Sail lofts East Coast

[DennisF]

I am in the process of buying a bigger boat at Suffolk Yacht Harbour, assuming the survey is OK. The mainsail hasn’t been used for quite a while and is heavily stained in places. I asked One Sails, but they say they only rinse the sails, then dry and inspect for damage. That, I suspect, won’t be enough. Is anyone aware of any sail lofts on the East Coast that will thoroughly clean sails and tackle stains / mildew?

 

[John 32i]

I was under the impression that all sails were sent to a central 'laundry' elsewhere?
I would think One Sails would advise the best way to clean any bad stains.

 

[The Q]

This is what my local loft offer.
Winter Service - Jeckells The Sailmakers

 

[PaulRainbow]

I was under the impression that all sails were sent to a central 'laundry' elsewhere?
I would think One Sails would advise the best way to clean any bad stains.

By coincidence, i was talking to someone in the canvas industry a few days ago, who said there is only one place in the country and everyone uses that.

 

[tillergirl]

Gowans, West Mersea. Very professional.

Mainsail hung up and Genoa being brushed by Roger Gaspar, on Flickr

Sorry Paul.

Sails in for an overnight soak by Roger Gaspar, on Flickr

Genoa being flushd with warm water, main hung up by Roger Gaspar, on Flickr

 

[Tradewinds]

It's Tip Top Sail Laundry (https://www.tiptopsails.co.uk/) - Most of the sail lofts use them (Jeckells, One, Foxs, Suffolk Sails etc etc).

Sorry Roger, didn't have a very good experience with Gowens' sail cleaning/servicing (it was a few years ago).

 

[andystev]

This is what my local loft offer.
Winter Service - Jeckells The Sailmakers

I've just had a quote from them for cleaning and some repairs/alterations. Prices seem reasonable. Have you used them? Would you recommend?

 

[tillergirl]

Things happen. I am afraid my bad experience was with Jeckells (not washing)

 

[Major_Clanger]

The ladies at Sail and Cover, Wolverstone are great. Always had good service from them.

 

[PaulRainbow]

The ladies at Sail and Cover, Wolverstone are great. Always had good service from them.

The ladies are no longer there, new management now.

 

[Major_Clanger]

The ladies are no longer there, new management now.

What a pity, they were real characters.

 

[Leighb]

I don’t think there is any business there now. The buildings are empty and derelict and will be demolished to make way for the big expansion of MDL’s Lodge site.

 

[PaulRainbow]

I don’t think there is any business there now. The buildings are empty and derelict and will be demolished to make way for the big expansion of MDL’s Lodge site.

Yes, Sail & Cover no longer at Woolverstone, but still trading Sail and Cover, for Sprayhoods, dodgers, sail repairs, outboard covers and more...

 

[adamstjohn]

The ladies are no longer there, new management now.

Yes, Sail & Cover no longer at Woolverstone, but still trading Sail and Cover, for Sprayhoods, dodgers, sail repairs, outboard covers and more...

correct. I phoned 'the ladies' and got a man-i was discombobulating for a moment , the new company made us a new sprayhood this year, very nice job too.
the ladies had done loads of jobs for us too. never on the sails though so cant comment on that. I did like them.

 

[adamstjohn]

Had a sail washed/serviced by Jeckells as was having a main made by them at the same time. Was happy with the work.
Simon at suffolk sails has done them a couple of times too, was happy with him.
Most recently Cindy at Wilkinsons did the main as was having a genoa made, happy with them too, they came back so beautifully folded and small that i though i had been given some GP 14 sails!!

 

[Dee Bee]

I have used One Sail at Levington. The wash includes laying out and inspecting sails. They give you 2 hours fee labour as part of the deal if any repairs needed

 

[The Q]

I've just had a quote from them for cleaning and some repairs/alterations. Prices seem reasonable. Have you used them? Would you recommend?

My little boats main is from them, I sail / race against some of their employees. I used to race against Chris Jeckells, but he's gone up into big broads cruisers now .
I've certainly had good service from them, I'm considering a new jib soon and it's likely it will be made by them.

 

[andystev]

My little boats main is from them, I sail / race against some of their employees. I used to race against Chris Jeckells, but he's gone up into big broads cruisers now .
I've certainly had good service from them, I'm considering a new jib soon and it's likely it will be made by them.

Thank you, that's helpful.