Ships and boats of all sizes have harnessed the power of the wind for centuries. Sailboats have continued to use sails to this day in recreational sports and hobbies. If you are looking for a quiet day at sea or want to compete in a regatta, building your own sail can become a beneficial skill.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Get Started
Step 1. Draw a basic sketch
If you want to add an emblem or are going to design it efficiently, sketch out what you want the final sail to look like so you have a starting point. Look at other similar boats for inspiration.
Find similar sail dimensions and get an idea of the type of sailing you would like to practice, which will provide basic reference points for your research and getting started
Step 2. Find a suitable workspace
Depending on the size of the boat, making a sail can become a big undertaking. Make sure you have a workspace that can not only hold a large amount of materials, but also allows you to maneuver and make a lot of noise.
Step 3. Address your sewing needs
Whether you are a hobbyist or a professional, you will need an industrial sewing machine that can perform a zigzag stitch with V69 thread. It may be wise to leave the task of sewing to a professional to ensure safety and maximum durability.
If you intend to sew the candle yourself, you will also need a special sewing table to support the sewing machine. The table should be about twice the size of a table tennis table to hold the size of the candle
Step 4. Find out the dimensions of the boom and mast
Measure the boat with which you are going to use the sail to calculate the appropriate size for it. If you have a short boom and a high mast, then it will look tall, and if the boom is long and the mast is short, the sail will be low.
Shorter booms give you more maneuverability
Method 2 of 3: Design the sail
Step 1. Draw the front of the candle
The front of the sail is called the luff curve and is the most important, since the rest of the sail's integrity depends on it. The luff curve at the front of the sail relates to how the mast will bend.
The luff curve will not match the neck curve. Its upper third will be thin and the lower part, near the boom, will be greater than the curve of the mast. There are different theories about what the perfect luff curve should be, so find out how to optimize it for your preferred type of navigation
Step 2. Add sabers
The sabers maintain the shape of a sail and are forced or half, being in the first case for high performance. The battens are attached to the sail by means of two types of covers: some that cannot be adjusted and others that can. Adjustable covers allow you to better adapt the sail to the wind conditions.
If you want more stability, add more sabers. Now, use less to make the boat easier to maneuver and lighter
Step 3. Determine where to put seams
The sail seams allow you to be strategic in choosing the material that will optimize its performance, as well as shaping the sail more easily. A panel means that you have sewn different materials on a candle.
Use stronger materials near the bottom of the sail. The seams also help optimize the amount of materials you use
Step 4. Make a pattern
Create a pattern for the sail just like you would for a dress. Translate the candle to actual dimensions using newspaper, cheap cloth, or another thin piece of paper. Double check the measurements and cut the panels when ready. The pattern should be pliable and easy to move to cut onto the sailcloth.
- Tape the fabric or newspaper to get more surface area when making a large candle.
- The luff curve and shape of the seam will create a three-dimensional sail, so don't worry if the sail will lie flat as you build the pattern.
Step 5. Choose a fabric
Research what type of fabric works best for your browsing needs and budget. Monofilm is an inexpensive option, but try to use sturdy material to build the luff and foot of the sail. Pentex taffeta laminate is very durable but at a higher price, and there are also specialty polyesters and laminated woven fibers.
- Make sure the material you choose resists tapering and tearing.
- Thick monofilm and woven canvas are common options.
Method 3 of 3: Mount the Sail
Step 1. Start with a center panel
Place the pattern on your chosen material and outline the edges of the panel. Before cutting any material, keep in mind that the edges of each panel will need to be glued and then sewn together.
Step 2. Cut out the pattern
When you've outlined the pattern on top of the material, including the sabers and seams, you can start cutting out the pattern. When creating a shaped seam, this should be almost 35% of the luff.
Step 3. Sew the materials
Move from panel to panel while leaving extra fabric on the outer edges of the sail. It is best to trim and adjust the shape of the sail when all the panels are sewn together.
Glue and sew two panels at a time until the candle becomes one piece. Now you can cut it out according to the design of the table and draw the covers of the sabers
Step 4. Reinforce the material
With Dacron or reinforced monofilm tape, it reinforces the seams. You can also glue a layer of fabric to each side of the material for added strength.
Step 5. Strengthen the foot and the sheaths of the sabers
There will be a high degree of force applied to these areas, so you want to make sure they can withstand that amount of stress. Depending on the type of sail, attach the luff when you are done with the batten covers.
Step 6. Create the sleeve for the neck
Measure the width of existing candles and adjust yours accordingly. Sleeves can be in one piece or made from several pieces of material, but make sure the headstock is reinforced and able to withstand tension from the top of the mast. Create the sleeve to fit under the saber of the foot.
- Create an adjustable sleeve head if this is your first sailing attempt.
- Use old sail pulleys or get them from a sail maker.
Advice
- Find out what shape you want and equip the candle until you get that exact shape.
- Learn what types of sails work best for your boat in relation to the sailing conditions.
Warnings
- Create a budget to make sure you optimize your resources.
- Design safely first and don't cut corners to enhance aesthetics or reduce expense.