My Experiments with Sailmaking

Up to date I have tried 3 different sails. My first sail was a very pretty nylon sail similar to the stock sail suggested by CLC.

My second sail was a White Polytarp experiment smaller than the previous one.

The third sail was an orange polytarp larger than the stock one.

I have now put together a small jib for the Skerry. The jib after testing adds a tremendous amount of benefit to the sail plan. I can point higher and go faster.

I have added a boat link page. There is a link to a Javascript triangle dimension calculator that I found online. It is useful when designing a sail and also in trying to figure out the size of mast/boom spar that is required.

My first and most beloved nylon sail was very good in light air.	My second experiment was fabulous in heavy wind but was lousy at pointing in the wind
Larger and more complicated this sail worked well and was the basis for the latest red sail.	Small Jib for the Skerry
Latest Sprit sail is based on the orange sail but has more shape. It is the best so far with great balance when used with the jib.	Each of my 4 sails had qualities and faults. Read about construction and about sailing characteristics of each of the sails. I am not an expert and only speak from my experience. You can avoid all the experimenting by going to a real sailmaker, but the "gradual approximation" process has always been my favourite.

Lulu Read up on Small Boat Rigging.

Read about other bits being constructed

Links to:
[ boat ][hull part 1] [hull part 2] [mast] [rudder and centreboard] [sails] [oars] [cleats] [daggerboard well and mast step] [sailing] [Teach Yourself to Sail] [Article on Spritsails]

emails: Christine

This web site reflects my personal ideas and doesn't represent anyone else's point of view.