When it comes to traditional nautical skills—things like sailmaking, rigging, knots, and all things marlinspike, there may be nobody as knowledgeable as longtime SCA columnist (Artful Sailor) Emiliano Marino. Emiliano quite literally wrote the book on the topic when he penned
I have pruned my substantial stash of sailing / cruising books down to a handful. "The Sailmaker's Apprentice" is still in my possession (along with Brian Toss's "The Riggers Apprentice"). The brilliance of the book was introducing the reader to many techniques by having them constructing a ditty bag by hand. No sewing machine. I still have mine 25 years later. Even with the crooked stitches and rough hemp rope I will not part with it.
The only disagreement I would have with Mr. Marino concerns roller reefing headsails. I've done both - hanked on and furled. The modern units are pretty bullet proof. For many of us there is only one sailor on board for family outings. Being able to reduce sail in less than a minute from the safety of the cockpit is a godsend. My last keelboat, a Tartan 34C, came with hanked on sails. When it came time to buy new sails I put in a roller furler. For boats over 30ft roller furling is a viable safe option.
For my Phoenix III sail and oar dinghy I plan to make a headsail this winter to pair with the balanced lug. I've already pulled out the "Sailmaker's Apprentice" and perused the relevant section titled "Tensioning the Internal Luff Rope of a Sail Set on a Stay or Set Flying."
"For many of us there is only one sailor on board for family outings.". I agree that many modern, complex, sailing "inventions" are derived from racing and not really useful or appropriate on our small boats. However, some come from the fact Brad pointed out, the rise of solo sailors. From my reading and if you look at nautical art, the idea of single handling is a relatively modern invention. While simple is usually best, if it takes more time and the sailor can't be in two places on the boat at once, then the complex might actually be safer.
The traditional designs we grew up with performed well over a wide variety of conditions, and always brought you home. Anything can be made faster, but can you repair it your self, and will it still serve when the shit hits the fan.
I have to push back on the thought that the traditional designs "always brought you home." A lot of these traditions came from times when human life was valued less than the value of the ship they sailed on. If you lose a few due to scurvy or going overboard off the cross trees, just press a few new sailors at your next harbor.
There is a good balance between the poles of "This way has always worked in the past" and "It's new and shiny it must be better!".
I totally agree about Dyneema. It is great for standing rigging. The major problem with this material and many other synthetic cordage materials, including nylon, is that it is slippery. I have designed a terminal to address this issue and reduce the amount that has to be fed back into the line in order to control the slippage. More when I get the patent approved.
Good read, thanks. I'm wondering what the sprigs of branches are for in the bottom-est picture - ??? We did that on the center support when we hoisted it to our newly built roof - a connection/prayer with/to Mother Nature for blessings and safety?
It's good to have somebody bring me back to ground sometimes. I tend to overcomplicate my rigging and that only leads to more complications and rigging.
I have pruned my substantial stash of sailing / cruising books down to a handful. "The Sailmaker's Apprentice" is still in my possession (along with Brian Toss's "The Riggers Apprentice"). The brilliance of the book was introducing the reader to many techniques by having them constructing a ditty bag by hand. No sewing machine. I still have mine 25 years later. Even with the crooked stitches and rough hemp rope I will not part with it.
The only disagreement I would have with Mr. Marino concerns roller reefing headsails. I've done both - hanked on and furled. The modern units are pretty bullet proof. For many of us there is only one sailor on board for family outings. Being able to reduce sail in less than a minute from the safety of the cockpit is a godsend. My last keelboat, a Tartan 34C, came with hanked on sails. When it came time to buy new sails I put in a roller furler. For boats over 30ft roller furling is a viable safe option.
For my Phoenix III sail and oar dinghy I plan to make a headsail this winter to pair with the balanced lug. I've already pulled out the "Sailmaker's Apprentice" and perused the relevant section titled "Tensioning the Internal Luff Rope of a Sail Set on a Stay or Set Flying."
"For many of us there is only one sailor on board for family outings.". I agree that many modern, complex, sailing "inventions" are derived from racing and not really useful or appropriate on our small boats. However, some come from the fact Brad pointed out, the rise of solo sailors. From my reading and if you look at nautical art, the idea of single handling is a relatively modern invention. While simple is usually best, if it takes more time and the sailor can't be in two places on the boat at once, then the complex might actually be safer.
The traditional designs we grew up with performed well over a wide variety of conditions, and always brought you home. Anything can be made faster, but can you repair it your self, and will it still serve when the shit hits the fan.
I have to push back on the thought that the traditional designs "always brought you home." A lot of these traditions came from times when human life was valued less than the value of the ship they sailed on. If you lose a few due to scurvy or going overboard off the cross trees, just press a few new sailors at your next harbor.
There is a good balance between the poles of "This way has always worked in the past" and "It's new and shiny it must be better!".
I totally agree about Dyneema. It is great for standing rigging. The major problem with this material and many other synthetic cordage materials, including nylon, is that it is slippery. I have designed a terminal to address this issue and reduce the amount that has to be fed back into the line in order to control the slippage. More when I get the patent approved.
Good read, thanks. I'm wondering what the sprigs of branches are for in the bottom-est picture - ??? We did that on the center support when we hoisted it to our newly built roof - a connection/prayer with/to Mother Nature for blessings and safety?
It's good to have somebody bring me back to ground sometimes. I tend to overcomplicate my rigging and that only leads to more complications and rigging.
Thank You Sir for your wisdom,
JW