Good Sailmaker?

[Dave]

Going to roller furling, wondering if you've any recomendations re sailmakers?  Have been talking with Lidgard Sails-  Thanks for any thoughts-

[s/v Faith]

Dave,

  You are on the West coast right?  I had great luck with Omar Sails out of Beaufort, NC.  I really like the ability to talk to the guy, while I am sitting on my boat to go over the pros and cons of a feature.

  Where are you located?

[AdriftAtSea]

I've used Bierig Sails out of Pennsylvania, and Harding sails, out of Marion Massachusetts.  Both are quite good.

[thistlecap]

Well, darn.  I just tried Vince's numbers and both are disconnected.  I finally tracked him down to learn that he couldn't compete with the Chinese, and had to close his doors.  It's a terrible loss, but the way our economy is going.  I'm leaving my comments on Vince's work as thanks to him, and a note to those who may not yet know he's folded shop.  He says he's referring his customers to UK Sails in Annapolis.

I can give you a five-star, unlimited recommendation for Concord Point Sails, Owner Vince Townrow, 311 St. John St., Havre de Grace, MD, 21078.
Phone: 800-745-0978 or 410-939-2196.  I used a few sailmakers, both domestic and foreign, and then had someone recommend Concord Point.  I've used Vince's sails for around 45 years  He does everything from dinghies to square riggers, and makes a good, quality product at competitive prices.  Most important, while most sailmakers nickle and dime you to death (properly read $500 and $1,000 you to death), Vince feels there are certain things a quality sail should have for long life and to withstand the rigors of hard use, and they should be included as standard.  To give you an idea of how he is, I had him make me a genaker (cruising spinnaker) with two bright flourscent colors of material.  When he sent me the sail, a long tube came with it containing several yards of both materials.  Enclosed was a note: "I don't know when I'd use this material, so hang onto it for any repairs you may need.  No charge."  He doesn't advertise nationally, and last time I checked, he's not on the internet, but he has a loyal following.  He'll do right by you. 

[Dave]

Thanks to you for the referrals-  I'll talk to these folks- 

[cantxsailor]

C&C Sails in Houston is also very good. A bit pricey but their work is top notch. I have had 5 sails for 2 different boats made by them and couldn't be happier..........m

[ThistleCap]

This question was asked a year ago with limited response.  I have the responses below for Bierig, Harding, Omar, & CC, but the question was specifically for roller furling, so I'll ask again for any others with long-standing relationships with a favorite sailmaker.
Concord Point Sails of Havre de Grace, MD was my exclusive sailmaker for 45 years.  They provided sails for dinghies to square-riggers, and at a reasonable price.  Rather than nickel and dime the buyer to death, it was felt that certain things like triple stitching, hand-sewn leathered cringles, tack pennants, etc. were items that should be standard in any well-made sail.  Unable to keep up with the Asian Invasion, Vince finally decided to close his doors.  He sent most of his customers, I understand, to UK Sails in Annapolis.  I?ve never used them, and would be interested in considering other opinions for preferred sailmakers for cruising sails.  Since I now live in Oklahoma, proximity isn?t much of an issue since I?m about as far as one can get from any sailmaker.  Ideas?

[TSchwarck]

I would stay away from Kelly-Hanson.

[JWalker]

I've had great dealings with Wayne at porpoise sailing.

He satarted Atlantic Sail Traders back in the day, sold it and went cruising for a decade.


http://www.porpoisesailing.com/