New sails

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chris-s

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So this summer it has become quite evident that we need new sails for next year for our little 24 foot Pegasus 700. The Genoa is 24 years old, clearly stretched and the leach ripped in a few places as we were taking it down for the winter. The main is better but still clearly stretched.

We’ve done all the measurements twice and got some quotes for a ‘premium coastal cruising’ level of sail from what I call ‘big names’ and there isn’t much between them. So it’s more a question of do any of them offer something above the other?

I’m sure someone somewhere has had a bad experience with one or the other, thats inevitable, but I believe generally they all provide excellent service.

I’m going to be ordering from one of the following...

North Sails
Kemp
Jeckells
Crusader

Thanks!
 
There are some excellent local sailmakers, might be worth telling us where you're based and people will be able to help.
I've had good sails from Kemp and Crusader, but not needed to buy any for a while.
 
TernVI said:
There are some excellent local sailmakers, might be worth telling us where you're based and people will be able to help.
I've had good sails from Kemp and Crusader, but not needed to buy any for a while.
Click to expand...
Just what I was going to post.

I use Rowsell sails, Sailmaker, canvas work, repairs, kite repairs because he is local and a fantastic sail maker. I can sit with him and discuss what I want he then works his magic.
 
I’ve used Jeckells and Crusader, both times on price. Their products were excellent, only niggle with either was that Crusader delivered late but they paid to ship the sails to Greece, so no worries. I’ve also had a hank on genoa made for my Hurley 18 by a local sailmaker in Falmouth called Sailtech. Great quality and price, delivered on time: transformed the performance of the boat as the old sail was probably the 48 year old original.
You could do worse than looking for a winter deal with a local company.
 
I'd heavily skew your selection to someone with an office local to you so the sailmaker can visit the boat to confirm your measurements (if there's a problem, your measurements can't be blamed), it won't be a big deal for them to visit the boat if there's any subsequent problem and it's easy for you to take the sails back to them for any repairs, alterations or servicing in future.

FWIW I bought my first set of new sails from Kemp (who have an office near to where I used to be in Gosport) and given that I've bought subsequent sails and canvas work from them you can surmise I'm happy dealing with them :)
 
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Crusader made a very nice jib for me some years ago, but I chose the local sailmaker (Batt sails) to make the main recently. It's so much better if you can drop in with your old sail and spread it out in the loft and talk over it!
 
I’ve bought numerous sails from Kemps. Aside from the quality of the products, which is excellent, it’s the customer service that always draws me back.
 
Kemps were my choice when I bought new sails. By comparison I found Crusader changed the fabric in their quote to a cheaper sail cloth, so I was annoyed to say the least. Personally I would find a sail maker local to you. If you are in Kent then use Wilkinson Sails in Whitstable.

New sails will make a huge difference to the performance of your boat and you will be pleased with whoever you choose to make them. Try to avoid sailmakers who get some of the manufacturing done in China, so ask where they are made.
 
chris-s said:
So this summer it has become quite evident that we need new sails for next year for our little 24 foot Pegasus 700. The Genoa is 24 years old, clearly stretched and the leach ripped in a few places as we were taking it down for the winter. The main is better but still clearly stretched.

We’ve done all the measurements twice and got some quotes for a ‘premium coastal cruising’ level of sail from what I call ‘big names’ and there isn’t much between them. So it’s more a question of do any of them offer something above the other?

I’m sure someone somewhere has had a bad experience with one or the other, thats inevitable, but I believe generally they all provide excellent service.

I’m going to be ordering from one of the following...

North Sails
Kemp
Jeckells
Crusader

Thanks!
Click to expand...
Go with Crusader in Poole. Dependable service IMHO and if the sail doesn't work as well as you hoped, they will come back and make sure it does. Personal experience on two occasions. Good on price and materials. Ask for Andrew Cross or Paul Lees.

PWG
 
I had a perfectly good suit from Kemp, but more recently I decided to go local, as laika suggests. The benefit was that the sailmaker came to take measurements, and I can take the (excellent) sails in for servicing to them when I wish (One Sails, Levington).
 
Happily sailmaking does seem to be on area where positive experiences far outweigh negative experiences.

I'd add a vote to at least give Pete Sanders a call for cruising sails, but I doubt very much that any on that list would let you down.
 
I have bought a number of sails from crusader and found them very good.

I've previously used North and Quantum for laminate racing sails but they were much more specific (and expensive but also v good).

I think I would use Crusader for my next sails for a cruising boat
 
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