gordon029
Member
Hi I'm just wondering how long it takes to make a pair of fairly standard cruising sails for a 28 ft yacht.Has anyone got sails made recently and has delivery been affected by the current pandemic. Thank you for reading
How long to make new sails
- Thread starter gordon029
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smert
Active member
We ordered a new main from Doyles in late Feb. We were expecting 7-8 weeks. Finally collected it a couple of weeks ago.
The sail was made in China so manufacture was affected, and because of the lower numbers of flights, shipping took longer than expected.
The sail was made in China so manufacture was affected, and because of the lower numbers of flights, shipping took longer than expected.
LittleSister
Well-known member
Depends how busy and well-organised the sailmaker is, and how many customers they have come in with much more valuable orders than you. So maybe usually anything from 3 days to 9 months.
I imagine that most of them are quite busy at this time of year, especially after the lockdown.
I imagine that most of them are quite busy at this time of year, especially after the lockdown.
richardbrennan
Well-known member
I think you will have to shop around. Makers that manufacture in the UK may well be your best bet, I'd try the local ones first, or might I suggest Kemps or Crusader.
Aurai
Active member
When trying to push in for a sail repair, you find the tables are fully booked for sail building, which seems to take 1/2/3 days. Business Owners then step in and fix my repair before sail making staff arrive or after they leave for the day. Getting the cut sail parts to the table and scheduling the build, assuming materials are in stock, is another two days, but many get laser cut on the tables each day. Suggesting a full week for a typical cruiser. I would love to be a fly on the wall, in a sail makers, as I get promised date x, then go into crisis and they arrive 12 hours before the first race, 20-30 days after date x
Quiddle
Well-known member
Pay more, get it quicker is my experience. Next month is a good time to order if you want to haggle.
gordon029
Member
Thank you all for your comments. I paid my 50%deposit in mid May and just received notice on friday that they were ready.Im not impressed
LONG_KEELER
Well-known member
There are still sail makers that cut and make their own sails in the UK.
My last sail was made and finished by Jeckells in Norfolk. At the time, they purchased the cloth from a German company.
My last sail was made and finished by Jeckells in Norfolk. At the time, they purchased the cloth from a German company.
Charlie Boy
Well-known member
Given the issues of lockdown I reckon that’s ok