Sail loft recomendations

[srm]

Is there any bad ones?

My boat came with a set of sails by Lee sailmakers. Light cheap sailcloth, mitre cut jib was blown out of shape despite the sails having rarely been used by the previous owner, the mitre seam remaining tight while the cloths either side stretched. Fully battened main and staysail kept their shape better, the battens keeping the main's shape under control. Have had to re-sew seams fairly regularly.

Nowadays most sailmakers probably use similar software for design so the choice and quality of sailcloth and workmanship will be the deciding factor.

Since I bought my sails from Sanders I have had them washed and serviced there each year (9 years so far)

Not so easy when the boat is out of the UK and nigh on impossible now thanks to Brexit and customs tax/duties both into UK and then back to boat.

 

[ashtead]

I have a lovely cruising chute by Peter sadly I have grown out of it but hardly used and safely ashore (all offers welcome by PM) but I found him most helpful when I ordered in 2009 and subsequently went I bought a new Genoa. I have a quote from him for a new grown up chute but just saving the pennies as I think I really want a Karver furler as well. Offers so far gratefully received but slightly below expectations.

 

[PeterV]

I had a set of sails made for my Hunter Duette by Grant Piggott at Warsash, very reasonably priced and very well made. So last year I had a set made for my GK29, also very good. You’d struggle to do better is my opinion.

 

[ianat182]

Sorry of course Grant Piggott at Warsash!

 

[PhillM]

Thanks everyone. I’ll start with the local guys. The main is by Kemps so I’ve asked them for options for a new geneoa.

I had not thought about getting the main cleaned and serviced. That’s a useful suggestion

Will report back when I’ve decided and then post purchase.

 

[STATUE]

My boat came with a set of sails by Lee sailmakers. Light cheap sailcloth, mitre cut jib was blown out of shape despite the sails having rarely been used by the previous owner, the mitre seam remaining tight while the cloths either side stretched. Fully battened main and staysail kept their shape better, the battens keeping the main's shape under control. Have had to re-sew seams fairly regularly.

Nowadays most sailmakers probably use similar software for design so the choice and quality of sailcloth and workmanship will be the deciding factor.


Not so easy when the boat is out of the UK and nigh on impossible now thanks to Brexit and customs tax/duties both into UK and then back to boat.

Steve Moatt, yeh I know he's at Portland, but a sailmaker that LISTENS to what you need.