Sail Maker - Good, Bad or Indifferent.

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Kristoria

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Cheshire, England
chrisspreckley.com
Sail Makers, Delivering up new, Quality & Serviceability

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/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gifHi,

Residing in Bilghty I'm looking to have some sails made and delivered to the Island of Peurto Rico. Currently I am talking to a few sail makers and the lowest quote is from some sail makers called FAREASTSAILS there spiel and formal letter writing and follow up lead me to believe that they are at least, very good. Many of the common and creditable sail makers are dumbfounded by the quotation for supply that Fareastsails have made.

Would I be right to accept their quotation; has anybody had sails or other goods delivered from them; has anybody been let down by them; does anybody know of anybody else being let down by them in any way.

Their quote is brilliant; their cloth is English Bainbridge stock, but if after sending them a deposit the goods don't show then they could be said to be a tad expensive.

HELP!!!!
 
Sorry to say, I have no experience of buying from the company you mention. I did however ge a quotation from them when I bought a cruising chute. When I contacted Kemp sails they quoted about the same but the information on hoisting, setting, using, dropping and even cleaning, was fantastic! I spoke to "Kemp the younger" (sorry can't remember his name) He still holds the title of "the most helpfull supplier" I have ever dealt with. The only problem I had, was that the colour they call Rasberry is PINK! When I used it in France the guys in the yacht club called me Mr Bonbon! So if you see an Etap 22 flying along in Cardiff bay behind a large sweet wrapper, I am the guy with the big smile on the tiller.
Allan
 
I have never used this company either but as for Kemp,
I had a full set of sails and packaway system made by them earlier this year and they were great as you said all the advice you need and a quality product!
Would definately use them again!
 
Like the customers of Kemp, I have had similar experiences in my dealings with Arun sails where I had a new mainsail cut recently. Call me old fashioned, but it somehow gives me comfort to know my sailmaker, and to be able to call him up for advice or ideas about modifications or problems etc... despite them not being able to match the prices offered by cheaper Asian suppliers. Do a search on here. This has been discussed often before.
 
The problem I have is a very reputable UK sail maker has replied to the same question put to him as:

"I can Match their retail price but no way on earth can I give you the discount of 45% that they have offered. The Bainbridge sail cloth that they propose using is of a very high quality"

That company wanted £550 for the delivery to Puerto Rico following their manufacturing at their US plant when FAREASTSAILS want nothing for their delivery and there isn't any sales tax in PR., where even Raymarine goods are almost half price.
 
There's a lot to be said for finding someone local, if possible. If you have any problems or want any alterations doing it's a pain having to parcel up a bulky sail and send it off somewhere. Also, if they are slow returning it, you will end up as I did last spring,a few days before leaving for an extended cruise, frantically e-mailing and telephoning the sailmaker to deliver your sail. Much more effective to go into your local sail loft and bang on the counter or stage a sit-in!
 
Sure Mr, Twister, + thanks for your help

However we are talking about a saving of £3,050 pounds on just two sails. I think I could send them back a couple of times or more and still be in profit.

The gap is very wide. I have now ascertained that I would/will not be sending my loot to a black hole and that the sailcloth is good. What I still have not been able to ascertain is whether or not the goods will be good, bad or indifferent. Is it possible I can yet find out?
 
Hi

I have had two sails made by Hong Kong Sails (actually made in mainland China). Delivery was as quoted and quality is good. However take extra care to ensure the measurements are correct and clear as alteretions will be expensive.
 
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