New sails from China

[swampthing]

Has anyone bought sails from Far East Sails? If so did customs want import duty and was the sail as specified?

 

[Amari]

More than one recommendation in previous threads - do 'Search'

 

[Sailfree]

Use of internet for purchases means customs don't miss much in charging import duty and VAT.

Putting Gift on the delivery note rarely works now - beware of genuine gifts that cost a lot of duty that you would not really cchoose or pay for yourself!!

I looked at Far East Sails and equivalents compared prices to UK sails and finally decided to pay the little extra that John Channon Sails charge for measuring boat, specifying sails, fitting sails.

In my case it was complicated by changing to fully battened main which necessitated a special mate gate piece to be made and fitted but Iam (and the boat next to me that recommended John!) really pleased with the final result.

I would have been pig sick if I had bought a lot of hassel even if only 60% of UK prices.

 

[Sea_Sense]

I will just second that - I did a lot of research last year on sails from the far east. In the end it worked out that I would make about 35% saving but I decided it was safer to get a UK sail loft (Cowens - highly recommended) to come measure and fit the sails. I was also changing from a half batten to full batten sail and I wanted to speak to a person face rather than by email.

Having said that I also spoke to a lot of UK sail lofts and I was very disappointed with the services I received from the enquiries I made - so my advise and I know it may seem obvious but do not pay the full amount until the sails are fitted on the boat - I have seen too many UK sails makers making stupid mistakes in measurements on other friends boats to know that like a lot of the marine industry a lot of sailmakers seem to provide a poor service.

For me this was one of the biggest disadvantages of using a sail loft in another country (if the sails were wrong I had already paid my money) plus I would have to rely on my ability with a tape measure!!!! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

 

[sighmoon]

I used 'hong kong sailmakers' a couple of years ago (they advertise in the back of YM). Sail fitted fine and sets well. About half the price of the UK lofts, but I did have to measure it myself (easy).

Price paid was sterling and included any import duties.

 

[maxi77]

Many UK Sailmakers get their non 'special' sails made in China these days any way, so perhaps it depends on quite how confident you are in specifying what you want.

 

[asj1]

within the last year new 'made in china mainsails' were obtained from eeach of 'Hong Kong sailmakers' which are actually a UK agent based near Plymouth and from 'Far East Sails' via the internet. In both cases you have to measure the sails yourself. In both cases they are delivered to your door within a month of ordering and in both cases VAT end up being paid - in the case of Far East sails via an invoice from DHL a few days after thesail arrives on your doorstep.
In both cases the quality is very good and I wouldn't mind betting that in practice both are made in the same factory (I say this based on a few very small manufacturing similiarities) In both cases 35-50% cheaper than the UK

 

[swampthing]

Ok, thanks to all for advice.