Mainsail replacement for Cape Dory 27

[freitknecht]

Does anyone have any suggestions about where to get a new mainsail with logo? Also, wondering about whether a footless sail is a good option.

[Jim Walsh]

You'll get lots of recommendations if people know where you are located. It's not mandatory but very helpful. A local sailmaker can visit your boat and make all their measurements before providing a quote. Most sailmakers can use published data to construct a sail but minute differences can make a big difference in the final outcome. It's a big investment so you want it done right the first time.

[tjr818]

freitknecht, where are you located? if you have a nearby loft I would start there. I had a new main made by UKSails in Chicago for our 27. I would definitely go loose footed, in my opinion that will give you far more control over sail shape. We went with the 2+2 batten arrangement. I don't know if that is any better, or worse, that the standard four partial batten arrangement. A lot depends on how you sail, where you sail, and how much you want to spend. Any of the big name lofts will do a good job, but a local loft can give you better service.

[Warren Kaplan]

My Doyle 2+2 loose footed mainsail had a logo on it. Not a complicated or difficult logo to do.

[freitknecht]

The Doyle 2+2 looKS great. I sail in Ithaca on Cayuga Lake, one of the Finger Lakes. No Doyle near by. There are some individuals locally with sail making experience. Don't know how the quality and price would compare.

[jneely]

You will have to go local so the sailmaker can get the measurements exact. I recently got a loose footed main from Doyle and I could not be more satisfied. The sail sets extremely well and I can keep more sail up in windy conditions. More drive and less heeling than with my baggy old main. The loose foot allows the nail to maintain a foil at the boom. Much more efficient.

[freitknecht]

Anyone have any experience with Quantum sails? That is the only loft nearby.

[jneely]

Nope.

[tjr818]

Anyone have any experience with Quantum sails? That is the only loft nearby.

I was going to buy a new genoa from Keith at Quantum sails last year, but our income tax return wasn't what I was hoping for so I didn't. Keith is very knowledgeable about our Cape Dorys. He used to live near the factory and has sailed them often.
I still do not know where you are located, if not near Chicago Keith would still be the one to talk to. Between you, the local Quantum Loft, and Keith I would think they could work things out for you.

Here is his contact info:

Keith Church (KC)
Sails Consultant

Quantum Sails Chicago
524 West 26th Street
Chicago, IL 60605

T: 312.225.0801
M: 312.371.6929
E: kchurch@QuantumSails.com