New Sails for Somewhat unique boat

[coldfish]

Hi,

I just bought a 1968 Alden Pilothouse (https://www.aldenpilothouse32.com/) and I'm thinking about getting some new sails for it. The thing is, there weren't very many made, of the ones made, only half were "sloops", the rest were Ketch.

And, I've been thinking that it would be nice to have the jib be a bit larger.

So, how does one best calculate what will be the best size and shape? I know you can order a lot of things online, but I really don't know where to start with this. Anyone have any experience in this?

Thanks,

-dan

[Nicholson58]

Have a sailmaker visit the boat and take measurements and talk to you about the boat and your goals. SF is a breezy place I’m told. You may want to be a bit conservative on the head sail. We upsized our Genoa for the Great Lakes standard low summer winds. Now we sail the eastern Caribbean. Wind is almost always way forward and 15-22. Our go to sail is the cutter jib. 130 Genoa is hardly ever out.

[Don C L]

I don't know the sailmakers up there but I know a couple of good folks down here in Santa Barbara area that would be able to answer your questions well. I second what Nicholson said; find a local sailmaker with a good reputation there to come and take a look, I am willing to bet SF has quite a few! Check ads in Latitude 38 too.

Wow, what a beautiful classic!

[sail sfbay]

There are a lot of sail makers in the SF Bay. As already said recommend consulting with them. I just received a quote for new sails on my 2005 Hunter 46 from UK Halsey in Alameda, who was the original sail manufacturer, and Quantum in Point Richmond, where I berth the boat.

[gamayun]

Suggest contacting Dominic at Marchal Sailmakers in Alameda. He specializes in recutting used sails and jibs are good for that. If he can't do it for some reason, he can probably suggest someone near you who can.

Congrats, too, on your new boat! She's a beauty with all that wood.