Sail cutting service - who in the UK - anyone help please?

[zambant]

So, I fancy making my own genoa for my 34ft yacht.
Obviously sailrite in the USA can sell me the cut panels etc. but I'm looking for a UK supplier to design, cut and supply the panels to me.
Anyone out there can help me please?
Fair winds
John

 

[lpdsn]

Your best bet is to try to ring around the smaller to medium sized sailmakers, maybe is Sept/Oct when they're likely to have more time on their hands. I believe the larger ones design their sails and have them made in China.

I wouldn't expect any cost saving if at all from your approach. You'll be doing all those hideously expensive Chinese workers out of a job for the price of extra hassle and bespoke work on the part of the sailmaker.

 

[Tranona]

Your best bet is to try to ring around the smaller to medium sized sailmakers, maybe is Sept/Oct when they're likely to have more time on their hands. I believe the larger ones design their sails and have them made in China.

I wouldn't expect any cost saving if at all from your approach. You'll be doing all those hideously expensive Chinese workers out of a job for the price of extra hassle and bespoke work on the part of the sailmaker.

That is only true of some of the international sailmakers, and then mainly for their basic ranges. Two of the biggest UK sailmakers are near me and both make all their sails in house, although they use an external cutting service for some as a laser cutter is a big investment for one firm.

Agree with you, bit pointless making your own sail if the object is to save money, and given the sophistication of modern sails likely to be inferior to a professional job. Making your own sails is for the carefree, DIY days of the 1950's!

 

[AntarcticPilot]

Jeckells have a laser cutter in their loft at Wroxham. Their sails are cut and sewn there. However, I'd agree that it is unlikely that there are serious savings to be made, and I also suspect that few if any sailmakers in the UK would agree to supply the fabric ready cut for a sail. Laser cutting is very precise, and I'd expect that the precision would be wasted if they weren't sewn by experienced machinists.

 

[[70521]]

As AntarcticPilot stays above it will depend on your sewing skills, personally I use a small local sail loft where the service is excellent, the overheads smaller, and the "craftpersonship" far, far better than mine.