order—but here’s the cool part: they’re made to be reused. Take yours to the beach, gym, pool, or anywhere you need to stash wet or sweaty gear. It’s like getting a free wet bag with your purchase!
Why you’ll love it:
- Made from real, repurposed sailcloth
- Every bag is totally unique
- Water-resistant and quick-drying
- Super handy for swimwear, gym stuff, or sandy flip-flops
- Helps cut waste and keep sails out of landfill
Built for adventure. Made to last. And just plain awesome.
Our philosophy
At JM Sails & Bags, we believe that every choice—whether in materials, craftsmanship, or shipping—should reflect care, purpose, and respect for the planet.
Upcycling Sails
When a sail arrives, we begin by examining its condition—looking for the strongest, most character-filled sections that are still fit for use. We then carefully wash and dry the material, removing salt, and as much as possible the stains, signs of its past life at sea. Once it's clean and refreshed, we cut the sail into manageable pieces, breaking it down into sections we can work with. From there, the transformation begins—turning raw, weather-worn cloth into beautiful, functional pieces ready for their next journey.
Sourcing with Purpose
Every sail has a story—and that story often begins with a conversation at the dock. We collaborate with local sailmakers and sailing teams who let us know when a sail is being retired, and we reach out to boat owners when we spot fresh sails being hoisted. Many sailors also find us first, generously donating their used sails so they can live on in a new form. Whether it’s raced across oceans or cruised along the coast, each sail we collect carries the spirit of the sea—and we’re proud to give it a second life, one stitch at a time.
Unique - hand made
Once the sails arrive in Italy, they are carefully transformed into bags through a fully handcrafted process. Every piece is made with skill, patience, and attention to detai. The result is a truly one-of-a-kind item: shaped by the sea, reimagined by artisan hands.
EU shipping only
We choose to ship only within the European Union to minimize the environmental impact of our deliveries. By keeping our distribution local, we significantly reduce the carbon emissions associated with long-distance transport. Every bag we create starts with a sail that has already crossed oceans—our mission is to give it a new life without asking the planet to pay the price. Staying closer to home allows us to be more responsible, aligning our logistics with the same care and intention we bring to every handcrafted piece. It’s a small choice that reflects a much larger commitment.
What Are Sails?
Sails are large, durable fabric structures designed to harness the power of the wind and propel a boat forward. Made from high-performance materials like Dacron, Kevlar, or carbon fiber, they must withstand sun, salt, and storms — all while maintaining flexibility and strength.
But sails are more than just technical gear. They're living witnesses to adventure, shaped by wind and water, marked by wear and memory. Each one tells a story of travel, triumph, and time at sea — making them the perfect material for a second life as something equally enduring and unique.
From Wind to Hand: Our Philosophy and Craft
We believe that every sail deserves a second life. Once they’ve crossed seas and raced the wind, sails still hold strength, character, and beauty—qualities too valuable to waste. That’s where our journey begins.
We collect used sails from sailmakers, regattas, and boat owners who "donate" them instead of discarding them. Each sail is thoroughly inspected, cleaned, and cut into workable panels. These materials are then artisanaly handcrafted in Italy, transforming them into durable, functional, and one-of-a-kind products—bags, accessories, and home goods that carry the soul of the sea.
Our philosophy is simple: to honor the story behind every sail and extend its life in a new, meaningful form. By recycling what would otherwise go to waste, we embrace a slower, more conscious way of making—where sustainability, design, and tradition come together in every stitch.
Most common sails used on sailboats
This illustration shows the most common types of sails found on modern sailboats, each designed for a specific purpose and wind condition:
- Main Sail: The primary and most essential sail, attached to the mast and boom. It provides the main source of power for most sailing directions.
- Jib: A smaller triangular sail set ahead of the mast, used in combination with the mainsail for better balance and maneuverability.
- Genoa: A larger version of the jib that overlaps the mainsail, designed to catch more wind and give extra speed, especially in light winds.
- Symmetrical Spinnaker: A balloon-shaped downwind sail, perfect for catching wind directly from behind. Ideal for racing and long-distance cruising.
- Asymmetrical Spinnaker: Also for downwind sailing, but easier to handle than the symmetrical version. It combines speed with control, often used in cruising.
- Code Zero: A hybrid sail, somewhere between a genoa and a spinnaker. It’s great for light air and reaching angles, offering power with a streamlined shape.
These sails are not only crucial for sailing performance, but also provide the canvas for upcycled creations—each with its own story and stretch of sea behind it.