Would you use a local loft or one clear across the country?

I had repair work done by a local loft and when they returned by sails they told me they had measured them and would gladly build new sails when I was ready (and they offered a discount due to the repair work). I like these guys, but wonder if they can do heavy cruising sails like I want... in tanbark. They usually make racing sails (like so many other local lofts). It was good talking to the sailmaker and he left me feeling good about these guys... with the comment that "they don't make sails like this anymore."

I have a quote from a sailmaker across the country (several owners of the same style boat have had sails made by them) but wonder about delivery cost and service after the sale. Due to the latter sailmaker having done sails for other owners of the Orion 27, I think these guys obviously have experience with the requirements of the boat... but indeed they are across the country.

What might you do in a similar situation? Across the country or local... and why?