MacGregorSailors.com

My sailing instructor says my 3.9oz Doyle original sail is stretched and poorly shaped. He is suggesting a 6oz full batten sail with 2 reef points, at BWY that is $1225?. He said stay away from a light skin sail $1300. I have found another sail 6oz with full batten’s for $925 shipped made by Roller Tasker (made in Thailand), but ships from USA.it is an offshore sail. Any input is appreciated

The last sail I purchased (Genoa), I bought from U K Sails
(10 Midland Acenues, Ste M-04
Port Chester NY 10573

I met them at the Annapolis Boat Show.

They make a quality product. I have no idea what the price will be, but I can attest for the quality.

Purchasing something from Asia is risky; not because of the quality, but because of transportation problems world wide.

I ordered a table top tripod from an extremely well known NYC camera store in July. It still has not made it to the store for shipment to me.

I believe the sail ships and is in USA already, I have a few things back ordered now (non boat related). I’ll check that company out. I’m in Southern California and there are several companies here, Doyle, Ullman, North Sails etc. I just have no knowledge of what a good sail is. I believe I want what my Sailing instructor recommended, a 6oz offshore/ cruising sail with full battens / 2 reef points. I want something that will last, and sail great.

I replaced my main sail last summer. I looked pretty hard at the fully battened sails but later realized they wouldn't fit in my MacStack sail bag. I was also told that it was more difficult to raise and douse the fully battened sail due to extra friction in the mast track caused by the battens and the tendency of the battens to snag on the jack lines. After considering all the options, I went with the BWY Coastal Cruising double reef version. (FYI - It's made by Rolly Tasker). The sail is easy to handle and fits in the bag. The reef points are well positioned. BWY had it in stock so there were no supply chain worries, plus I know BWY will provide support after the sale.

What I wasn't expecting is the big difference it made in the handling of the boat, particularly in gusty winds. I really like the position of the first reef and use it quite often. I sail mostly single handed and find that sailing under the first reef is just as fast and is considerably easier to handle when the whitecaps start rolling.

You are correct in going with your instructors recommendations.

I believe Doyle was the stock sail the factory supplied. I sure hope Doyle makes a better sail than that.

P.S. I started a response while Wakataka was posting.

When I said “ You are correct in going with your instructors recommendations.”. I was not aware of Wakataka’s post. He has experience, so add him to your decision process.

P.P.S. UK Sails is an American company which has no connection to the United Kingdom. UK are the initial of an owner, I believe

When I finally pull the trigger on new sails, I'll probably buy from Elliott Pattison sails in Southern California. My 26D has a mainsail and 3 headsails - 87%, 109%, and 150% that were all custom measured and built by the company more than 20 years ago when my dad uncle bought new sails. That mainsail is getting tired but the jibs and genoa are holding strong. Hoping it can get another couple years before replacing the main.

I'll also ask American Cruising Sails in Erie, PA to quote new sails. They are located just a couple miles from my house and have done some great repair work for me.

I believe both of the above sail lofts will make your sails in their own, US based shops.

You may wish to consider where the sail is now. If it's going to be made eaast of California, then it may be a long time getting to the US.

Sheppie62 wrote: ↑Thu Dec 16, 2021 12:51 pm I have found another sail 6oz with full batten’s for $925 shipped made by Roller Tasker (made in Thailand), but ships from USA.it is an offshore sail. Any input is appreciated

Since they are advertising that this is an offshore performance sail, my first question would be the make and model of the sailcloth.

Offshore and performance sails generally use different materials. A performance sail in Dacron should be tri-radial in design with a cloth like Warp Drive. An offshore sail is generally cross-cut and uses a premium cloth such as Marblehead.

If they are using a cloth like Challenge Newport or High-Modulus then it is neither an offshore or performance sail and its overpriced.

By the way, there is no problem with either company. Both have been around for decades.

There is nothing wrong with purchasing a sail built in Asia and there are no shipping delays. The lofts there do not ship by sea. Everything is Fedex priority international.

UK sails was originally Ulmer Sails. It's an old, established company.

Butch Ulmer merged with John Kolius out of Texas and the new company became UK.

PSNA,

I’m going on a quiz show, come with me.

Really, Ray?

The OP was asking for opinions and I provided mine.

And I also replied to your post.

Here is another:

Doyle only made what cheapo Roger would pay for. OEM sailmakers back then were provided an RFP and they bid the job.

You get garbage when you ask for it.

IS there anything else sail-related that I can school you on?

I hope you did not misconstrue my compliment. Seriously, I was impressed.

No worries, Ray.

Apologies for jumping to conclusion.