Sailmakers

[zoidberg]

There's always a whole lot of recommendations..... but how do YOU choose a sailmaker?

 

[AntarcticPilot]

There's always a whole lot of recommendations..... but how do YOU choose a sailmaker?

Price, reputation and I like to support local industry.

 

[john_morris_uk]

I used to go local but a friend pointed me in the direction of a sailmaker who doesn’t advertise because he doesn’t need to. Pete Sanders. Sanders Sails, Lymington. Never looked back. He’s cut me two mains and two genoas (different boats) and recut another genoa for a downwind sail for our transatlantic.
You can talk to him and he understands exactly what you are trying to do and comes up with very sensible solutions.
Brilliant. No complaints. Price is competitive. What’s not to like.

 

[flaming]

I used to go local but a friend pointed me in the direction of a sailmaker who doesn’t advertise because he doesn’t need to. Pete Sanders. Sanders Sails, Lymington. Never looked back. He’s cut me two mains and two genoas (different boats) and recut another genoa for a downwind sail for our transatlantic.
You can talk to him and he understands exactly what you are trying to do and comes up with very sensible solutions.
Brilliant. No complaints. Price is competitive. What’s not to like.

Whilst I've sailed a lot of miles under Sanders sails, and fully agree that he is a great sailmaker, they definitely do advertise.

 

[mrming]

I’ve bought a lot of sails over the years, mostly for racing. I would say the most important things are:

- Getting sail designs and materials that are fit for your purpose
- Really measuring properly

Most lofts can make a sail well once the above is in place. If you’re not 100% confident in measuring and knowing what designs you want, a local sailmaker is worth their weight in gold. If you know exactly what you’re doing, you can shop around for the best price and service.

 

[Boathook]

I used to go local but a friend pointed me in the direction of a sailmaker who doesn’t advertise because he doesn’t need to. Pete Sanders. Sanders Sails, Lymington. Never looked back. He’s cut me two mains and two genoas (different boats) and recut another genoa for a downwind sail for our transatlantic.
You can talk to him and he understands exactly what you are trying to do and comes up with very sensible solutions.
Brilliant. No complaints. Price is competitive. What’s not to like.

Both my sails are from Saunders Sails. I used to use Quay Sails at Poole but the owner retired / sold up and I wasn't particularly impressed by the new "owner". Both are local to the boat so I got them to measure to make sure that any size issue wasn't my problem.

 

[johnalison]

For my current boat I have used both Kemp and One Sail. Both gave good advice and good sails but the process was that much easier dealing with the local firm, One Sail, who also came to the boat to measure it. So, my answer is that choice is mainly based on reputation and proximity.

 

[Tranona]

Sails are almost a commodity now that most use the same software for design and cutting and have access to the same fabrics, so the differentiator is mostly service related or price.

 

[[70521]]

Somebody local who will sit with a coffee and talk to their customer.

Also useful for quick repairs should the need arise.

 

[Caladh]

Word of mouth from like boat owners. Again Sanders can be recommended. Imho

 

[Jonny A]

For me, the original choice was pretty easy as Sanders (yes, them again!) are the well-known go-to for Contessa sails. But their quality, price and level of service have all been excellent and easily explain why they're so popular.

 

[Chris CJ]

We replaced the main and Genoa with Kemp sails , the Genoa has been well made , unfortunately the in mast furling main , would not furl properly , regrettably kemp wouldn’t accept that the sail had been poorly made. Rather than take them to court , took it on the chin to avoid stress and to carry on sailing , we had a replacement by Crusader Sails in Poole , furls and sets beautifully. So pleased with Crusader, I ordered a code zero , just waiting for the coming season to use it.
From my poor experience and service received from Kemp, I could not and would not recommend them.

 

[TiggerToo]

Agreed on Local, with a great reputation and an attention to the customers' wishes and needs.

My shout goes to SKB Sails (Penryn)... been with them for over 10 years (2 genoas, and one main) and they are truly great. One of the big regrets about having had to emigrate away from Falmouth was the increased distance from them.

 

[Concerto]

Find out where your sails are to be cut, assembled and finished. Personally I would avoid any that use cutting and finishing in the Far East as you will find it difficuclt to get any adjustments made if they are not correct when made. I have used Kemps and they sent out a measurer, turned out to be my nephew who was racing TP52's at the time. Using a local sailmaker has a lot of benefits and knowing your local one can be very useful. In Kent I can recommend Wilkinson Sails as I have got to know the owner before I have visited on a number of occasions for some minor repairs.

Your next question will be what sail cloth and cut. An even bigger can of worms to understand.

 

[The Q]

I too use a local sailmakers, Jeckells, I know a few people who work there and used to race against ( and loose to ) Chris Jeckells.

 

[TiggerToo]

Your next question will be what sail cloth and cut. An even bigger can of worms to understand.

And that where a conversation with your local, trusted, sailmaker is key. Long may they remain in business

 

[UK-WOOZY]

Find out where your sails are to be cut, assembled and finished. Personally I would avoid any that use cutting and finishing in the Far East as you will find it difficuclt to get any adjustments made if they are not correct when made. I have used Kemps and they sent out a measurer, turned out to be my nephew who was racing TP52's at the time. Using a local sailmaker has a lot of benefits and knowing your local one can be very useful. In Kent I can recommend Wilkinson Sails as I have got to know the owner before I have visited on a number of occasions for some minor repairs.

Your next question will be what sail cloth and cut. An even bigger can of worms to understand.

Cindy is an absolute star

 

[RunAgroundHard]

..... but how do YOU choose a sailmaker?

A combination. Price was important when I changed the main and furling genoa and the interaction with the sailmaker.
Now, for individual sail replacements local sailmaker based on interaction and convenience. Later, on pension income, price will be a significant component on selection as I sort of understand now what I want and need for cruising. I hope to still use local as my first choice.

 

[AntarcticPilot]

I too use a local sailmakers, Jeckells, I know a few people who work there and used to race against ( and loose to ) Chris Jeckells.

Living near Ely, Jeckells are also my local sailmaker - at least, there are none closer! I have used Advantage Sails a nd been very happy with the results, but that was for a sprayhood! But Jeckells probably sold sails to Noah, and although they won't set the world on fire, they make good sturdy sails, do their own measuring and modify designs to meet customers' situations.

 

[TiggerToo]

Living near Ely, Jeckells are also my local sailmaker - at least, there are none closer! I have used Advantage Sails a nd been very happy with the results, but that was for a sprayhood! But Jeckells probably sold sails to Noah, and although they won't set the world on fire, they make good sturdy sails, do their own measuring and modify designs to meet customers' situations.

According to all the information I have (aka all those Sunday School images we were brainwashed with), Noah left his sails deep in the ark's locker. I never saw anything flappy on deck: just the occasional pair of giraffe necks and elephant trumps.