DaySailer.org Forum

Going through the Daysailor sail makers listed on the site only North and Neil Pryde Websites seem to work, Jotz sails comes up with a site but no contact #'s or e mail addresses.
I'm planning to get a new suit suit of sails for my DS1 but I'm reluctant to spend the amount of money North charges, does any one have experience with some of the other sailmakers and would recommend them?.

Hi Steveb,

Welcome to the Day Sailer Class.

I too, am too cheap to buy Norths. I have been using Jotz for over 16 years and have absolutely no complaints. I have one set of Main and Jib that was built in 1990, used for many Championships, including the 1990 NACR, Given to me, because they were shot (?), and I have been using them for all local racing and regattas, and daysailing. That set of sails still wins many races. I have another set built in 1992, that won the 1997 and 1999 North American Championships. Hank Jotz developed his sails with the aid of the most successful sailor ever in our class, Len Fiock, 6 time NA Champion. And that design is still very very competive. And his sails will continue to preform for many years.

I know that it is 'Awkward' to order sails via mail in this day of Hi-tech.
Hank lives in Northern California in the Coastal Mountians. He has no phone where he lives and works. When he recieves an order, he will either snail mail you, or phone you if he has any questions when he goes to the grocery store. (include your number in the order) His prices reflect his much lower overhead. Hank is a very grass roots guy, and has won National Championships racing in the El Toro class.

Jotz sails are bar none the best value in DS sails available. And even though I can afford to buy from other high end lofts, I race Jotz, because I believe they are the fastest sails availble for the DS.

Disclaimer:
I am not compensated for this endorsment, I pay full price for my sails from Hank Jotz.

Any other questions, feel free to send me a message on this forum.
phill

Phil, thanks for the heads up.

A few weeks ago ordered a set of sails from Hank Jotz, based on the recommendation here. The process was a bit unique -- I can't recall the last time I had to go to the post office to send out an order. However, after I bought the stamps and sent out a letter with a few questions, I got a nice call back the next week and we had a good discussion. That helped a lot since this is my first sail purchase. The sails just came, they look great, and they arrived quite a bit earlier than he had promised, and now all I'm waiting for the first chance to put them to the test on the water.

I'm definitely glad I checked here first and followed the recommendation, instead of just going with one of the larger companies where you can order on the internet.

I too have Jotz sails and love them.