Sailmakers, eh!

[Bodach na mara]

Over the years I seen to have been very lucky. Jeckels supplied new sails for my first dinghy (a GP 14) very quickly and well made. Rockall did the same for myY W Dayboat that followed. My next few boats didn't get new sails as they either didn't need them or I got second hand ones. My Westerly Renown got a new main from Jeckels, new mizzen from Kemp and new genoa from Willie Leitch of Tarbert. The only one that had any issue was the genoa, which had a flappy leech and that was sorted free very quickly. I have also had sails overhauled and repaired by Saturn at Largs and had a sprayhood and cockpit canopy made by them, all without problems. Except that they threw out the old sprayhood which I intended to use as a shelter in winter, but they made me a new one free of charge to fit the new larger frame.

 

[Greemble]

I've also had a very good experience with Sanders.

I'll not say anything about a certain Wroxham-based outfit, other than it really wasn't good...

 

[Praxinoscope]

Following on from Tranona #20 I have had good service from Kemps. I usually have my sails washed and valeted at the Boatshed in Pwllheli.

 

[srm]

Had a new high clew headsail made by Jeckells over the winter 2013/14. They discussed details of what I wanted by email and sent sketches of my size options and cost options for different sailcloths. Sail was delivered on time (to Orkney) and set perfectly straight out of the bag and gave the performance I had requested.
I had sent the same enquiry with sizes etc. to a few sailmakers who were advertising at the time and chose Jeckells because they gave the most comprehensive response to my original enquiry.

 

[yoda]

There is a good reason Peter Sanders doesn't advertise - he doesn't need to! Top bloke and top sails.

Yoda

 

[bitbaltic]

To add to the multitude of recommendations for Saunders. They are a) the best sailmakers in Britain and b) the best marine company I have dealt with in 11 years of boat ownership. This thread (and my own experience) is proof enough for me as to why I believe those two things.

i bought a cruise lam suite from Saunders in2013 and they are serviced and stored with them every year. Needless to say the fit and performance of the sails is faultless. Whenever I drop them off I am asked when I want them back and there has never been the slightest quibble, the sails return by courier always beautifully serviced always ahead of time. There is no other sailmaker who can match quality and service. If they can match sanders on cost, good on them but I couldn’t care less. Boats are expensive snd my time is at a premium, sanders square that circle as a sailmaker.

 

[AngusMcDoon]

Was that for your 920? I asked them to quote me, they came back with s quote for a sail that was too small, and didn’t make any further replies.

Yes

 

[TSB240]

To add to the multitude of recommendations for Saunders. They are a) the best sailmakers in Britain and b) the best marine company I have dealt with in 11 years of boat ownership. This thread (and my own experience) is proof enough for me as to why I believe those two things.

i bought a cruise lam suite from Saunders in2013 and they are serviced and stored with them every year. Needless to say the fit and performance of the sails is faultless. Whenever I drop them off I am asked when I want them back and there has never been the slightest quibble, the sails return by courier always beautifully serviced always ahead of time. There is no other sailmaker who can match quality and service. If they can match sanders on cost, good on them but I couldn’t care less. Boats are expensive snd my time is at a premium, sanders square that circle as a sailmaker.

I fully endorse everything said. I gained so much from your purchase as Peter Saunders was able to make an identical perfectly fitting suite 5 years later for a sistership. He was able to offer a substantial discount as he had no need to visit my boat for measurements. He could cut and sew from your details and CAD records.

The price was substantially lower than the same from Goacher.

Despite earlier observations by David I would never commission Boatshed unless Jonathan from JKH was actively involved and I had a watertight TIOTE penalty clause for contract delivery.

 

[Chiara’s slave]

Yes

Looks like I dodged a bullet there then.
I’ve asked Ullman to make my new jib. a very agreeable chap, Rob, came from Hamble to Cowes in acRIB to measure. A thorough job, the sail is due in March. So far very good.

 

[robmcg]

Looks like I dodged a bullet there then.
I’ve asked Ullman to make my new jib. a very agreeable chap, Rob, came from Hamble to Cowes in acRIB to measure. A thorough job, the sail is due in March. So far very good.

Well I had a terrible experience with Ullman (Plymouth) back in 2012. Never again.

 

[Chiara’s slave]

Well I had a terrible experience with Ullman (Plymouth) back in 2012. Never again.

Lets hope they’ve changed over 10 years then. And this is Hamble office. As I say, no complaints so far. They were the only people who actually wanted to measure the boat.

 

[robmcg]

Lets hope they’ve changed over 10 years then. And this is Hamble office. As I say, no complaints so far. They were the only people who actually wanted to measure the boat.

Ultimately the sail fitted, but we didn't half have to jump through hoops to get there. As you say, different office so unlikely to be a repeat offence.

 

[john_morris_uk]

There is a good reason Peter Sanders doesn't advertise - he doesn't need to! Top bloke and top sails.

Yoda

Agree 100%. Our dealings with Pete match everyone else’s. Our current main and Genoa were cut by him. I explained what I wanted and he gave me the options. The sails are a delight. Pete is a delightful man to deal with. He last visited our boat to measure for cutting down our old Genoa as a downwind trade wind sail for poking out. The resultant sail is also excellent.

 

[Tradewinds]

There is a good reason Peter Sanders doesn't advertise - he doesn't need to! Top bloke and top sails.

Yoda

Saw an advert for Sanders in the latest edition of the OCC’s Flying Fish (p104)?

 

[michael_w]

I've had rubbish service from North UK. Jib too long in the luff. Mainsail with the reef cringles too close to the edge so one tore out. Another brand new sail covered in mucky foot prints because they don't ban outside shoes from the loft floor. They just don't care unless you are ordering shedloads.

 

[Chris CJ]

looking at replacing our two season old Kemp main due to furling difficulties , having research I’m considering a crusader maxi plus fully batten in mast furling main , would be pleased to hear of any experience from those sailors who have used the crusader maxi plus’s fully batten main.

Chris

 

[SaltyC]

looking at replacing our two season old Kemp main due to furling difficulties , having research I’m considering a crusader maxi plus fully batten in mast furling main , would be pleased to hear of any experience from those sailors who have used the crusader maxi plus’s fully batten main.

Chris

I ordered one at the Southampton Boat Show a few years ago. Quoted delivery Early the following year - No probs. Phone call delivered in person 4 weeks later on way to Scottish Boat Show, would have personally fitted but wond at 20knots and why fit to stay up over winter.
Also delivered Vectran Genoa Jin (115%).

Early next season all fitted and sailed off ..... Fantastic, the mainaail shape was 'satisfying ' the boat performance much improved, Crusader very helpful when sent a photo of sails suggesting less jib tension - apparently Vectran requires less luff tension?!?!?.

2 years later, sails still immaculate, Boat sailing faster and sails setting satisfactorily. Boat speed much improved.

Furling / unfurling far easier and smoother than with 'old' unbattened main.

Installing the full length battens requires a very calm day - must apply to ALL full vertically battened sails.

Have nothing but praise for delivery, quality and performance of both jib and main.

The Vectran jib trim and sheeting angles took a season to perfect.

 

[Marco64]

How about 16 months to complete running rigging commission :-(

 

[gregcope]

There wasn't even any premium on his prices, in fact he was second cheapest. He was also the only sailmaker who agreed to make what I asked for without feeling the need to persuade me otherwise.

another +1 for Peter Sanders sails. I was also surprised to see he was the 2nd cheapest. I have a main, genoaand statpack.

Good prices, great options, flexible to ideas and options, no pressure, good coms, delivers ontime. One of the best marine companies and people i have dealt with.

 

[DoubleEnder]

Peter Sanders makes great sails, delivers when he says he will, and is a pleasure to do business with