In Islander Talks, Marlot Cathalina chats with an inspiring Islander of Mallorca. This time, she sits down with Francisco. Moving to Mallorca didn’t just give him a new home, it also sparked an idea. All the island’s leftover sails? Trash for many… but he turns them into beautifully designed bags that make you stop and stare. Francisco shares why Mallorca is the ideal place for his business and the challenges he faces along the way.

Hi Francisco, you are originally from Argentina. What brought you to Mallorca?

I was born in Argentina, but I lived in France for a while. Later, my partner and I moved to the Canary Islands. While we loved island life, we were looking for something just a bit greener. We pulled out a map of Spain, checked out the other islands, and thought Mallorca did look good.

Without any background information, we moved here in high season. We didn’t know anyone, but we fell in love from day one. Mallorca gives the freedom to do it all: the sea, mountains, kitesurfing, snorkeling, hiking, and other outdoor activities. It’s just perfect and it’s hard to believe it’s already been almost three years.

Where did the idea come from to turn used sails into bags?

I’ve always been drawn to the water, whether it’s kitesurfing, surfing, or sailing. Back in Argentina, I refurbished kitesurfing sails and neoprene suits as a hobby. When I went sailing in Mallorca with a friend, he casually mentioned that he was throwing away his old sails.

In South America, recycling is second nature, haha. So I couldn’t see such high-quality material go to waste! They might have been too old to sail, but still perfect for creating something new and useful. And that’s how the idea for Up Sailing started, two years ago. I still work as an economist, but lately I’ve been dedicating more time to Up Sailing, which has been incredible.

Where are the pieces made, and what does that process look like?

From collection to creation, everything happens here in Mallorca. We start by sourcing sails from sailmakers and yacht owners across the island. Then the material is washed, cut, and only the best parts are selected for reuse. The sewing happens in a local workshop. By keeping the whole process on the island, we create a low-footprint, zero-kilometer product. Not counting the miles the sail has already lived, of course!

What’s your favorite part of working on Up Sailing?

What I love most is being part of a circular, community-based economy which connects different people, with different backgrounds. The project brings together a yacht owner, a sailmaker, an artisan, and someone who loves fashion, design, and sustainability. It’s incredible to see all these different worlds come together.

What challenges have you faced along the way?

Every sail is different, which is great because every bag we make is one of a kind. At the same time, it can be mildly chaotic when it comes to production. We’re always learning new tools and techniques to adapt to each piece of material.

Another challenge is helping people understand why our bags are different, and why buying local really matters. Fast fashion comes and goes, but our bags are made to last for years! In a fast-paced consumer world that takes patience, but once people hear the story behind our bags, something clicks. They don’t just like the bag, they value what it stands for.

Was there a moment that made you feel especially proud?

I’m proud to turn something once seen as waste into a moment of ¨Wait, this bag is made from a sail? Wow! And along the way, it creates jobs, initiates conversations, and gets people thinking about being more sustainable, while enjoying the privilege of living on this beautiful island. Seeing people appreciate what we do makes me proud.

What response do you get from the nautical industry?

Honestly, the industry’s support has been amazing. Different companies want to get involved, not just to dispose of their ‘rubbish’, but to actively contribute. Some even changed their logistics to help us, and we were gifted a sewing machine! It feels like a real shift in the industry, people are willing to help and do their part, which is amazing to see.

Why does Mallorca feel like the right place for Up Sailing?

Mallorca is a reference hub for the circular economy, home to many excellent preservation and sustainability organizations. The island naturally brings supply and demand together, because of its active nautical scene and flow of visitors. Combined with the Mallorcans’ lifelong connection to the sea, it’s easy to see why Mallorca is the perfect place for Up Sailing. Here, all the puzzle pieces click into place.

What are your future plans for Up Sailing?

We’re excited to grow and collaborate with more organizations, businesses, and NGOs to increase our impact. I’d also like to explore other products, like home décor or furniture. While we started with bags, the sky’s the limit! And if anyone has ideas or ways to get involved, we’re always open to hearing them.

Last but not least: Can all islanders bring you their used sails, maybe (just maybe) in exchange for a bag?

Absolutely! If you’re an islander, we’d be happy to exchange your old sails for a bag. Some sails might not be usable anymore, but please reach out to see what we can do.

I’m not here to tell anyone what they should or shouldn’t do. But I do think that small gestures like this do make a difference. That’s what’s Up Sailing is about.