Sailmaker
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A sailmaker makes and repairs sails for sailboats, kites, hang gliders, wind art, architectural sails,[1] or other structures using sails. A sailmaker typically works on shore in a sail loft. The sail loft has other sailmakers. Large ocean-going sailing ships often had sailmakers in the crew. The sailmaker maintained and repaired sails. This required knowledge of the sailmaker's craft and the tools of the sailmakers loft on shore.[2]
Today, one of a sailmaker's important jobs is to teach people how to set and trim their sails to get the most out of them.[3] Sometimes a sailmaker will accompany the client out on the water and adjust the sails.[4] The modern sailmaker uses computer-aided design and manufacturing tools. Computer graphics allow the sailmaker to produce a "lines drawing" of the sail.[5] Once the design is complete, the sailmaker can now use a low-power laser to cut the material to the exact shape.[6]
[edit] Sailmaker's tools
- Fid, used to stretch grommets before inserting reinforcement;
- Sail palm, an oversized thimble used to drive needles through heavy canvas;
- beeswax, used on thread;
- Benchook, to provide a "third hand" to hold sailcloth taut;
- Seam rubber, to press folds in to fabric;
- sailmaker's needles;
- Sewing machine.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ http://www.archsails.com/
- ^ Sager, Eric (1996). Seafaring Labour. Montreal: McGill-Queen's University Press. pp. p. 111. ISBN 0773515232. "The first task of the sailmaker was to maintain and to repair all sails, and this required some knowledge of the sailmaker's craft and many of the tools of the sailmakers loft on shore."
- ^ Mason, Charles (2000). "Mainsail on the Wind : Pointers for Pointing, by Herb Hild". The Best of Sail Trim. Dobbs Ferry: Sheridan House. pp. p. 3. ISBN 1574091190. "Today, one of a sailmaker's most important jobs is to show his customers how to set and trim their sails to get the most out of them."
- ^ Marino, Emiliano (2001). Sailmaker's Apprentice. City: International Marine/Ragged Mountain Press. pp. p. 402. ISBN 0071376429. "Sometimes a sailmaker will accompany the client out on the water and adjust the sails."
- ^ Garrett, Ross (1996). The Symmetry of Sailing. Dobbs Ferry: Sheridan House. pp. p. 122. ISBN 1574090003.
- ^ Crafer, R. (1993). Laser Processing in Manufacturing. London: Chapman & Hall. pp. p. 117. ISBN 0412415208.
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