Very happy with my new Ratsey and Lapthorn mainsail.

[NealB]

As the season draws to its traditional close (or does it? Our local forecasts look pretty good for the next couple of weeks), I thought I might put in a favourable word for Ratseys, who, in the spring, supplied us with a beautiful new mainsail for our Westerly Falcon 35

I dealt mainly with Steve Meakin, who is clearly a man of great knowledge and experience, and who seems to be a thoroughly all round good bloke.

The sail is truly a thing of great beauty, and has given a noticeable improvement to our sailing performance (compared to the original 1989 sail, also supplied by Ratseys).

Delivery was on time, the cost was good, communication was excellent. Absolutely no hassles whatsoever, at any time.

If you're thinking of new sails for next year, I can very happily recommend that it might be worth giving Steve a ring.

Of course, I write only as a very satisfied customer.

 

[Scotsailor]

Sounds like an advert

 

[NealB]

Sounds like an advert

I assure you it's an independent, and unsolicited, recommendation.

I have absolutely no connection with Ratseys whatsoever, other than as a very happy customer.

 

[doug748]

Good man.

Was it expensive?

 

[NealB]

Good man.

Was it expensive?

Hmmmm .... It all depends!

I got cheaper quotes, I got more expensive quotes.

I opted for a higher quality cloth, in the hope that the sail will keep its shape for longer.

So .... I'd say it was 'competitively' priced for the quality of materials, workmanship and general level of service.

 

[JumbleDuck]

The name "Ratsey and Lapthorn" alone is redolent of so'wester hats, moustaches, cork life jackets, bronze fittings and desperate doings amongst the Friesian Islands.

 

[NealB]

The name "Ratsey and Lapthorn" alone is redolent of so'wester hats, moustaches, cork life jackets, bronze fittings and desperate doings amongst the Friesian Islands.

Indeed.....for me, that is (almost) enough in itself, Carruthers.

They do make sensationally beautiful sails for traditional boats (as well more run of the mill marques).

Steve Meakin himself has a wonderful, engineless, yawl, about 130 years old (that's his boat, not him).


Right... Just orf to fire up the no. 3 Rippingille.

 

[NealB]

On the subject of sailmakers' names......

Back in the early 70's, I tried, in vain, to get Eddie Hyde (then half of Musto & Hyde), to merge with Jeckells.

 

[Cockaigne]

On the subject of sailmakers' names......

Back in the early 70's, I tried, in vain, to get Eddie Hyde (then half of Musto & Hyde), to merge with Jeckells.

Permit me to fetch Sir's coat.

 

[ashtead]

I thought Westerly only sailed with hanked on Ratsey sails. They used to have a lovely loft in Cowes I recall but no doubt long gone.

 

[NealB]

I thought Westerly only sailed with hanked on Ratsey sails. They used to have a lovely loft in Cowes I recall but no doubt long gone.

Our 1989 built Falcon sails very happily with her Ratsey genoa on a Furlex furler.

Their loft in Cowes is, indeed, a lovely building. I think they also have a loft at Newport.