I am looking for opinions on sails produced by North Sails. My current sail needs extensive repairs and it seems to make more sense to replace. It was in the shop last year also.
Mike Darlington
Tiroc N26
Whitby
My first choice would be Bott’s but he no longer has a loft.
I would canvas all the local lofts to see how many Nonsuch sails they have done and compare prices.
I would also check all major offshore lofts for the same thing.
I have used North Sails before and was quite happy with the result but it never hurts to be able to make an informed and economical decision.
Brian McCuaig. NS30u
Whitby, Ontario
“Having a yacht is reason for being more cheerful than most." -Kurt Vonnegut
Rolley Tasker
I vote for Travis Blaine from Mack Sails in Stuart, Florida. Excellent service, a lovely sail crafted from top-notch materials, all at a very reasonable cost.
Ernie A. in Toronto
I’ll second that, a truly marvelous sail.
Tim in STL
White O’morn NS26U
Harbor Point Yacht Club
West Alton, MO
Just out of curiousity (and for my future reference): I understand we have a deal with Quantum Sails through INA.
Is anyone in a position to compare the merits of their product with Mack Sails and/or others that folks on this and other threads have recommended?
Thanks,
– Bob
Solar Wind
Nonsuch 26C, #143
Hi Mike,
I was most impressed with the radial sail supplied to Jorgen Moller for Pondus 26C 33 by North Sails Toronto. North benefited from having Hans Fough’s loft join the firm. You will get what you pay for so it pays to have a sail that pleases you which will last you for your sailing days. Also it helps to have a local loft for support and advice.
John Newell
Mascouche 26C 1 (standing gaff rig)
Toronto
John,
Why did you choose a radial sail? I am curious about the advantages and disadvantages of a radial sail for a Nonsuch.
Bob Dryer
30 C #170
City Island, NY
Hi Mike
I think the elements of a good sail start with a loft that has a history of making Nonsuch sails and is proximate to where you sail as design parameters change with location. If you need servicing, well Shanghai is a long way. So being close enough to meet the sail maker is worth something. Most sail cutting is done on CAD machines nowadays irregardless who makes it. Assembly is by hand machining. Off shore sails are cheap, but you are on your own if there are issues. They may make sense if you have a Catalina 30 where the sail design is largely out of the box. However our sails are quite unique and unfortunately not every loft gets it right.
Design elements such as material weight, panel cut, batten size, roach, angle of entry, draft and such need to be considered and a good loft will review these elements with you.
One of the deciding factors for Deb and I when we went with Haarstick was they are one of the few lofts that test the cloth before the make the sail and actually reject cloth that does not stand up. As well they have been cutting sails with a CAD cutting machine for decades and was the first loft in North America to make the investment.
Steve Haarstick related to me that lofts at the end of the season are approached by cloth manufacturers unloading of bolts made of “seconds” of material. The cloth is basically out of spec somewhere in terms of weight or construction. Ergo cheap cloth for the loft, discounting time for the loft to fill order books. At the time we purchased the sail it was not the lowest price of the 3 lofts we spoke with, but we are very pleased with the sail and would go the same route next time. The loft was run by Steve Haarstick over this time and they joined the Quantum Group a couple of years ago. It has served us very well for 13 years now!
It is made from Dimension Polyant dacron, with two full battens a slightly larger roach. I was offered two design weights and chose the heavier one as we cruise vs race :). Well, maybe we race if we see another boat 
https://www.dimension-polyant.
Sail making is a craft. Buying a off shore sail will get you a sail. Getting a great sail is a little more complex and will cost you accordingly.
The INA decision to partner with Quantum was based mainly on a long history of the Haarstick Rochester loft selling sails to members
Quantum recently were the sails on two Nonsuch 30’s that placed 1 - 2 in the Lake Huron Mackinaw Race so the race design seems to perform. I think the Quantum loft involved was in Travers City MI
Information on design, materials, prices are best answered by Doug Brunter at their Rochester loft as he co ordinates all the INA production regardless of what Quantum loft is close to you. He can be reached at
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P:(585) 342-5200
Cheers
Thor