Replacing sails/sailmaker advice please!

[wilkinsonsails]

For quoting purposes you need a main with 2 row reefs,area 11.50 sq metres,the 150% genoa at 20sq metres might be a bit bigger than you need ,and the next headsail sail down is 14sq metres ..so depending on your furling gear if you have one .I would look at a 17 sq m max roller headsail
Hope that helps.
Cindy

 

[William_H]

If you have a mainsail you have been using then you probably know now if it is the correct size. If it is not then measure the old sail and add or subtract from the luff foot and leach dimensions. You also need to consider the size of the roach iit has any. Roach is the outward curve of the leach. it's size will be limited by clearance from the back stay.
Similarly you need to specify size and type of headboard.
Then you need to specify the number and position of reefing points. You may like the idea of a flattening reef especially if you race. This is a "reef about 20 cms up from the clew and again a reef eyelet on the luff about 20 cms up. (often called a cunningham eye.) You also need to specify how much mast bend you can acheive. ie the middle of the mast as to how far forward you can bend the mast from the straight line. You need to specify if you want loose foot or bolt rope in the boom. Also specify how many and what type of battens you need. ie full lenght or short battens.Also if you want luff bolt rope or slugs for feeding into the mast track. Finally any emblem or number on mainsail.

You say you want a number 3 jib. This implies either hank on or slide into a track type jib luff. Simplest is hank on most likely to match your other jibs. The weight of the cloth and size of the no 3 jib will be your choice. Again compare it to your existing no 3 or no 2. A jib can be tall and short on the foot. Making tacking easier and perhaps more efficient or you may prefer something more standard shaped ie a cut down all round version of the no 2. The actual area I would imagine might be 60% or 70% of the number 2.
Again if you have had experience with the old no 3 you might have ideas on just how much smaller you want the new one. Certainly the new no 3 is a good choice as it is in a decent ie 15knots + breeze that the new sail will really be valuable if you are racing. If you go for a shape similar to the existing no 2 then you may be able to use the same sheeting point position. Certainly beware of blade type jib in assuring that your jib sheeting car track is long enough.

As for sail maker. If you are considering a UK sail maker ie order by email etc rather than personal visit you to them and them to boat. Then you might consider an Asian sail maker. Taskers in Thailand are a major sailmaker. For many years Rolley Tasker a former olympian saolor was the major sail maker here in Perth. He expanded into Thailand for cheaper labour and the company continues even though Rolley has passed away. There are also other sila makers.
I think I was once told that the cost of cloth represents 50% of cost labourt the other 50%. As suggested for long life I think Dacron is still the best although the modern mylar is now much better but still needs careful stowage folding etc. good luck olewill

 

[Seajet]

I have to say that as much as I dislike Crusader and wouldn't use them again (long story) they will make you sails out of whatever cloth you like. Their cheap stuff doesn't last (my old mainsail that came with my previous boat was completely blown out after 3 years) but another sail I had made by them out of Hydranet is still in very good condition. The Hydranet sail was over twice the price of their cheap and nasty dacron for comparison.

My new choice of sailmaker is Kemp. They bent over backwards to quote me and sort out my picky requirements.

I've also seen great sails made by Sanders, Westaway, North and Hood.

I always used Westaway for years and was very happy, but sadly after many, many reports of shocking service and practices relatively recently I will no longer be using them; sad, and maybe a prolonged glitch, but I'm not going to put my money into finding out.

Seateach are near me and to say they are not sailmakers is an understatement, and as I and my chums have had serious problems with even their chandlery service they had better not hold their breaths waiting for my order !

I'm considering a new working jib soon ( well, later maybe mid-late season ) ; I'll almost certainly go to Kemp but maybe a well specc'ed Crusader.

 

[DaiB]

Just a quick note to recommend the chaps at http://wilkinsonsails.co.uk great value and lovely people. Get a price from them and you may be surprised how little it is. They made a cover for my fathers 37 ft Harley Mead Gaff cutter and it is a work of art and was very keenly priced.

Big plus for wilkinson sails, had three sails and some covers from them, all have been first class.

 

[Marinedrive]

I would echo the use a local loft view. But I would suggest using a sail maker that asks the right questions, what type of sailing, how much use, longevity or performance etc. - the term cruising covers a 1 hr fishing trip to an around the world cruise not many do both. If the sail maker takes the trouble to establish what you need he stands the best chance of advising the most suitable materials. This is where the local or at least UK loft has an advantage over an offshore unit who are far less able to customise to your requirements. For South West based boats Dart Sails are a small bespoke loft and seem honest and knowledgeable.