Firstly, I have no axe to grind with Hyde.
However, I feel their sails are relatively expensive (and I went direct, not via yard) for relatively ordinary sails. Indeed, in some respects they are a bit "cheap and nasty", corners being cut...imho...see below.
My BRe original sails has seen maybe 4 trips before I purchased the boat?
Replacements. I went to a local guy, He also made new sails for my BC26. (currently unavailable, as working overseas. When he returns, I'm planning a semi battened, proper roller reefing jib. Although my original 10 yo Hyde roller reefer on the BC26 is still reasonable).
I'm sure you'd do better to do similar?
Maybe someone near your location (where?) will be able to recommend? You will also then get access to some aftersales service/support, which can be very important.
My original BRe Hyde jib was a very poor cut...imho...WAY too full, impossible to flatten in strong winds (and I don't mean "roller-reefing" like the BC26). First thing I did was change halyard to dyneema, this helped, but could not eliminate the bellying in stronger winds. The Anti UV strip disintegrated in <2 yrs, with very little use. Had to be renewed (£100).
I had made a BRe "race jib", semi battened, non furling and some 1.2 m2 larger (longer luff, as no furler, and slightly bigger overlap) than the original Hyde. This had a cunningham too. Appx £500 in 2019, I think. This was cheaper than a standard Hyde jib (which I retained for cruising), and the new jib transformed the boat upwind. A bit of a faff to fit on the Bre, as the furled jib needed to be removed, or at least dropped and stowed, but I managed. Sail sold with boat.
Had I kept the BRe, I would have also renewed my somewhat too-full mizzen, and perhaps added some battens...Salcombe Yawl style.
Hyde BRe main. Their "contract", off-the-roll, battens are total rubbish (same cr@p was found fitted in my original BC26 sails, all since replaced too, but in this case the 10 year old main was, not unreasonably, worn out). I changed to tapered epoxy battens, £175 ish? For BRe.
I also got a proper cunniham point fitted, with the sail reinforced appropriately. Allowed a meaningful amount of purchase to be applied, allowing full cunningham, quickly/easily with one hand.
Both of which made a massive difference to a very average Hyde BRe main sail.
Others have had a "lens" type foot on their replacement main, as the Hyde straight foot looks a bit mean?
Added 24/01. Forgot to add...a BC20 owner near me had a new self tacking jib made by Sailshape sailmakers at Lostwithiel. I believe they also have a loft in Poole. Results were reported as good, and price competitive, I understand?
