Sails from Hong Kong

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capt_courageous

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Hi
Do you have any experience of FarEastSails of Hong Kong. I have just had what seems like a very reasonable quote for a main sail but I suppose I am a bit worried about the unknown.
 
previous comments (and indeed magazine articles) tend to suggest that the sails from China (cant talk about this specific company) are cut OK and of reasonable material. They do however skimp on the quality and quantity of the sewing, and add ons such as batten pockets, reef points, UV strip, leach lines, tell tales etc.
 
Had a quote from HKsails in Hong Kong (where else?)
1/3 of current market price in Italy for Spinnaker as well as for Gennaker.
More courageous friend ordered it, got it in a 3 week established time and says the Gennaker seems of good manufacturing (nylon tissue being by U.S. Du Pont.
Cheers,
Gianenrico
 
I bought a mainsail from Hong Kong sail makers (made in HK, UK firm based in Saltash) and it is great. Triple stitched, 2 reefing points, 4 battens (with velcro closure), leechline all included. The only point I would ask for would be 2 slides on the headboard. They were open to some negotiation as I was able to collect (from Saltash, not HK). Also bear in mind I am no racer - Westerly Griffon!
 
Truth is that many of the uk makers are now sourcing from China especially spinnakers and cruising chutes -thats from the horses mouth -I've just got one via leading uk maker and its excellent, got their name and guarantee on it as well! Ask your uk maker where it will come from....Personally, I buy local the instant repair service and goodwill is brilliant......agree with sailorman
 
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Bought a mainsail from HK sails about 5 years ago. Probably the least stressfull purchase of an individually manufactured boat bit I have ever made. Arrived on time, good quality, great price, fits. In fact nothing to complain about at all.

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Ditto that but for last year. Every time this subject comes up on the forum you get the same replies - service and quality from HK Sailmakers was excellent. There is nothing wrong with the service or quality from the UK sailmakers either, but they charge 3 times as much. Either they have to invest in some high tech manufacturing procedures to reduce the wage bill or face more and more business going to the Far East. If the history of UK manufacturing is anything to go by, my bet is that they won't.
 
Ditto - Ordered a main from HK Sailmakers, only one outing so far, and it seems well cut and well put together. No skimping on tell tales, battens, or reefing points.
 
Bought several sails from Rolly Tasker in Phuket - quality is equal if not superior to Aussie sailmakers. Lots of stitching, reinforcing etc, and the hand work around leather is superb. I wouldn't buy racing sails that wasy, but for Dacron, they win hands down on price everytime.
 
Thanks guys
I am now building up to ordering a mainsail. I don't know why I should worry since most of the stuff I buy these days seems to come from China, seems to work - and is cheaper as well.
 
Hi Capt Courageous

Been in hkg for about 5 years now and was interested to see what the forum thought. Hong Kong sails only meet with criticism when in comes to designing sails for boats.....if you can supply your measurements or sails to copy they make a bloody good product both in cruising and mid-range racing sails. The way i would liken it is to buying a suit off the shelf or tailor made.....if you buy the right size suit it will look as good as a tailor made one....and you dont need to pay the tailor.

Other options, Rolly Tasker in phuket and Hyde sails.....you might be able to get them cheaper by dealing direct with the factory...in the philipines. they cant be that bad, as most of the Neil PRyde yacht sails are made there.
 
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