About Bill

Bill Draheim learned the art and science of sailmaking from two of the all-time best, Bruce Goldsmith and Dave Ullman.  Back in 1980, Bruce, a Multi-class National and World Champion, asked Bill to take a year off college to learn sailmaking and become a better sailor.  At Bruce's North Sails loft Bill used a tele-type machine to communicate with the first central computer based design software.  Bill sailed with Bruce that year in the Lightning Class and other events honing his sailing skills.  After college and an Olympic Campaign in the 470 Class, Bill worked for arguably America's greatest sailor and sailmaker, Dave Ullman.  Dave and Bill had lunch together a couple of times a week for two years where Bill learned much more. 

In 1990 Bill bought the Ullman Sails loft in Dallas from one of his fellow University of Texas All-American, Kelson Elam.  As a result of his success in developing his own winning designs, Bill went out on his own under the name Gus Sails. For the last two years, Bill worked for a large sailmaking company to try to improve their one-design division but decided to once again venture out on his own, under the new name DRAHEIM PERFORMACE SAILING.

Bill's design successes are remarkable.  He designed and produced sails that won numerous National Championships and we hope to share this knowledge and success with you!