How to choose a sailmaker

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freedom44

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I took the sails off my boat this weekend and noticed that they were looking rather sad and definitely showing their age.
Does anyone have any suggestions / recomendations for a user friendly sailmaker who performs reliably. I am not looking for the cheapest, more a middle of the road outfit to make 2 cruising sails

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it would help to know where you are based?????

<hr width=100% size=1>If work was so good, the rich would have kept more of it for themselves.
 
Some references for you:

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://marinedirectory.ybw.com/Marine_Directory/MarineCompanies.jsp?p=301&t=&c2=%&s=42&tem=ybw&c1=UK>Choose county after selecting this link</A>

Also

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.ybw.com/sails/>http://www.ybw.com/sails/</A>

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You could do worse than have a chat with Sean Semmens of Westaway sails, based in ivybridge near plymouth. 01752 892560.

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Westaways have a good reputation locally and the owner is a national Melges 24 skipper ( so I've heard). I had a quote from them recently for a new genoa, along with quotes from Hydes, Kemps, North and a few others. Their quote was significantly more expensive than the others- I'm not sure why. THis was for both cruising laminate and dacron.

Kemps came out just above middle of the road and produced a lovely tri radial laminate genoa in 2 weeks. The only downside was having to measure the boat myself- local companies will come down and measure personally. The sail was delivered ontime and well packed. Kemps also take the sail back after a year for a service and will reinforce any chafe points.

I have no connection to them, just very pleased with the service.

As an aside, I have a fairly recent Osen FB main- Osen are based in Plymouth. It's a lovely shaped sail and makes all the shapes I want. If you want to see either sail, they're on the boat - PM me.

Alex

<hr width=100% size=1>Life's too short- do it now./forums/images/icons/wink.gif
 
Until recently I would have recommended Westaway. Sadly no longer. When Simon Unwin was the proprietor their quality was good and their customer service excellent.

The company has now changed hands.

Mrs Pessimist decided to buy me a "stak-pak" type sail cover for my birthday this year and ordered from Westaway. The system was delivered late and without the requisite lazyjacks. Westaway decided that they would like to change the quote to include lazyjacks which we reluctantly accepted. Two months and numerous emails and letters later the lazyjacks were fitted.

Two weeks after he system was finally completed we noticed that some of the eyelets were ripping through the canvas - there was no reinforcement. We told Westaway of this problem and they agreed to rectify it. Two months later we are still waiting.

We will not be using Westaway again.

<hr width=100% size=1>A pessimist is an optimist in full possession of the facts
 
How much detrimental stuff are we allowed to say on the forum before touching on illegal, or is it OK if it just personal opinion based on fact?

Just curious.

<hr width=100% size=1>Life's too short- do it now./forums/images/icons/wink.gif
 
And your boat?

Err, we don't know what your boat is (no bio details) but your moniker suggests it might be a Freedom, which is cat rigged. If so, the sails are somewhat out of the ordinary, and you might be better going to a Freedom specialist.

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.writeforweb.com/twister1>Let's Twist Again</A>
 
I've a new main and genoa coming from Kemps end of this week/next week. A chap called Matt came across and measured Aeolus and a friends yacht at the same time - so they will come out. I chose them as I believe they are a good quality sail loft at a fair price - this opinion is based on Kemp sails I've seen on other yachts, so I've put my money where my mouth is. If people are interested I'll report back on the sails when I have them.

Regards, Jeff.

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://users.swing.be/FDB/centurion/index2.html>Centurion 32 Web site</A>
 
Hi Dralex. I'm not trying to wind anyone up here. The only opinion posted here is a complimentary one on the time when Simon was proprietor. I have not, and will not, express an opinion of the company since it changed hands. I have posted some facts (for all of which I have documentary evidence).

I hope the post is helpful but will be happy to have it removed if Kim thinks it contravenes forum rules.

Cheers

Colin

<hr width=100% size=1>A pessimist is an optimist in full possession of the facts
 
There is a guy just started up on his own in Weymouth (sorry the best I can offer is he is above the dive shop) Gave us outstanding service in the summer and will get my order when the time comes.

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Hi Colin- I didn't take it in that way- it was just out of curiosity and no reflection on your post.

BTW Matt from Kemps was great.

Cheers

Alex

<hr width=100% size=1>Just enjoy it.<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by dralex on 09/11/2004 11:11 (server time).</FONT></P>
 
Hi Alex,

Sorry if I got on my high horse earlier. Had just come back from walking the dog on the moor in the usual drizzle. Wasn't in the best of humour.

Cheers

Colin

<hr width=100% size=1>A pessimist is an optimist in full possession of the facts
 
Thanks everybody. Does one just have a new sail made to match the existing one, or let the sailmaker start from scratch? I am happy with the ones at the moment, but I am not sure I am qualified to say they are good or bad.

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Thanks everybody. Does one just have a new sail made to match the existing one, or let the sailmaker start from scratch? I am happy with the ones at the moment, but I am not sure I am qualified to say they are good or bad.

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We've always chatted it thru with the sail maker and they always seem v helpful - and of course knowledgeable. Our foresails on this and previous boat we had cut slightly larger (HWMBO feeds me raw steak occasionally /forums/images/icons/smile.gif). Our new main was a dispute - I wanted a soft sail - HWMBO wanted fully battened. After a long discussion over coffee with Simon Unwin (of Westway - but this was several years ago) we agreed on 2 full battens. The sail is truly wonderful.

I'd recommend talking to the sailmaker having decided what your priorities are - e.g. windward performance, longevity etc.

<hr width=100% size=1>a pragmatist is an optimist with a boat in the UK - but serious about not being in the UK !
 
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