Which Sail maker...

onesea

onesea

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We are looking for a quote for a main sail and no 3, for an early 80's 3/4 tonner, Solent based if that makes a difference..

She is used as a cruiser racer often in windier (+15kts) weather short handed (1 or 2 up).

My consideration had been towards a flat main with a good weight of sail cloth along the leach as this is often being chafed by the running backstays.

We would certainly consider the better quality sail cloth to maintain the shape and extend the life of the sail. We have laminate at the moment and the sail life only seems to be about 6-8 years, so thinking Dacron for cost and sail life...

With regards to the number 3:
This is the sail being flown in the first link (not ours but similar). We tend to carry this sail from about 12 knots of wind up to 30 so far! Again we would want a good cloth and cut that maintains its shape and lasts well.

The sail is used in a Toughluff so no requirement for roller furling.

Presently looking for recommendations for sail cloths, cuts and most importantly manufactures.
 
My preferences for a sail cut seem the same as yours; I have always had excellent results from Westaway Sails of Ivybridge, Devon, I always go to them.

Not the cheapest, but I reckon the best value.
 
Sorry, Andy, but as always when you make this recommenndation, I feel the need to balance it by pointing out that several forumites have had problems with exactly the same Westaway Sails of Ivybridge, Devon.

I will not have anything to do with them (after failing to beat many promised delivery dates, not responding to phone calls or emails. All sorted out eventually, but many, many months late, and only after much persistence on my part).
 
I used Banks and liked them. I went to visit and talked about cloth and cut, which helped me understand it all a lot better. So, while I'd recommend Banks, I think it's more important to go and see whichever sailmakers make it onto your short list and get a feel for their recommendations before placing the order. By the way, I think 6 to 8 years out of a set of sails (laminate or otherwise) is pretty good. With laminates, the shape might still be OK after this time. With dacron, I doubt it. On running back stays, I'm just changing mine to Dyneema - less chafe and much lighter.
 
Ben at Shore Sails Swanwick. The more you tell him about the boat and rig setup the more he can help you. Show him if you can get round. He has been instrumental in tuning my boat - looking at everything from keel to trim to rig shape and tension. And my boat is not exactly a racer and I'm no mean sailor either. Plodders is a good description for us - but his advice did make a difference and helped make the sailing experence more pleasurable.
 
I did some research at and around SIBS last year and my shortlist was Arun & Flew. I eventually went with Arun because he makes them on site. You actually get to talk to the bloke with the scissors, which always helps when you want something a bit out of the ordinary.
 
Thanks all have added Sanders to the list although I fear the price :S

Also seeing what hong kong sail makers come in at but there is a gamble...
Plus one or 2 others...
 
Regardless of the sailmaker you choose by the sounds of it you want tri-radial cut dacron.

As for the sailmakers themselves, the biggest difference will be price and the level of customer service. None would get very far if they couldn't cut a decent sail.
 
I would suggest that having one non-roller sail that works from 12mph to 30mph is not the best way to go. If the sail is OK in 30mph then you will be very underpowered at 12mph.
 
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