Sail maker recommendations, please?

[NealB]

Could anyone make recommendations for East Coast sailmakers, please?

I'm after a new main and genoa (or, maybe, main + genoa + no. 1 jib) for our old Comanche catamaran, which is moored at Rice and Coles, Burnham.

She's mainly used for local pottering, though we usually try to get in a longer trip once a year. Certainly no racing.

Thanks for your ideas.

Neal

 

[davidwf]

Recently had a new main from Jeckells, very good quality and sets great. Bonus is that they make them in Wroxham .

I was particularly taken with the little pocket to put the end of the leech line in to stop it flapping about.

 

[dmmbruce]

I have found Jeckells good as well.

Mike

 

[ChattingLil]

How about Wilkinsons both in Burnham and in Faversham.

I've not personally used them (yet), but know others who have and they made mine before I owned her and have been very helpful with data on the current sails and with advice about repair/replacement. Very very nice people. And can be found on this here forum too.

 

[philld]

I've used Wilkinsons for repairs to to sails and various bits canvas such as my spray hood. I've always found them to be very helpful give good service.

One happy customer

 

[jerrytug]

Wilkinsons +3, they are coming to do my halliard in the morning, and I know I will learn more about sails and rigging in a half hour chat,than I would from a million T Cunliffe books. (no disrepect) Jerry

 

[ex-Gladys]

My main and genny come from Gowens, very pleased with both... because of the advantages of having a local loft, I opted for them to try to encourage them to stay in Mersea....

 

[NealB]

Thanks for the suggestions!

Wilkinsons and Gowens were already on my shortlist.

Jeckells weren't, as Wroxham is quite a long way from Burnham (on Crouch).

Any other recommendations? Anyone used Hyde (I worked for Eddy when I first left school)?

 

[ditchcrawler]

I had Hyde sails 4 seasons ago, a fully battened main and a triradial laminate genoa.They are excellent sails and they came and measured my boat and fitted the sails.
The best sailmaker on the east coast(according to Spirit Yachts owner) is reputed to be John Parker of One Sails at Levington.He is not the cheapest however.

 

[tidclacy]

Noticed no one has mentioned Lonton and Gray in Burnham, any views?

 

[NealB]

Noticed no one has mentioned Lonton and Gray in Burnham, any views?

Good question!

I know several keelboat owners at the RCYC who are very happy with Lonton and Gray.

 

[wingdiver]

We had Kemp main and mizzen sails made five years ago. Still excellent.

 

[bigboater]

I used Jeckells for the sails on my boat a few weeks ago. Not only were the sails perfect but the service they provide in fitting and taking the time to talk to you about your sails is incredible

 

[smth448]

Noticed no one has mentioned Lonton and Gray in Burnham, any views?

Lonton and Gray very popular amongst the Dragon Fleet. Not sure about a cruiser cat though. Mid you Ian Gray used to run Cranfield Sails that made loads of cat sails.

 

[NealB]

Mid you Ian Gray used to run Cranfield Sails that made loads of cat sails.

I didn't know that......ta!

 

[Tim_B]

Sail and cover at Woolverstone, excellent quality and service. Ask for Sarah (the owner).

 

[Croc]

I was just about to mention Lonton and Grey....excellent sailmakers....had sails from them for my last three sailing boats...well made fast sails....if you are in Burnham nip in and see Ian Grey.

 

[NealB]

I was just about to mention Lonton and Grey....excellent sailmakers....had sails from them for my last three sailing boats...well made fast sails....if you are in Burnham nip in and see Ian Grey.

What sort of boats were they, Croc?

 

[Croc]

Full set s for Dragon, Squib and Javelin dinghy.... as I said delighted with them all.
For traditional boats L&G make most of the sails for Broads One Designs...the Broads area "Brown Boats"....and they are also good.

 

[NealB]

Noted...thanks, Croc!