If I may add a personal view on this topic regarding the incorrect measurements used by Kemps.
I feel sorry for those who have had problems with their Kemp sails as, over the years I have had nothing but admiration for the service Kemps have provided to me, however, on this ongoing discussion, which seems to be apportioning some blame to Parkers, let me rise to their defence as I know Bill will not do so.
1 - I can confirm that Kemps have never contacted Parkers for any measurements. Where they obtained their measurements from is anyone's guess.
2 - As to Chis saying
'there also seems to be have been some inaccuracy in the dimensions published by Parker'; if owners look in the 235 manual these dimensions are correct and are the ones Kemps should have used, or been given by anyone ordering a sail from them. If Kemps simply worked from a brochure they were taking a big chance, but then with Chris saying
'We measured our unused Kemp spinnaker and got a luff measurement of 6.74m so I suspect this is one of the sails that Kemp thinks were correct and therefore copied' may at least explain the cause of his (and others) problem.
3 - For every sail I have ordered from Kemps (and there have been quite a few) I have always provided the dimensions I require and have never had a problem. To assume a sail maker has the correct dimension without checking what they are going to use is a recipe for disaster.
6 - Nick says
'I think it is clear that Kemp's sail is much cheaper than P&K's because it is a different sail all together'. Possibly true as Parker and Kay always visit the factory on the appearance of a new boat and take the measurments themselves, to avoid any such problems.
I think this has been a salutary lesson for any other owners intending to order new sails.
Regards
Don Harvey
Web Master