We have had 6 sails made over the years by China Sail Factory. Five were
sold through a loft in
Thailand, in 2007 & 2008. The most recent was
sold in 2016 directly to me with no other sailmaker involved, but this is not generally their policy. These were laminate
racing sails and nylon spinnakers. They were all good sails however the laminate racing sails were shot after 7 years (equal to four seasons) of racing. We won a lot of races in the meantime. The kites are still excellent, look and feel new. We have just taken deliver of a new, high tech, paneled, string,
mainsail. We have yet to use it but it is very nice.
We have also bought a Dacron cruising main from Fareast Sails (2014) and while I had a measurement dispute regarding this sail, which they refused to acknowledge, the sail is still very usable and looks good. But it is cheaply constructed, as you would expect for the rock bottom price.
During this time I also bought cruising sails from North (a number 4 jib) and Local Sails in
Thailand (Ket), (a main and genoa). Ket's sails didn't last, the cloth deteriorated, so it shows that good Dacron is important.
I guess we have bought a lot of sails since we started our world
cruise, and after 55,000 miles and a ton of races along the way we've learned some things.
If you buy directly from a sailmaker in China, (or anywhere
remote from where you are) you are going to be responsible for all the measurements and specifications, and
service will be difficult to come by. You take a risk. But you will save 40-60%. The quality will be good, and high quality cloth is important. They have all the latest stuff in China, you just have to be careful.
Fred Roswold, SV Wings, La Cruz Huancaxtle