A DEPLETED order book has resulted in the world’s oldest existing sailmaking firm making most of its staff redundant.
Cowes firm Ratsey and Lapthorne (Sailmakers) Ltd has laid off four of its six staff.
One of the firm’s directors, Andy Cassell, blamed the move on the downturn in the market.
"People we make sails for are not using their boats because they cannot be seen to be spending lots of money in the current financial climate," he said. "Hopefully things will turn around in the not-too-distant future."
The company, based in Medina Road, was established in 1790.
Reporter: jonm@iwcpmail.co.uk