Graham’s Tests

Annalea Mills: Leatherwork Steering Wheel Covers (and Plenty More)

Hailing originally from Canada, Annalea sailed into English Harbour as a teenager and has been here almost ever since, spending her formative years racing and cruising until eventually sailing became her profession and she was crewing on classic yachts.

Graham’s Tests

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Published 17/04/2026

By Graham Shaw

Issue: 207

Published: may / june 2026

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One of the many jobs as bosun or first mate on a yacht is to care for the rigging and deck gear on board, some of which needs protection with leather. Working with this traditional material, Annalea began to make small gifts for friends while crossing oceans or rolling at anchor. This turned into a business, and she continues to create custom leatherwork for yachts along with her own design of handbags, wallets, belts and accessories. And although these have become a large part of her work, she still greatly enjoys getting back to her maritime roots, covering wheels, blocks, chocks, shackles and all sorts of interesting nautical things in leather! Based in English Harbour, Antigua, she is available for commissions to be done on board or brought to the studio.

Graham’s advice: "Replacing the leather covering on our steering wheel was long overdue, so when we arrived in Antigua, I took it along to Annalea Mills. It was returned late the following day and the result is spectacular."

Steering wheel covers price: from US$60 per foot of circumference
Available in a variety of colors

Insta: @annaleamillsleatherwork
Web: annalea-mills-2.myshopify.com