Sailmakers Are At the Leading Edge Of Wind Technology

Along with boating technology as a whole, sailmakers have come along way, through using hi technology fibers and techniques.

Briefly, in the early days they were made of heavy cotton, flax or hemp. The problem with these materials are as follows: They needed to dried out before being stowed, or mold would quickly grow. As mentioned above, they were heavy and unwealding cotton more so than flax - or linen.

The trouble was ships were growing in size and so the wind harnessing ability also needed to grow. Under these circumstances they did not hold their shape well. The one other problem which faced these early fibers is UV damage. The sun has a depreciating effect on materials out in the elements.

Fortunately nowadays things have changed. Using top of the range materials, which complement the conditions in which they are used. So different sail cloth serves different purposes. What suits spinnaker sailing does not suit the head.

Sail making is a highly coveted skill in the industry. From cruising inshore on weekends to crashing through the Southern Ocean, all yachts need theirs maintained. Naturally design plays a role too. Ones requirements change with the length of ones boat. Getting a better angle to the wind whilst maintaining speed is a key priority. Something that most sailors understand, but novices don't is how sails work

In essence they are the same as airplane wings. click on the link to refresh your memory or advance your learning.

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