New sails...recommend a sailmaker?

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Michael4
Posts: 504
Joined: Fri Jan 03, 2014 5:25 pm
Location: West Sussex

New sails...recommend a sailmaker?

Post by Michael4 »

From two 'local' sailmakers I've had quotes for a main to the same spec that differ by almost a couple of hundred quid. I've double checked but it makes me wonder...

Perhaps I should be looking further than well known names on the South Coast.

I'm after a new set good for 'competitive cruising' for my aged Tideway, my current sails were freebies from Neil a few years back.

Any suggestions or recommendations?

OK, so perhaps I have become a member of the CVDA...
Tideway 206
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Sold the 'Something bigger and plastic', it never got used.
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neil
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Re: New sails...recommend a sailmaker?

Post by neil »

http://www.rjsails.co.uk made me a very nice set of Tideway sails
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Pat
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Re: New sails...recommend a sailmaker?

Post by Pat »

Mike McNamara http://mcnamara-sails.co.uk/
he's been in the business for many years so knows the older designs and asks all the questions about mast type and crew weight and planned use etc.
Our new Albacore sails are lovely.
(Half Cut and What a Lark Removals Ltd)
davidh
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Location: Ventor Isle of Wight

Re: New sails...recommend a sailmaker?

Post by davidh »

Another loft well used to making classic sails is Banks at Park Gate (just to the east of Southampton) - still family run and employing sailmakers who learnt their trade on cotton!

D
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Rupert
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Re: New sails...recommend a sailmaker?

Post by Rupert »

Morgan sails have made my last 3 Minisail sails, and they are beautifully built.
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davidh
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Re: New sails...recommend a sailmaker?

Post by davidh »

Certainly if I was looking for sails for a single hander, Ian Morgan would be high on my list too.

In the end, you pay your money and take your choice, but I'd want someone who would actually be making the sails and you could go and talk to.

d
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PeterV
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Re: New sails...recommend a sailmaker?

Post by PeterV »

I don't think RJ sails are still operating. I couldn't get any response from them last year.
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jules22
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Location: Gloucestershire

Re: New sails...recommend a sailmaker?

Post by jules22 »

+1 for R&J , he is still there and mended all the club cadet sails for me earlier this year, good job and reasonable price. 8)
Michael4
Posts: 504
Joined: Fri Jan 03, 2014 5:25 pm
Location: West Sussex

Re: New sails...recommend a sailmaker?

Post by Michael4 »

I've asked them all...and trying to make sure the quotes are like for like. R&J are still there and I now remember he made some very good sails for a Longboat of mine some years ago.

Extraordinary range of prices, mentioning no names...from £380 to £706.
Tideway 206
11+
Sold the 'Something bigger and plastic', it never got used.
Nessa
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Re: New sails...recommend a sailmaker?

Post by Nessa »

Morgan Sails made the full size sail for Aggie. Fantastic quality. I will get the Genoa from them too.
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