Chicago Sail Lofts.

[Ralph18414]

Can anyone recommend a good sail loft in the Chicagoland area? I am in northern Alabama but will be headed to Chicago in a week or two. My genny and asymetrical spinnaker could use some work.I thought I saw a thread a while back in which someone gave a reference to a Chicago sailmaker; but, the key words I used didn't work in locating anything useful in the archives.I'd hate to have to rely on the phone book.Thanks

 

[David S.]

Nearby sail loft

While it's not in Chicago, I use Quantum Sails of Racine, WI. They are really friendly people and are not overpriced, in my opinion. In fact, I had to bug them to bill me for last year's winter storage, because they never got around to billing me 262-619-0033 is their number. Our original 1988 Catalina sails are still in great shape under their care.

 

[T J Furstenau]

Chicago Loft - Doyle Sails

My experience with Chicago lofts has me going to Doyle Sails and working with John Baxter. He's a great guy, helpful, friendly, looking to do what's best and right for you, not necessarily what will generate the most revenue for his loft on a specific job. As a result, I keep going back and bringing him more business. He's gotten me an ATN Gale Sail, built a new composite 155% genoa for me, done some seasonal repair/inspects, and repaired some serious spinnaker damage making the sail as good, if not better than it was. Doyle is located just west of downtown, just north of the United Center where the Bulls play.I would do whatever I could to steer you away from U/K Sails in Chicago. I went there first, as my boat originally had U/K sails on it, but they were far from helpful, discouraging to work with, and let's just say I wouldn't go back and would steer my friends away.You can reach John at 312.421.7633, feel free to tell him T J sent you to him.T J

 

[Ralph18414]

Thanks, T.

I'll give John a call.I don't think I want to drive out to Racine, David. But, I'll keep your recommendation in mind if I am forced into the situation of having to ship my sails in for repair.