Sailmakers

[AntarcticPilot]

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.

Well, if he had used sails, Jeckells would have supplied them!

But the Ark would have had lousy windward ability - ark simply means box!

 

[DownWest]

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.

We used Jeckells for all the boats built back in the 50's & early '60's, but moved to Rockhall latterly. Not sure why..
Are Ratsey & Lapthorn still about? I have a jib for a Folkboat by them.


Edit: Rockall dissolved in 2022, but R&L racing along..esp in big stuff.

 

[Babylon]

I didn't choose a sailmaker: just continued with Arun because they'd always made the sails for Vancouvers, mine included, so knew the type intimately and produced excellent sails under the direction of Jerry in the loft.

When Ivan retired a youngster took it on, who unfortunately seemed to think it was all about the website and other modern marketing fripperies, and in a trice the deep knowledge and confidence I had previously enjoyed was nowhere to be found.

I then happened upon Crusader by chance: I wanted a stack-pack made and liked both their design and the price. I also like the fact that I know everyone by name, can phone them and enjoy a good blarney as well as discuss the detail of things, and that Poole is no more than a two-hour drive.

Which reminds me... I need to order a new spray-hood!