Hi all. I'm looking at ordering a main from Directsails.com based in Hong Kong and I was curious to see if anyone here has had experience with these guys. The price off them is close to half of what my local sail maker is asking for at $4700.

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saltiest1 said..
Hi all. I'm looking at ordering a main from Directsails.com based in Hong Kong and I was curious to see if anyone here has had experience with these guys. The price off them is close to half of what my local sail maker is asking for at $4700.

I would suggest getting a quote from Tony Bull, Galatea on this forum. He is an agent for Hyde Sails now. Hyde sails are made in the Philippines.

^^^So the deal is that regardless of your 'sail maker', the sail is made in Asia... Somewhere.
The only difference being is that if there's an issue, do you want to deal with Asia yourself, or do you want to to go through a 3rd party???

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Toph said..
^^^So the deal is that regardless of your 'sail maker', the sail is made in Asia... Somewhere.
The only difference being is that if there's an issue, do you want to deal with Asia yourself, or do you want to to go through a 3rd party???

That's exactly how it works. It's unlikely to be a problem but if there is the local sailmaker would handle the job.

Direct Sails as the name implies are the "direct to public" offshoot of Cliffside Sails. They are based in Hong Kong and spruik for work amongst the sailmakers.They were at one stage linked to Precision Sails, an online loft who tender out each order to various manufacturers, I occasionally get entreaties from them and even priced a few sails just for interest. But I was very sceptical of their sailmaking background and their gallery of sail shots did not fill me with enthusiasm.
If you would like a price from me, please PM me with details.

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Toph said..
^^^So the deal is that regardless of your 'sail maker', the sail is made in Asia... Somewhere.
The only difference being is that if there's an issue, do you want to deal with Asia yourself, or do you want to to go through a 3rd party???

There are still quite a few lofts that make their own sails in Australia, and some people are willing to pay the difference to get exactly what they want with the after sales service when needed.
Most problems with ordering sails from overseas is in the measuring of the boat.

Try and support a local sailmaker if you can.

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stray said..

Most problems with ordering sails from overseas is in the measuring of the boat.

Most complaints I've heard about overseas sails are about 'fit' rather than about the quality. If you're measuring up your own boat, it's a bit rough to blame an overseas loft.

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Galatea said..
Direct Sails as the name implies are the "direct to public" offshoot of Cliffside Sails. They are based in Hong Kong and spruik for work amongst the sailmakers.They were at one stage linked to Precision Sails, an online loft who tender out each order to various manufacturers, I occasionally get entreaties from them and even priced a few sails just for interest. But I was very sceptical of their sailmaking background and their gallery of sail shots did not fill me with enthusiasm.
If you would like a price from me, please PM me with details.

I'd be stoked to get a price off you. I'll measure up once back from work in a few weeks time as I've only had ballpark figures so far. Thanks.

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troubadour said..
Try and support a local sailmaker if you can.

Have for a long time but with 2 new sails, freezer and another big ticket item on its way, it's getting tight.

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Toph said..

stray said..

Most problems with ordering sails from overseas is in the measuring of the boat.

Most complaints I've heard about overseas sails are about 'fit' rather than about the quality. If you're measuring up your own boat, it's a bit rough to blame an overseas loft.

Yes exactly! Also misunderstandings of terminology used can come into play.

sometimes terminology can be very misleading?


sometimes simple terminology like luff and leech can be confusing?

Another option is is the Sydney based Sail Exchange. If they have a 8/10 or 9/10 sail in your size, could be very effective. The owner can be helpful and they claim 100% money back if the sail doesn't fit, eliminating measuring risk.
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