Jano and the rest of the folks at Downwind are very knowledgeable and helpful. As a bonus they are all nice too!

Everyone is always so nice when I shop. I've been able to find exactly what I was looking for.

This review was during the Covid-19 pandemic with information from visits prior. I have to give Downwind Marine/Sailing Supply and Neal Schneider a nod and 5 stars for all they help they gave us in trying to get a Water Fixer water filtration system for a boat. I emailed with Neal but we got mixed up with numbers and ordered a 12 instead of 110 volt system. They were able to correct it and get the right system in. All this during covid pandemic was done easy and with great results. I love the Water Fixer and have used on our previous boat for 5 years with wonderful results. Downwind Marine/Sailing Supply are the dealers for Water Fixer which I recommend highly. The Water Fixer water filtration has 3 stages with 2 filters and a UV filter. It provides boats and homes great tasting and safe water. "San Diego Marine Exchange has provided quality marine products since 1950 and parent company of Downwind Marine (est. 1976) and Sailing Supply (est. 1972). The three stores make up a complete chandlery dedicated to finding you the right equipment and supplies at the right price to meet your vessel's cruising, racing, maintenance or safety requirement." I have been coming to Downwind Marine since 2008 and have always had great service from their wonderful staff. I highly recommend Downwind Marine/Sailing Supply. I will definitely go back to the store! Thanks to the team!! read more

Sailing Supply - Downwind Marine - Boat Parts & Supplies Near Me - San Diego, California

A real sailors store for all your sailboat needs, knowledgeable staff with years of experience, in store rig shop for repairs or new halyards etc. read more

Sailing Supply - Downwind Marine - Cordage - Boat Parts & Supplies Near Me - San Diego, California

Undoubtedly one of the best chandleries for sailors that my partner and I have ever had the pleasure to shop. The store is deceivingly large, staffed by knowledgeable boaters, extremely well-merchandised, and offers an extensive inventory, including an amazing selection of hardware. The product range includes must-haves for racers and offshore cruisers for both the boat and the sailor. They also offer most of our preferred brands from around the world. Since we don't live local, I'll be keeping Downwind Marine's number on speed dial! read more

Sailing Supply - Downwind Marine - Excellent Shackle Selection - Boat Parts & Supplies Near Me - San Diego, California

I've reviewed these guys before. I just can't say enough good things about this group of people. Friendly, helpful and know what their talking about. 10stars read more

SAILING ACCESSORIES what can I say, I'm an accessories type of gal. I'm overdue for some real sailing gloves because workout gloves no longer cut it - especially in more aggressive winds. I saw on their website a variety of sizes and brands for sailing gloves - not sure what fits best without trying them on. When I arrived I asked to be shown the sailing gloves collection and was asked if they were for me. Yup they are (I know, I know, I look far from being a sailor). They had a variety (short finger, long finger, men's, women's, Junior's, different colors, different brands). I chose the Harken in Junior's Large short finger in pink!!! Since they were Junior gloves they were cheaper than the adult gloves. I received a generous small discount as well at the register. Great customer service. Went sailing the next day with those gloves and it made a world of a difference. Very comfortable, no rope burns, great protection. Will be back for more items in the future... read more

Great selection and expert advice. First time catamaran owner and was able to get parts to repair my boat and advice on how to do repairs correctly. read more

From the first time we went into Downwind to buy some new battens for the parents sail we were greeted with helpful support and service. They even cut them for us on the spot. Now that we have a sailboat in San Diego this is our go to shop for all things boat. If you don't have the answer i have found Dan, Dave, or Evan have always been there to help educate or generate solutions. This place is an old fashioned breath of fresh air to shop at which is unlike so many experiences these days. read more

These guys are awesome. Customer service is outstanding. Few months ago I went in looking for some window gaskets that were discontinued. They took down my info and said they'd look into it. They did! They called me a week or two later and said unfortunately they couldn't find any anywhere. But they called me back! The fact that they did any leg work at all for a $6 part was such a nice gesture in this day and age. I just called them looking for large size splicing fids. They got em. And again, they were really pleasant. I often go to WM 1st for convince. From now on, I'm going here 1st. They Deserve my business. Thanks Downwind. America needs more businesses like yours. read more

This is *the* cruiser's chandlery on the West Coast. There are a number of good independent chandleries up and down the coast, and I'm thankful for them. That said, here's why I typically don't get within 50 miles of Shelter Island without stopping here: 1. There's a refreshing lack of crap in this store. 2. If you haven't cruised on extensively or lived on your boat, don't bother filling out an application. 3. Price matching and price beating. Of anything. If they don't have it, they'll get it. If they can't get it, they'll know who can fabricate a new one or repair the old one. 4. I forgot to ask if this is still sponsored, but the Fall Speakers Series sponsored by Downwind Marine has been an absolute, wait for it, hidden gem. The timing of course is perfect for those headed south after Halloween. Whether it's a seminar about SSB (single sideband radio), cruising Baja with charts that actually work, or hearing firsthand from regional cruisers and circumnavigators, this Series is worth your time. 4a. The in-store seminars/events are notably worthwhile. The lady that fed her family for 4 years while at anchor in the San Blas Islands off Panama with no refrigeration? Yep, she and her book were there. Margo Wood (widow of Charlie Wood of Charlie's Charts, singlehander in her own right, and author of 'A Prairie Chicken Goes to Sea')? Yep, she was there. Who knows who will be at next year's events. 5. They ship everywhere. 6. Great website. 7. There's some stuff you just need new. But why shop at the Whole Foods of marine stores when there's a solid independent alternative? Minney's is great for treasure hunting or for all of the stuff that's ok to get used. Harbor Diesel is a solid resource near LA Harbor (should you be there and need something right the **** now for your (insert name here) diesel. For everything else, or for friendly recommendations from people who have been there and done that on the water, there's Downwind Marine. read more

Downwind is a "treasure chest" of goodies for boat owners, sail and power, cruisers to racers. Their sales people are actual boaters too, so they know all their wares, rigging, paints, anchors, dinghies, life rafts, safety gear, even some nautical clothing. I think prices here are generally lower than at the big-box chandler a couple blocks away. read more

What's the point about writing a 5 star review when all of the previous ones give it top marks??? Because I love going in there. A few days ago I came in (after being away for at least a year, and one of the employees saw me and said, "Hi Thelma," like it had been yesterday. I was so embarrassed that I had forgotten her name that I asked Dan (I could see his name engraved on his shirt) at the front counter, and he told me). Dan said he'd been with SDMX (the other name for Downwind Marine for 27 years and still loved going to work. The people are all terrific and it's a pleasure not being forced to shop at West Marine (the Whole Paycheck of marine chandleries). You can also see that the commercial crews also shop at Downwind - not just the prissy "yatistas" (that's Spanish for "over-privileged yacht owners", like me). In some areas - like plumbing, electrical, and painting supplies - they can't be beat. read more

forget about west marine this is the place to go for all your boating equipment and tools. West marine is a rip off. Same items at inflated prices. These guys are the best and very knowledgeable. I am a customer for life read more

I am not a boat guy. But our friends are. So we decided to get them a gift certificate from here. Nice, friendly sales people, took the time to tell us about their new boat owner's special and that their gift card works at both locations! Works for me! read more

Just finished a project with Sail Supply, the Canon St location in Shelter Island. I replaced the rigging on my Catalina 42 and couldn't be more pleased. I worked with Evan and Ed in the rig shop. From the want/need session to scheduling and completion complete satisfaction. The estimate was spot on and communication and execution seamless. Highly recommended. read more

Closest I've found to a real, old-fashioned chandlery. The family-run operation was bought by San Diego Marine Exchange, but they have kept it mostly true to it's heritage. The focus is definitely on cruisers and owner-maintained boats, and they have incorporated the old sailing store and so have lots of rigging stuff. It's pretty amazing what they fit into a not at all large building. The staff is quite knowledgeable, though for hardware questions you're better off around the corner at the parent store. Both Downwind and Marine Exchange have an odd pricing policy of posting really high prices and then giving a discount to almost everyone. With the discount, you're basically at retail. That's fine unless you're trying to compare prices, and I find it a bit off-putting. Just tell me what it costs and get it over with. Overall, prices on some stuff is reasonable, and other prices are higher than West Marine. But given the choice, I'll shop at Downwind because they are, and support, boaters. Four stars, would be five if it was still under the old ownership. read more

It is amazing how well stocked Downwind is. The level of expertise and friendliness of the staff is first class. Straight honest answers and no pressure sales. If they don't have it they can get it. read more

I have been a customer of Downwind Marine since they opened in 1985. At that time we were circumnavigating and when we needed something they were just a phone call away with prompt shipping. They really came across when I needed something that they didn't sell. They would run down the street and buy it from some one else and add it to my shipment. Good guys. Now they have combined with two other stores and their inventory is even better. Add to that their very good prices for online orders from their website. Lots of staff wandering the isles to help you. They are the best place to go for any sailing/cruising stuff. read more

Seems to offer some good prices on various products. I placed an order, it was immediately filled. Shipped me my order expeditiously, but shipping cost was WAY too high. Regional Rate A from USPS Priority would have only been about $10, but they charged almost $25. Like some companies, they make up for the low prices listed by charging an exorbitant shipping fee. I did get the correct item as described. They also offer a 30 day money back guarantee as well but....getting them to issue a RA (Return Authorization) is nigh on impossible. Sent in contact form request for an RA. No response (5 days later). Two phone calls, two messages left (because there never is anyone there who can help you). They did call me back once, but it was late here on the East Coast and they forgot that fact (they are in San Diego, CA). Still waiting for my RA. Cannot recommend. Perhaps their in store service is better, but I can not recommend them for website purchases. Revised my review because the company did finally issue me an RA and they even refunded me part of the shipping charge. read more

Just a nightmare dealing with this company. We ordered in January 2013 and just yesterday got the balance of the order and then we were charged shipping after we were promised that would not happen. We haven't received any part of either order without numerous phone calls inquiring about the status. We were told last week that part of our second order was in and would ship with the balance of the first order...this didn't happen. When I call; no one seems to know anything or has no authority to do anything to help or they promise delivery dates that come and go without the product or notification. Maybe the store is okay but on-line/ call in orders; don't even attempt. read more

Knowledgeable and experienced boaters make up the staff. Prices are great and the products stocked in their store are only the good stuff. -- No crap in this place, just the real deal. GREAT JOB! read more

Ordered online on Tuesday morning and specifically asked for expedited handling as i needed the parts delivered by Friday...they sat on the order and didn't even ship it until Thursday night with 2 day shipping...how was it supposed to get here by Friday? If you are expecting prompt service...Don't. read more

This is a great store if you are a sailor! They have a big selection of sailboat related items with a friendly and knowledgable staff!

Downwind Marine has a particularly helpful and friendly staff, each of whom (we have found) are very knowledgeable about products in their store. They are great at referring us to the right people to perform work on our yacht. As an account holder, we are able to get great pricing that beats out any of their competition in all arenas, so we shop there as our #1 source for marine parts. We appreciate the value they provide! read more

Great service. Very quick to return emails and a phone call. I'll be glad to use them again - and I live on the east coast.