Sailmaker Services

[Mark Burrows]

I've never bought new sails and would like to know what working with a sailmaker is like. If I walk into your shop and say, "I have an old mainsail that looks like it came with the boat when it was built in 1992. I'd like to replace it." What should a good sailmaker do?Markdb

 

[Bill Colombo]

Sailmaker Due Diligence

Mark, The first thing I do is ask you a set of questions that will give me a good idea what type and frequency of sailing you do. Racing or cruising, day sailing or blue-water etc. This will help me recommend the type of sail that will best match your needs. We would go over the specifics of the proposed sail in terms of material, batten configuration, reefs(1,2, or 3?, sail numbers,etc. and answer any questions you might have. Once we have agreed on a price I assemble all the information I need to build you the perfect sail. I like to go to the boat and get a fresh set of measurements. If the boat is not available you can use the old sail as a basis for the new one. We then design and build the sail. If possible I also like to install the sail to make sure that everything fits just right.Thanks, Bill ColomboDoyle Sailmakers

 

[BILL ROBB]

SAIL SIZE

In the 4 seasons of sailing that I've done with my O'DAY 30, I believe that the mainsail is too small for the boat. I had the idea to purchase a longer boom and increase the sail's area in that way. With a full roach I would increase my mainsail area by over 100 sq. feet. Do you see any problems with this idea? Why? Thanks! Bill on STARGAZERp.s. I've bought DOYLE and they are the BEST!

 

[Tim11435]

Sail Size

Bill,Since I am originally from Detroit Area, I am aware of the prevailing light winds on Lake Erie in the summer, and the desire for more sail area on those light days. You would not be the first person to add a longer boom to increase sail area. However, the addition of much more roach may result in the battens not being able to clear your backstay.Just going to a longer foot without adding roach will not necessarily improve performance. Roach is required for an elliptical shape in the top of the main. The ellipse is more important to performance than just more sail area down low.Many older boats were originally designed with high aspect mainsails(Short foot to luff ratio)for racing rules and to get the elliptical shape up high without overlapping the backstay.You might want to discuss this with your local sailmaker to determine the best way to gain sail area and/or performance.