SAILMAKING
Hands-on lessons in sail design, construction, and repair.
- MARTI & JED SIEBERT — SEPTEMBER 14–20
Most sailors can appreciate the extraordinary beauty of a well-designed and -cut sail that is perfectly set. Relatively few of us though are familiar with all the factors that contribute to that end result. The sailmaker plays a crucial role in the performance of any sailing vessel. In this busy and informative course, we will help you understand more about the intricacies of sailmaking both in theory and in practice. You will also come to see that every sail is a history lesson that bears the knowledge of the sailmakers who have worked on it.
In Marti and Jed Siebert’s professional loft, students will have the chance to explore the traditional methods of sail design, layout, and construction, as well as, learning about the latest materials, programs, and construction methods that are driving the world’s largest and most modern yachts. The class will be building three sails (a balance-lug, a marconi, and a spritsail) to give each student a chance to work on each aspect of making a sail. Marti and Jed will explain how to interpret a sail plan and loft a sail on the floor, how to strike off a canvas or Oceanus sail, and the steps in sticking a Dacron sail and putting on the final edge shaping.
Each student will learn how to run and clean an industrial sewing machine. On the machines you will practice how to seam a sail, and how to install corner reinforcements and tapes, batten pockets, and reefpoints. On the sailmaker’s bench, students will learn how to install grommets, hand-sewn rings, and leathers, seize on hanks, construct rattails, and whip and splice lines.
In the evenings, students can return to the loft and watch over the shoulders of the professional sailmakers as they go about the business of repairing sails that come through the doors each day. You can also use this opportunity to bring in any sails you may have that need to be repaired or that you have questions about. Marti and Jed can help you proceed and give you the guidance to work on your own sail at home. Any interesting or unusual repairs will be reviewed for the entire class. In addition to working on sails all week, each student will make their own traditional sampler featuring fancy hand work.
Tuition: $700
Materials: $65
Note: This course will take place at the Center Harbor Sail Loft in Brooklin.