New main sail and jib?

Submitted by Canmod on Fri, 08/16/2024 - 18:41

Forums:

Hi,

I'm searching around for new sails. So far, only two options for me: TridentUK and a kit from Sailrite in the US. I'm in Ottawa, Canada, with my Mirabelle, 47776, and my sails were the ones from Jeckells. I guess they were brought over from the UK.

Can anyone suggest either a loft that makes them in North America, or somewhere to buy the sailcloth to DIY a set?

Thanks. Andrew.

PuffinInTegel's picture

PuffinInTegel

Fri, 08/16/2024 - 20:21

If the prices don't exceed your finances, get a set of "club" sails from Trident.
I decided to retire my old mainsail about a week before I was due to go on a "Jollenflottille" meeting in 2013 and ordered one from them. It was delivered to my doorstep by mail within 6 days of placing the order and has served me well ever since.
If I divide the price of the mainsail by the service life of my old mainsail ( > 30 years, gone baggy but still sailable) it works out at ~ 12 GBP/annum.
There must be other companies as well, though.
Who supplies the South African, Australian and Japanese Mirrorists ?

Cheers;
Gernot H.

Canmod

Mon, 08/19/2024 - 21:37

Thanks Gernot - I've ordered other parts through Trident, so it may come to that. I have no idea who is making Mirror sails outside of the UK yet. I'm tempted to corner the North American market with making my own...

PuffinInTegel's picture

PuffinInTegel

Sun, 09/01/2024 - 16:10

There is always the hope that competition enlivens the market.
Whereas there are restrictions concerning who can make Mirror dinghies, I am not aware of any restrictions regarding sails and fittings etc.
Maybe one of our Forum members can find time to research all commercial sources of Mirror dinghies and parts. Perhaps in co-operation with the members of other Mirror-related web sites. I just tried looking up "sailmakers" on the UK class association site and received an error message (https://www.ukmirrorsailing.com/index.php?option=com_weblinks&view=categ...) so Martin Egan is facing the same problems.
Keeping these web sites running is real work and we could use a few volunteers to help.