Banks Sails
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The Thai Navy now have a budget to purchase 3 new Sails for their OK’s. I am researching various manufacturers and bearing in mind all their boats have metal masts mostly Needlespar Black or Blue Top, I was wondering if it is justified going for the current favourite makes. Most of these I believe would be reverting to one of their old designs from a few years ago anyway.
Looking on the web Banks Sails seem to be very competitive price wise. Does any one have recent experience of Banks Sails with respect to quality, performance etc.
Do the current in vogue makes justify up to £200 more on the price?
I just did a quick google on sail makers in Thailand and spotted that Quantum Sails has a loft & I believe they make sails for OK’s – as it would reduce any major shipping costs I would suspect they might be the most affordable option..
Price wise for the Banks – I don’t think it would be beaten by any established UK sail maker.Also I saw than Banks make the sail in 3.8oz material rather than HD Sails / North Sails which I believe use 2.5oz – Guess Banks sail would therefore last longer because of the heavier material…
Thanks Doug but most Sail lofts in Thailand only make Sails for yachts not Dinghies I know that is the case with North who also have a loft here. I have sent an e mail to Quantum to check as I do see on their web that they show some Dinghy classes.
Also the Navy do get Sails made in Thailand for another class of Dinghy so I am pretty sure they wouldn’t be asking me if they were available here
Hi Chris,
Banks OK sails were pretty successful in the metal mast era. They have a different method of measuring the mast bend than is normal today but it enables them to adjust their standard luff curve to suit the mast in question.
The best sails were made from a 3.77 Contender Polypreg material which is no longer available. It was a different construction and a bit firmer than the 3.8 which was then used for Finn sails. I am sure there must be a current fabric which could be an alternative.
If you need any help in contacting them, let me know as they are just up the road from me!
Other sailmakers are available, of course!!
Hugh
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