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Neal O'Connell

Neal O'Connell is based in Niantic, Connecticut serving Eastern Connecticut, Rhode Island and Eastern Long Island. Neal is available by appointment for individual consultations and other services including:

  • New sails, racing, cruising and one design
  • On-board sail evaluations and consultations
  • Sail pick up and drop off
  • Regatta support including coaching and sail inspections/evaluations
  • Sail service arrangements

Neal O'Connell began sailing with his family in the 1960s before he discovered racing in the '70s. He competed locally in PHRF races while also trying some longer distance events at the western end of Long Island Sound. Crewing for many of the best sailors in the area, he caught the racing bug.

He started making sails in 1978, but took 15 years off to manage a small manufacturing shop. The water called him back, however, and Neal returned to sail production, service, and finally sales. When the loft where he worked closed, Neal started looking for a company that provided a high level of service in addition to providing a top-quality product. He found that in Quantum Sails.

Neal joined the Quantum team in February 2014. With the company's many lofts and employees, he’s able to help all of his clients through his own knowledge or by tapping into Quantum's resources. "I strive to provide my customers with the best service, both before and after I make a sale," said Neal. "I sail with each of my customers so they can get the best performance from their new sail. If something isn't correct, I work hard to correct the problem as soon as possible." A seasoned racer, Neal has sailed a variety of PHRF boats, C&Cs (from 30’-40’), J/29, J/40, J44, J/105, J/109, Baltic 38, and Tripp 37. Previously he's owned and raced Thistles, Interclub, and Blue Jays, though he's currently racing Vipers 640s, Shields, and Etchells.

Career highlights
• Newport to Bermuda
• Marblehead to Halifax
• Ft. Lauderdale to Palm Beach
• Key West Race Week
• Block Island Race Week
• Eastern Long Island Sound PHRF racing
• 20 years on local PHRF committee, including 5 years as chief handicapper
• Currently a board member of the Eastern Connecticut Sailing Association
• Past Commodore of the Off Soundings Club, Baldwin Yacht Club, and Frostbite Yacht Club –Connecticut River Station
• 4 years Head Sailing Coach – East Lyme High School, East Lyme, CT
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