New sails

I'm thinking about replacing the sails on my 2001 Hanse 301. The current main and self-tacker are the original ones, the genoa not much more recent. We use the boat for cruising with young children, but also for racing. I'd be interested in any views/advice (especially ones that don't break the bank!)

Taylor wrote: Huw (Bitbaltic) and I have both bought sails from Peter Saunders.  I settled on the same genoa 117% and main set up as Huw had purchased maybe a year or two earlier using cruising laminate. I very rarely used the self tacking track with the old original east sail as I preferred the extra off wind performance with a 125% genoa which was a black laminate that finally succumbed to UV.  It is possible to reef the Saunders genoa down and use it as a self tacker but I prefer to keep full genoa and reef the main. The main is loose footed fully battened with 3 reefs. I find I can hold full sail in up to 18 knots. First reef goes takes you up to 25 knots. Third reef untested so far!  Performance is way better and ability to control sail shape with fully battened rig is a major plus. I only had to provide Peter with two measurements and the sails fitted like a glove. Peter will listen to your requirements and  I think will offer you both a very good price and a high quality sail. I beat him up a bit as he basically had the cad design and template paid for by Huw!  Steve.

I have used Flew Sails in Porchester (www.flewsails.co.uk) for years including a new racing main for Hobo back in 2014 and genoa in 2017, plus repairs to various sails over the years (Spinnaker being a favourite to rip, I've ripped it on a Saturday racing, dropped it in his shed for repairs then picked it up from the shed the next Friday in time for the next race).  I've always found Mark (the owner) to give good service and prices.  He went onto the boat to measure up so he could confirm all the measurements (we are in Gosport so not that far from him), then came out in his RIB to see how the sails looked on our first sail and gave us a few tips.  I've been very happy with the sails we bought from him.  He was keen to discuss what we wanted and how we would use them, and then provide options and recommendation.  I used to use a large Genoa but often found I was over-powered so I went for just over 100% (can't remember the exact size) which works well in a range of conditions. I'm told by other skippers that Kemp Sails at Gosport are also good.