Third World Sails

[Sailfree]

Has anyone bypassed the allegedly UK call centres called sail lofts and bought direct from a third world country.

What savings did you achieve? Any complications? and the acid test would you do it again?

 

[Cornishman]

The company which advertises at the bottom left corner of YM page 171 have been in business for many years. Give 'em a ring for chapter and verse on imported sails.

 

[Sailfree]

Thanks but really trying to tease out others actual experiences.

 

[jamesjermain]

Not an experience, but a thought.

Buying through a UK loft does mean you have someone in this country to measure beforehand and do the final fit afterards. If you buy direct, you are on your own.

 

[moondancer]

[ QUOTE ]
Not an experience, but a thought.

Buying through a UK loft does mean you have someone in this country to measure beforehand and do the final fit afterards. If you buy direct, you are on your own.

[/ QUOTE ]

I agree with James. Our standard sails come from Quantum South America and are much cheaper than an UK sourced sails. However when we get new sails or racing sails we always buy locally as they measure on the boat. I don't really care where they get them made but the measuring and fitting is very important.

We use Dolphin on the East Coast and they managed to reduce our IRC handicap significantly through careful measurement and a more efficient sail shape.

 

[Cornishman]

OK, but the couple who run this business are well known yachties in the region with their own yacht fitted with their sails. She is also Commodore of a local sailing club.
Comments above will apply to them as well.

 

[Sailfree]

I agree with you James but at what price.

I took that view and bought my last boat in the UK even though it was dearer but my experience of that and the previous 2 new boats is that I would now buy my next boat wherever cheapest eg, France , Belguim etc and sail it back to the UK as a bare boat and then fit it out employing the specialists eg, Radar, Heater Bowthruster myself.

I would always want to support the local company but in asking about sails I am trying to identify at what price. Say £2000 main I think for 3-400 saving buy locally but suposing its a £1000 saving?

BTW it is good to see a knowlegable contributor to YM also so freely impart their knowlege by posting on this Forum. It is appreciated.

 

[Brian_B]

Bought a sock for our cuising chute from these people last year http://www.fareastsails.com/
Excellent prompt service and even with postage it was half the price quoted by several UK lofts.

 

[moondancer]

[ QUOTE ]
I agree with you James but at what price.



[/ QUOTE ]

You pay the money you take the risk - its your choice. If you are confident measuring then great. If you are not and a local company measures then it is their problem if the sails don't fit. You need to assess the risk and make your own choice.

 

[davierobb]

Bought genny from HK sails for £400 and saved about £400/£500. Year later bought main for about £400 and saved £1000. Would prefer to buy local but not at current local prices. Sails are fine and I cant see anything wrong with them. I was concerned about my measurements being correct, if you get them wrong then I would assume that there is no backup.

We only use the boat for cruising so our requirements are less than the recers.

Bottom line saved loads and would do the same again.

 

[Sybarite]

I bought a new sail at a dépôt vente in France for €400. It was slightly too tall but the local sailmaker adjusted it for €80. Beautifully cut too.

John