I have been thinking about investing in a new set of sails (main and jib) for my older Merlins) but wonder where I can find out the actual dimensions to supply to the sailmaker or indeed what dimensions I would have to supply.  The Merlin sails are obviously a different shape at the top of the main compared with many dinghies. I received a quote from a sailmaker in Hong Kong (based on the sail area) which would lead to a set of sails (main and jib) in Dacron - carriage paid to UK - cost of about £250 (+VAT on entering the country).  I thought this was pretty competitive if you were not wanting state of the art Merlin racing sails but obviously the accurate dimensions are important.  If you have any comments about this idea and information as regards dimensions please reply on or off forum and I can give you the address.

Hi Garry,

If you visit the RYA website, www.rya.org, you can download from the technical area a copy of the current class rules, which will give you the principal dimensions, however there is still considerable latitude, particularly on an older boat, for owner selection. There are a couple of key dimensions you need to feed into the equation, one is the L measurement for the main ( the distance from the boom band to the Upper Measurement Band), and the other is the F dimension (from the mast to the Boom Band).

These should be measurable on the spars themselves (ideally) or should be on the measurement certificate.  If you don't have these dimensions you are heading into uncharted territory, and allowing for translation errors from English to Honk Kongese... well you can imagine!

If you have these dimensions, and can let me have them, I am sure we can come up with something as a starting point.  None of this is to decry the abilities of the Hong Kong sail maker - any of the principal UK sailmakers would need the same info....

GGGGGG

My sailmaking background had me  connected to overseas & Hong Kong manufacturing. In our case we speced/designed the sails here then sent off info for build. now this is great for your average cruiser sails but I'd be concerned over a one off set of Merlin sails. I think the way ahead would be to try the british sailmakers around when your boat was built Macnamara,No1,Banks,etc Dick Batt specifically notes he has design's for older boats see if he'll do a deal in old money. As a differant approach try looking around for a small keen up&coming sailmaker that might be keen to get involved, dealing with someone close by if theres a problem could save time & money in the end.
   Best of Luck Barry (blisful in the knowledge that I can still make my own sails when I feel the need! sorry)

Importing sails: one warning, I importaed a rig a coupla years ago. Its not plus VAT, it plus Vat and plus import duty, and IIRC the import duty exceeded the VAT.

Hasn't Mervyn Allen had new sails on Kate?

Might be worth contacting him if you want "authentic" vintage sails.