model yacht sails

• About EH? Sails

Star 45 Class

Soling 1m class, canterbury j class, 10 rater class, 36/600 class, columbia 42 class, infinity 54 class, santa barbara class, wheeler class, vintage classes, we offer both sails and building in any class you are interested. there are too many to list them all. please visit the amya site by clicking on this link., click on the images below to enlarge view., ec12 cpm505, j class polymax.

Sail Prices All sails are designed and built to meet AMYA class specifications. Depending on class or make of model, sails are equipped with:

• Draft stripes $5
• Jib luff wire (where specified)
• Main luff slugs, tie points or jackwire
• Class insignia
• Sail numbers (main only)
• Country Designation on Main $10
• Jib numbers $10 (2 digits), add $5 per number if want 3 or 4 digit
• Colored corner patches in either Star or Oval shapes (black, white, kevlar, red, green or blue) Other colors available upon request.

Note: Sail numbers, draft stripes and class insignia - Either Insignia fabric or inked on style.

Materials available

• CPM505 - Mylar/scrim laminate
• PX75 Mylar film both sides with reinforcing threads
• 1.4 Mil Mylar
• 2.0 Mil Mylar
• 3.0 Mil Mylar
• 2.5 Polykote - PU Coated Woven Polyester Fabric (Midrange > J-Class)
• 2.1 Polymax - PU Coated Woven Polyester Fabric (Light to Midrange J-Class)
• Icarex - lightweight Polyester colored fabric.
• Other weights and materials available upon request

Sail Prices Note: Prices on the most common boats for which we have made sails. If you have other fabric suggestions you want us to consider, depending on availability, we can supply prices based on fabric cost.

• "A", "B" or "C" Suit of CPM505, PX75, or 2 mil Mylar fabric $180
• Main only 505, PX75, Mylar $120
• Jib only 505, PX75, Mylar $90
• Suit 2.1 Polymax $395
• Suit 2.5 Polykote $485
• Suit ODLO4 black Mylar $530
• Main only 2.1 Polymax $227, 2.5 Polykote $285
• Jib only 2.1 Polymax $145, 2.5 Polykote $190
• Suit Mylar dependent on choice of film discussed $???
• "B" Main for heavier winds 2.5 Polykote $285
• Note: Polymax vs Polykote - Since Polymax is not as firm as Polykote, it will respond and show wind changes along the luff line sooner than Polykote. We recommend Polykote for winds above 8 to 10 knots. Polymax can be used up to 12 to 15 knots if you want to keep that traditional look.
• CPM505 Suit $170
• PX75 "B" suit $175
• 2mil, 3mil or 1.4mil suit $140
• "B" suit PX75 $140
• "C" suit 3mil with reinforced seams $140
• Note: Rule change 6.1 - 2020, no thickness is required. Any woven polyester fabric $120
• Columbia 42 (C42) (A or B suit) Per class rules Suit $120. If only "B" main $65  

© 2024 EHSails, All Rights Reserve

3 Waterside Lane, Essex, CT 06426 860-304-7007

• Fair American
• Tools and Techniques
• Kit Database
• Bluenose Canadian Schooner

Making Sails for Model Ships

December 3, 2017

On my Model Shipways Bluenose build , I debated whether or not to make the sails.  Many (most?) ship models do not include full sails.  The Model Shipways kit was designed with sails, and includes the sail cloth as part of the kit.  The inclusion of sails was actually one of the factors that led me to select this kit for my second build.

With the booms and gaffs rigged and installed, I would basically be finished with the build if I omit the sails.  The remaining rigging is all attached to sails, so I’d leave it off if I didn’t include sails.  However, the sails really do add something to the model, especially for a schooner like this.

So, I decided to make sails.  I’ve never made sails before, so this will be a learning experience.  Here’s how I ended up doing it…

Choosing How Sails are Displayed

An important decision to make before you start is how you’ll be displaying sails.  There are three different ways you can go:

• For Display

(I made those last two names up).

Furled sails are sails that are lowered.  Many modelers choose to do furled sails on their ships.  The advantage is that the sails don’t cover everything up and make a model look like a bunch of cloth.  When doing furled sails, you typically don’t make the full sail, instead making smaller version.  The sail is put in place, but is bunched up and tied to the appropriate boom or gaff.

Realistic sails try to show the sails rigged and set as they would be while the ship is actually at sea.  Ships adjusted their sails depending on the situation.  In most cases, some sails would be raised while others would be lowered.  Some sails might be set off to one side.  Realistic sails would try to show the ship in some kind of ‘real’ sailing state.

Making sails simply ‘for display’ is what I’m doing.  I’m making all the sails, and installing them all in their raised state.  I’m not going to set any sails off to the sides – everything is just going to be installed straight and even.  You’d probably never see a ship at sea actually set like this, but I think it works well for a model.

When to Make Sails

From what I can tell, the general practice is to make the sails  before rigging and installing the booms and gaffs.  Several of the sails need to be laced onto the booms and gaffs, and that is nearly impossible to do directly on the ship.

The standard process seems to be:

• Build the booms and gaffs.
• Make the sails based on the plans.
• Attach sails to the booms and gaffs as appropriate.
• Install and rig the booms and gaffs.
• Add the additional rigging for each sail.

I’m not confident that all my booms and gaffs are 100% accurately sized, and I suspect that the dimensions of my sails might need to be adjusted to fit my particular ship.  So, I intentionally put off making sails until I had installed all the booms and gaffs.

Once I had everything installed on the ship, I could make templates for the sails that take into account both the plans and the size/shape of my actual build.

Of course, this means that I had a bunch of rigging for the booms and gaffs that would need to be un-done so the booms and gaffs could be removed.  That was fine with me, because I had avoided the use of glue when securing the rigging.  Everything was either tied off (easy to un-tie), or attached with a hook or shackle (easy to remove).

So, my process is:

• Build the booms and gaffs .
• Install and rig the booms and gaffs .
• Make the sails based on the actual layout of my ship.
• De-rig the booms and gaffs, and remove them from the ship.
• Re-install the booms and gaffs, and their rigging.

For me, this approach (while more work) has several advantages:

• Initially, I’m able to focus on getting the booms and gaffs properly installed and rigged, without the sails getting in the way.
• I can start with sail templates based on the plans, and adjust as necessary to fit the exact size/shape of my ship.
• Once sails are ready to install, I can quickly get them rigged without spending any time on the other rigging for the booms and gaffs, since those runs are already done and just need to be re-tied/attached.

Paper Templates

Making the actual sails starts with making paper templates.  Some of the sails were too big to use normal paper, so I picked up a roll of white craft paper.

For each sail, I took a piece of paper and laid it over the plans.  I marked the corners of the sail, then used a ruler to draw lines between the marks, giving me the outline of the sail.  Some sails have curves that I had to hand-draw.

Once the shape was laid out on the paper, I cut the paper to shape.

A paper template for the jib sail.

Next I positioned the paper template on the actual ship in the correct spot.  I took note of anything that didn’t fit just right, and adjusted the template as necessary.  Some sails needed to be made slightly smaller, while some had to be made slightly larger.

To help me visualize the sail, I also marked where the hems on the edges will go, along with any other key elements of the sail.  For the edge hems, I’ll be folding the fabric over and sewing it.  I’ll be shooting for a 1/16″ hem, so I used that size for the markings on the template.

The actual sails on the ship were made from strips of cloth, not one big piece.  To simulate this, I’ll just be sewing lines onto the cloth.  For some of the sails, I went ahead and marked these lines on the template since they need to be oriented correctly according to the plans.

The main and fore sails also have  reef bands , which run horizontally along the lower portion of the sail.  These were marked as well.

Preparing the Sail Cloth

Once I was satisfied with the template, I got out the sail cloth.  Model Shipways includes sail cloth with the kit.  This cloth is a medium weight cotton cloth in an off-white color.  The kit includes enough to make all the sails, assuming you get everything right on the first try.  I knew that wasn’t going to work, so I ordered two more packages of sail cloth from them.  It was relatively inexpensive – about $7 for each package of cloth.

Sails on a ship were rarely bright white.  I’ve seen that many modelers will dye their sail cloth to get a desired shade.  There are many tricks for this, like dipping the material in coffee.  I felt that the off-white color of the Model Shipways cloth was fine, so I didn’t dye my cloth.

If you’re wanting to use other sail cloth, look for something lightweight.  Almost all fabric is going to be too thick and out of scale, so just do the best you can.  I actually used some fabric from a local hobby store for a few ‘test runs’, and learned a few things.  Look for fabric with a tight knit, so the fabric doesn’t start to come apart as you cut it.  Also look for something without too much stretch, as stretchy fabric can distort the shape of the sails as you sew them.

Ideally, you want to wash, dry, and iron the sail cloth before you start.  Most fabric will shrink a little during this process, so you want this out of the way before you start cutting things to size.  Doing this will also release any wrinkles in the fabric.  (I was too excited to get started, and didn’t do this.)

Once you’ve got your fabric ready and your template sized, you’re ready to cut some fabric.

I used a fabric marker to do all the markings on the fabric.  I picked this up at a local hobby store in the sewing section for a couple dollars.  This marker uses special ink that disappears as it evaporates.  This means I can draw all over the fabric, and within a few hours the ink is gone.  I found this to give much better results than using a pencil and trying to erase markings.

The paper template is used to mark up the fabric being used for the sail.

A note on marking fabric…since I’m going to be folding over the edges of the sail to create hems, one side of the sail is going to look better than the other.  Often, you pick a ‘display side’ of the ship, and put ugly stuff (like the worse sail side) so it isn’t visible from the display side.  I found that with the way I was marking, folding, and sewing the cloth, I wanted the markings on the display side.  Making sure I marked the display side ensured that I as I worked I ended up with all the ugly stuff on the back.

First the outline of the sail is marked on the fabric.  Be sure to leave extra space on all sides outside of the sail.

A second outline is made 1/16″  outside of the first outline.  This is the hem that I want to end up with on the finished sail.

A third outline is made 1/2″  outside of the second outline.  This one doesn’t have to be perfect…this is just a guide for cutting the fabric.

You can also mark the reef lines and strips at this point if desired.  I typically didn’t mark the strips, since I was able to position those accurately using my sewing machine.

The fabric is trimmed, leaving excess material around the edges.

Once everything is marked, I cut the fabric along the outer-most outline.  I used a rotary cutter (like a pizza cutter), which gave much better results than scissors.

To make sails you have to do a lot of sewing.  I have no experience sewing.  Doing all this by hand with a needle and thread was not practical, so I bought a cheap little ‘hobby’ sewing machine.  That machine was junk, and broke within the first 20 minutes.  Since I’m hoping to keep this hobby going for a few decades, I decided to go ahead and invest in a real sewing machine.

At my local hobby store, the staff helped me select a good quality machine.  I got it for under $200.  The advantages of a real machine include:

• It won’t jam.
• Variable speeds.
• Selectable stitch length and width (critical for trying to get the stitching remotely close to ‘scale’).
• Many different computer-controlled stitch types, so you can do more than just a simple straight stitch.  This would end up making the reef bands much better.

It took me a few hours to get the hang of using the machine, but my skill level increased quickly.  While I certainly couldn’t sew a shirt or a pair of pants, by the second or third sail I was flying along like a pro.

Since you’ll be sewing, you’ll need thread.  There are three main considerations with the thread.

First is the color.  This is a matter of personal preference.  I’ve seen some models where the stitching on the sails was very high-contrast (dark brown thread on white cloth).  I’ve also seen some where the thread was the same color as the cloth.  I felt like the stitching shouldn’t stand out  too much , and I wanted to rely on the texture of the thread to define the lines rather than the color.  So, I went with a ‘natural’ color thread that ended up being really close to the color of the cloth.

The second consideration is the thread material.  A hobby store will likely have hundreds of different kinds of thread.  There are synthetic materials and natural materials.  I went with a cotton thread.  Why?  No really good reason except that all my rigging lines are cotton and the sail cloth is cotton, so it seemed like a good idea.

The final consideration is quantity.  I have no idea how to predict the amount of thread that will be needed (there may be some ‘trick’ to it that the pros know).  Initially I bought one spool of the thread.  That only made two sails.  When I went back to by more, they were out of that exact thread, so I had to order more online.  That caused a week delay in making sails.  Obviously you wan the thread to be the same on all the sails, so buy a lot of  the same thread up front.  Thread is cheap, and it is better to have some leftover than to run out.

Sewing the Edges

On to sewing.

The first step is to sew the hems on the edges.  I start with the longest edge first, then do the opposite edge, continuing on until all edges are sewn.  The cloth is folded over at the first outline (the line that defines the actual edge of the sail) and pinned into place.  The 1/16″ line that indicates the edge of the hem should be inside the sail.  Since the cloth was cut 1/2″ past that line (on that third outline), there is some extra material here that makes pinning easier.  I’ll cut that off later.

The edges are folded over to create a hem and pinned in place.

The hem is sewn on the edge.

The cloth then goes into the machine and gets stitched up.  I used the machine’s reverse feature to double-stitch the first couple stitches to secure the thread, then just ran a straight stitch down the edge, staying between the edge of the sail and the 1/16″ hem marking.  I used a small stitch length so things weren’t  too out of scale.

My machine lets me set the position of the needle, allowing me to get really close to the edge.

Once the stitch was complete, the extra thread was clipped off.  I used a pair of sharp scissors to carefully cut off the extra cloth along the 1/16″ hem line.

A completed edge hem, about 1/16″ wide.

This was repeated for each edge.

Two edges meet in a corner.

Adding ‘Strips’

To simulate the strips of material, some modelers simply draw lines on the cloth.  I decided to run a stitch for each strip instead.  It is more work, but it goes pretty fast

The ‘strips’ of sail sail cloth are simulated with stitches.  Each sail has a unique strip layout shown on the plans.

The width of the strips is indicated on the plans, as well as the layout of the strips.  It turned out that the width of the strips matched with space between the needle on my sewing machine and the edge of the ‘foot’.  So I didn’t need to mark the strips on the fabric – I just positioned the fabric under the foot and ran the material through the machine.

Reef Bands and Points

The large lower sails (main sail and fore sail) have  reef bands .  These are horizontal bands across the sails.  My sewing machine has a setting that creates a stitch that looks like a ladder (or railroad tracks?).  I adjusted the stitch length and width to get the desired size, then ran this stitch across the sail to create the reef bands.

I ran this right  over the strip lines.  This is easier than doing the reef bands first and trying to start/stop the strip lines at the bands, and you can’t really tell the difference.

Reef bands were sewn in using a different stitch pattern on my machine.

At each point where a strip line crosses the reef band, there is a short rope that goes through the sail.  These ropes were used to secure the sail when it was lowered and bundled up.  I cut a bunch of 1″ long pieces of 0.008″ tan rigging line and punched them through at the appropriate spots.  I used a small bit of fabric glue on each side to keep these ropes flat against the sail instead of sticking out.

Corner Attachment Points

The sails typically have rigging lines attached to the corners of the sails.  This means you need something in each corner to attach a rigging line to.  From my research, it looks like most sails had a rope that ran around the outside edge of the sail, and that rope would form an eye at the sail corners to create the attachment points.

I decided not to add this rope.  I wasn’t confident I could make it look good, and I thought the tan line would stand out too much.

So, I simply sewed brass rings (made from wire) into each corner.  This was done manually with a needle and thread.

Anchor points in the corners were made from brass wire and sewn in.

Finishing Up

Once everything is sewn and I’m happy with the results, there are a few final steps.

I do a final pass to trim anything that looks bad (edges of hems, loose threads, etc.).

After all my disappearing fabric markings have evaporated and disappeared, I iron the sail to flatten it out and remove any remaining wrinkles.

Finally, I use some fabric glue along any exposed fabric edges (like the hems) to keep them from fraying.  I also use a little fabric glue on the ends of stitches to ensure they don’t come loose.

Then the sail is ready to install!

A few completed sails on the ship.

• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
• Phantom NY Pilot Boat
• Model Ship Kit Database

Copyright © 2018 SuburbanShipModeler.com The text, photos, and content are copyright of this site unless otherwise noted.

Photos were taken by the author unless otherwise noted. All brands and trademarks referenced are the property of their respective owners.

Discover more from The Suburban Ship Modeler

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

NYLET. THE QUICK GUIDE TO SYNTHETIC SAILS & MAKING YOUR ORDER. 92 years of Sailmaking. Fine Products - Quality First. Nylet - Model sailmakers to the world ~ THE professional Master Sailmakers. Sails made by Special Commission for Collectors & Museums. Makers of model yacht sails to the National Maritime Museum Cornwall. Quick guide to ordering please scroll down. To contact us, click right link on top bar. During these times we would like to reassure our customers that we are still able to provide an uninterrupted mail order service.

NYLET - International Master sailmakers - THE professional model sailmakers since 1932. Using technological advances in materials coupled with innovation, expertise and tradition during more than 90 years to bring you the very finest model sails. Plenty of photos of our sails rigged, scattered over our website (scroll down for the yellow clickable buttons). The longest established professional model sailmakers in the world ~ fine quality model yacht sails, perfect cut and finish ~ quality first; world-wide mail order since 1958. Comprehensive sailmaking service, any size sails made to your drawing/sizes. Read more about sailcloth types available in "news". A yacht's sails are its 'engine', so fit the best, don't settle for less. Improve the handling and responsiveness of your yacht with our renowned "wind catching" sails. For price list (600 items) see link/button below. For listings of other available sail designs then click on '150 sails list' below. To make an order/enquiry - phone or email us and we will be pleased to help (click on the 'contact' link on top bar). If the sails for your own yacht doesn't appear on our '150 sails' list (or our price list) then you must enclose sail dimensions for us be able to quote you - a dimensioned sketch is even better! For detailed information on racing sails and "Heritage" sewn sails click on the next yellow button under this message. Second yellow button down for our "Vintage" style cotton sails, as we manufactured in the 1930's. Information/quick guide on ordering IOM/racing sails, standard sails & replacement kit sails please scroll down. Makers of model sails to the National Maritime Museum Cornwall. HOW TO ORDER, SCROLL DOWN.

Read about Nylet racing sails/replacement kit sails/Heritage Dacron sails, in more detail

Read about nylet 'vintage' cotton sails in detail, download nylet order form, "how to" - submitting sail sizes, product & price list (600 items), the "150 sails" list, a few images of nylet sails.

NYLET sails, racing, cruising, Heritage, Vintage - choose your style.

View more photos of Nylet sails

Nylet sails - fit the best, don't settle for less. 92 years of sailmaking. the quick guide to nylet sails & and how to order, making fine sails.

Nylet. Using skills handed down over 6 generations and 252 years we take pride in our work.

You may be assured we use the finest materials we make sails for modern racing yachts, cruising yachts and also vintage timber yachts.

Let us have a drawing or plan, or templates so we can give you a price.

Entirely made in the finest cotton cloth, sails for museums and private collectors.

The world-wide service, mail order since 1958.

CUSTOMER COMMENTS

• Stunning sails, so well shaped and crafted and have rigged very well on my IOM. Yesterday the best results I have ever had since June when I bought the IOM. Three second places, and some praise from other club members one of which came over at the end to see what make of sails they are. Thank you for great sails that look superb. Stephen.
• The Victoria sails arrived this morning. As usual they are absolutely superb. Thank you so much. Ian, Northampton.
• The sails for my Dragon Force came today; a great product and excellent service - can't wait to try them this weekend. Bob, W.Midlands
• Sails received with thanks. You are a true craftsman. John, Glasgow
• The IOM sails arrived and absolutely fantastic, really pleased and more than happy to recommend your workmanship. Lee, Berkshire
• The Voyager sails arrived in perfect condition and look beautiful. Thank you very much for the nice work! Patrick, Belgium
• Just to let you know that the new IOM sails work very well, thank you. I had 2x1st, 2x2nds,2x3rds, and 1 fourth. So I came first overall after 7 races. Bob, Surrey
• I just wanted to say a really big thank you for the lovely suit of (Dacron Heritage sewn) sails you have made for my vintage 4 foot model J Class sloop. I have put the sails on the spars and they look superb! They are beautifully made as I expected them to be, but in all fairness it is actually better than I had even hoped for. John, Preston
• The Canterbury J sails have arrived in perfect condition thank you very much. Very pleased with the excellent quality you have produced. Gordon, UAE
• Just a few lines to thank you very much for the phone call and the excellent delivery, I received the sails just a few hours after your call. As for the sails, with just a few dimensions on a sketch you have produced a set of racing sails that go far beyond excellent, they are so much more than I expected, I just hope I can complete my yacht to the same standard. Thank you very much. Bob, Berkshire.
• Thank you so very much for the wonderful suit of sails, the stitching is just perfect, you are a professional (my wife commented on your work, she is a sewing machinist!). Thank you again, I am over the moon. John, Kent.
• I can confirm the sails and bag arrived safely yesterday. I am very pleased with them and must say you provide an excellent service. I will certainly come back to you for more parts and wholeheartedly recommend you to other model enthusiasts. John, Sussex.
• The (Seawind) sails have arrived, the only thing I can say is - WOW. What a difference compared with the standard sails. Andre, The Netherlands.
• At last I can thank you for the excellent suit of sails that you made for my Marblehead. She was launched yesterday and sailed beautifully - the sails set a treat and looked terrific. Your efforts are much appreciated. Ian, Dorset.
• Hi Frank, just to let you know the sails arrived in perfect condition, they are a great job. Donal, Ireland.
• Really thanks again for your great products and service! KW, Hong Kong
• I had various recommendations of who to get sails from but the other day I saw a yacht with your sails and it just shone out, the shape looked beautiful, so I decided there and then to contact you. Gordon, Sussex.
• Thank you Frank, first class service, sails arived safely this morning. John, Staffordshire.
• A big thank you for the sails you made, they were for a model I am restoring and they look great, just right for this model. I really appreciate your personal touch in contacting me by phone to discuss my order. I will send you some pictures of the completed model when it is finished and would be happy for you to use any in promotion of your business. John.
• Sails (for Katie) arrived today - they look great, much appreciated. Andy, Lancs.
• Having recently replaced the sails on my Voyager with Nylet items and experienced the jaw dropping improvement in performance, you are my first port of call for my latest project. Robert.
• I am very, very pleased with the new (One Metre) sails you supplied. Setup was very easy and the boat handles far better than before. Alan.
• Thank you Frank, the new sails arrived this morning and what a great tribute to your craftsmanship they are. Cannot wait to fit them and head off to the wide blue yonder. Thanks once again for your immaculate work. Derek.
• The Star Baby sails are a super job and the best I have seen, I am very pleased with them, well done. Jeff.

more customer comments

• Just received my glorious suit! Magnificent! The tablings..... marvellous!!!... the stitching lines, the overall shape, every detail, all very beautiful indeed! I can't tell you how delighted I am. You must understand, the wind has always held a magical place in my heart and the thin membrane with which we apply our feeble human attempts to have it do our way over an equally mysterious sea..... alchemy indeed. I hold this suit in my hands and it all comes alive again. It occurred to me as I relished your suit the day later that one of the things I really appreciated, was that in your masterly execution, despite many years of hard learned science, though perhaps exactly because of them, you approached the design not with a mindless machine but more the inquiring instrument. You took onboard where I'd too easily lined the impossible and wasn't having any of it, discovering a way to play your sound, practical requirements for the well-made, proper sail whilst accommodating the draw perfectly. The narrow tablings, the nicely snug but slidable foot sleeves, even seeing to better sized eyelets where they would best serve tacks and clews. You sir, are a Wizard of Dacron. Thank you for your brilliant work, I raise a glass to you Sir, Roger, U.S.A.
• Absolutely magnificent (cotton) sails, the guys at the Club were amazed at the quality! Bernard, Suffolk.
• Hello Frank, the sails were waiting for me when I returned from a week away. They are in perfect condition and look superb, just like sails previously made by you. Thanks for putting them through with the others, what super service! Jeff, Staffs.
• Enjoying the new Seawind sails. Far more competitive than the stock sails. You are a star. Allan, South Africa.
• I've never won anything before with my IOM yacht but with your sails newly fitted I won the series of races. An excellent job, marvellous, thank you. Paul, Essex.
• Many thanks, sails arrived OK, great job. Ted, Cambridgeshire.
• Sails arrived this morning, superb as usual, thanks again. Ian, Nottingham.
• Sails came yesterday, great suit, can't wait to fit them probably over Easter. The KINGSWINFORD boat members highly recommend you for your sailmaking. Great, thanks again. Bob, W.Midlands.
• I received my sails today....PERFECT...arrives safely. Perfect fit and I look forward to sailing with the new sails!!!!!! THANKS, from Kjell, Norway.
• Just to let you know the sails arrived this morning safe and sound. I must thank you for such a magnificent job, they really do look the part, excellent. I just hope I can do justice to them with the rest of the boat. Many thanks again for a grand job. Chris, Somerset.
• The sail suit arrived a few days ago, and am delighted with the result. Its a real treat, in this day and age, to find something beautifully hand crafted by a true artisan. Danny, I.O.Man.
• Many thanks for the excellent sails. Jonathan, Yorkshire.
• Received the sails, many thanks - as usual, quality better than expected! Maurice, Lincs.
• Thank you for the Fairwind sails which arrived on Thursday, they are quite simply a work of art. Also thanks for your prompt and friendly service. Peter, Kent.
• The sails are wonderful, they fit like a glove! Thank you. Mark, Surrey.
• My sails arrived today. I am very pleased, they are exactly right, so neat, I just can't stop looking at them. Tom.
• The sails arrived in good order and fitted this afternoon, looking good, super quality. Will be ordering again. Robert.
• Sails arrived safely this morning, I will send some photos after we have sailed Sirius with the new suit. Thanks very much for a prompt and efficient service. Gareth.
• Hi Frank, am pleased to say the sails arrived in perfect condition earlier today. Thank you so much for the superb service. Alan, Lancs.
• If the (IOM) sails go as fast as they look, will be superb, thank you. Stephen, Huntingdon.
• Hi Frank, The One Metre sails are looking great. Andy.
• Starlet sails received and rigged - looking great. Richard.
• Hi Frank thanks for another great job (sails). Alan.
• I have now restored my 36 inch model yacht to the point where it is sailing again. Thanks to you and the VMYG for advice and Frank Parsons of Nylet for the sails and other bits and pieces. It would not have been possible without you!

Fast Shipping or local PickUp

Potter solutions, the one stop model yacht shop.

Sails, rigs, boat stands, accessories and fittings, including the new range of DF65 and DF95 complete packages.

Email Address

the history of the future

At the age of fifteen David Potter started sailing model boats at the world famous Birkenhead Model Yacht Club.

In 2012 he decided to turn his passionate hobby into a business and launched Potter Solutions.

As a qualified engineer, with a good eye for detail, he produces a range of equipment for the majority of radio controlled model yacht classes.

David has competed in this thrilling sport for over Thirty years at both national and international events and is fully aware of the need for products that can deliver in the field at a competitive price.

Whatever your requirements, including information and advice,  David is always available for a chat.

featured products

Complete DF95 Package

Complete DF65 Package

DF95 Alloy Boat Stand

Pierre Gonnet Mast 11.1mm

Everything in one place.

30 Years of experience in radio sailing means we know what’s required to produce competitive and reliable parts .

Order before 3pm for UK next day delivery *

Most products can be shipped same day. Some products like sails * are made to order unless they are from our standard range. Products that can be dispatched same day will be indicated on the product description.

Secure Ordering online

You can place an order online. Once we receive the order we calculate the shipping cost and send you information on how to make payment. Your personal information is protected and encrypted by Secure Socket Layer (SSL) technology. Our website is ecommerce PCI Compliant .

Customer Service

Excellent customer service is one of the key areas where we can truly make a difference, which is why we work hard to keep our customers happy and make it easy to do business with us. A quick response matters and we aim to reply promptly and professionally.

some of our reviews

A history of trust and service.

“Fast shipping and exactly the parts I needed to complete my new IOM. Highly recommended”

“Bought a boat stand for my Marblehead. Arrived in a couple of days and very happy with the quality.”

“Bought some new sails for my DF95. Potter’s service is excellent. The sails are top quality.”

JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. You must have JavaScript enabled in your browser to utilize the functionality of this website.

Simply Designed Better

• Products by Class /
• Sail related /
• Sail Making Materials /

Making Model Yacht Sails - Larry Robinson's method of building in shape

• Shopping Cart
• Shipping Info
• Terms & Conditions
• Suppliers and Stock
• Meet the Staff
• Environment

Quick Overview

Product code. BK-38

Availability: In stock

• | Add to Compare

• Product Description

Larry Robinson - Making Model Yacht Sails - how to build in their shape, a master class in sail making for modern rc model yachts. Around 700 copies sold by mid 2015 and still going strong.

If you want to know how to make well shaped rc model yacht sails, and make them efficiently and consistently, this contains all you need to know. The method used by the top sail makers for putting the 3D shape into the sails, as well as the luff shaping, is described in some detail. The design and construction of the all important moulds themselves is also dealt with at some length. Packed with other hints and tips and very well illustrated. A thorough master class in sail making for modern model yachts.

"Even those sail makers who have advanced to higher levels of their craft will find thought provoking ideas. Anyone thinking of testing the waters should be greatly helped and inspired by what they find here. In short it’s a master class in high precision sail making for R/C yachts."

• Lines Plans
• Mast & Boom Spars
• Standing Rigging
• Running Rigging
• Sail Identification
• Sail Making Materials
• Rig Storage
• Mast Fittings
• Boom Fittings
• Rigging Fittings
• Hull Fittings
• Hull Appendage Fittings
• RC Installation
• Booms & Kits
• Mast fittings
• Boom fittings
• US One Metre
• Naviga One Metre
• Custom Rig Kit
• Products by Category
• Products - Spotlight

You are using an outdated browser. Upgrade your browser today or install Google Chrome Frame to better experience this site.

The Design of Model Yacht Sails

by A.M. Ballantyne

Surprisingly little has been written about the designing and effect of sail-plans as applied to yachts, but periodic fashions in sails seem to come and go, and each in turn is hailed as the best yet. Most writers content themselves with a statement that “the sails have to be suited to the hull they drive,” but the why or wherefore is omitted.

“Balance” has been boosted as a prerequisite of a hull, and most systems of “balance” stop right there; but an otherwise good hull can be made to act up badly when an improper sail-plan is used to drive it. So my first postulate is that “Balance is an overall affair, hull, sails, rig, and trim all enter into it.”

My second postulate is that “For any given hull, no one sail-plan is ideal for all sailing conditions.

The effect of my second postulate on the first is that for every change of wind direction and/or strength, adjustments to the sails, rig and trim are necessary to preserve balance and get the most speed out of the yacht.

In the “A” and “Wee Six” [6 Meter. – Ed.] classes the amounts of adjustments are strictly limited, so that it is necessary to make the best compromise possible for the average conditions met with on the pond most used, and this accounts in some degree for the non-success of visitors as against the “home skippers,” as boats adjusted to light weather and variable winds are difficult to sail in moderate to heavy straight winds; and vice-versa. These classes, because of their restrictions, produce the keenest and fairest competition.

The “M” and to a lesser degree, the “X-class,” by removing most of the restrictions of the “A-class,” permits variations of sails, rig, and trim to suit quite varied sailing conditions.

This small amount of forward drive requires that all parasitical resistances, such as thick masts, heavy rigging, badly-setting sails, and rough hulls be reduced to a minimum if the best speed through the water is to be obtained.

The sketches on Plate I indicate some of the vagaries of the wind, and draw attention to the areas of greatest efficiency in a sail-plan; first the jib, and second, the peak of the mainsail. These get the most favorable wind directions and also form the leading edge of the sail-plan.

The area adjacent to the leading edge creates the greatest forward pressure when sailing “on the wind” and this explains the greater efficiency of high sails, because they have a longer leading edge than low sails.

The almost universal use of vane steering has brought a rash of yachts with their rigs away forward so as to prevent the mainsail from backwinding into the vane-feather. This calls for a different placement of the lateral plane and beam in designing hulls. Alternatives to this in the case of “M” or “X” boats is to use heavy, stiff hulls with high, narrow, sail-plans, with large jibs, and for “A-type” boats with limited rule for height of rig, an easily driven hull with a small, full-height sail-plan.

By using a large jib, the mast is located well aft in the sail-plan. One of the worst objections to the rig placed well forward is that the mast-weight, being well forward of the center of buoyancy, depresses the bow when sailing off the wind, and introduces changes in trim when the boat is leaning on the wind, so that raking the mast aft must be resorted to as a means of overcoming this.

Yacht designers try to suit the hull to the sail-plan presented with the design, and is well to try out this official sail-plan, but if good results are not obtained after a thorough trial, then a series of experiments are in order. These experiments could include: a) Changes to the height of the sail-plan; b) Changes in proportion of jib area to mainsail area; c) Changes in displacement, which in the case of “A-Class” and “6-M Class” usually require some change in the sail area.

A common fault is inability to strike a trim that will suit different weights of wind, and is is most likely to occur with boats that are overcanvassed and cannot be kept out of the wind in a breeze, and fall off in light winds when the mast is well forward and the jib sheeted in to suit the heavy going. The best compromise trim is to use a spring or a rubber kick-strap on the main boom, so that the top of the mainsail is flapping in the breeze, and the boat sails mainly on the jib, which should have the jib-rack hook in line with the jib-stay, so that the jib keeps a good gap at the mast even in the light spots. This sailing on the jib will be most effective if the jib is not too small.

Long water-line boats with high, narrow sail-plan are much the easiest to balance. On some X-boats, for instance, the mast can be moved 2 or 3 inches, and they will still sail; but a best position for the mast should be found where the boat makes the greatest speed in the different strengths of wind.

Now consider one fo the common problems of the model boatman the case where the wind is quite light at the start or finish of a race, but breezes up at times to five or more miles. The best that can be done with the “A class” is to use well bellied sails for the light going, and flatter sails for the heavy breeze. This can be accomplished by the use of loose-footed sails, by adjusting the outhaul, and varying the backstay, or by changing sails. Unfortunately some boats will not trim when the sails are bellied, so they are sluggish in light going. However, the problem is easier to handle with the “M” or “X” classes, where in the lighter going a high rig will give the best results, but a lower rig should be used for breezier conditions. However, this necessitates two complete changes during the race and unless the skipper has his rigs well tested out and tuned up beforehand, he is liable to lose races while tuning up. A better way is to have jibs of various shapes, and use the high narrow ones for light airs, and the lower ones for the breeze.

A high jib will give the best drive up to the time it has a depressing effect in the heavier going, and the low jib will keep the boat’s head out of the wind and give better control.

• --> Login or Sign Up

Shop by category

Shop by category.

• All Holiday Nautical Decor and Gifts
• All Nautical Christmas Decor
• Seashell Ornament Collection
• Charm Bracelet and Necklace Gifts
• Personalized Nautical Gifts
• Seashell Wreath Collection
• Stocking Stuffers
• Top Picks for Nautical Gifts
• Treasure Island
• All Personalized Nautical Decor and Gifts
• Nautical Charm Bracelets and Necklaces
• Nautical Engraved Pocket Knives
• Bells, Clocks and Nautical Instruments
• Model Ships
• Name and Address Plaques
• Oak Barrel Gifts
• Serving Trays and Cutting Boards
• All Signal Flags and Ornaments
• Flags - A to Z and 0 to 9
• Framed Flags - A to Z
• Flag Ornaments - A to Z
• Wall Signs and Ship Wheel Decor
• Watches - Personalized
• Nautical Gifts- Personalized
• All Classic Nautical Decor
• Maps, Charts, and Navigation
• Antique Decor
• Diving Helmets
• Brass Ship Plaques
• Ship Telegraphs
• Ship Wheels
• All Full Size Boats
• Display Only - Boats and More
• Full Size Boats
• Full Size Canoes
• Full Size Kayaks
• Other Full Size Vessels
• All Model Ships
• Ocean Liners
• Fishing Boats
• Other Vessels
• Decorative Boats
• Display Cases
• Space Exploration
• All Nautical Instruments
• Rain, Temperature, & Wind Speed Gauges
• Rain, Temperature, Humidity, & Wind Speed Gauges
• Telescopes and Spyglasses
• Tide Clocks
• Weather Stations
• Instrument Bases
• Nautical Instruments - Other
• All Nautical Home Furniture
• Cabinets, Bookcases and Bookshelves
• Desks and Chairs
• Display Canoes
• Anne Home Collection
• All Nautical Wall Decor and Art
• Maps and Charts
• Knot Boards
• Nautical Paintings
• Stainless Steel Wall Art
• All Nautical Clocks
• Desk Clocks
• All Tide Clocks
• Animated Tide Clocks
• Porthole Clocks
• Ship Wheel Clocks
• Wall Clocks
• All Nautical Lamps and Lighting
• Nautical Lighting
• All Nautical Night Lights
• Seashell Night Light Collection
• Nautical Table Lamps
• Nautical Floor Lamps
• Nautical Lanterns
• All Nautical Home Accents
• All Destinations USA
• All Destinations USA (All Products)
• Stainless Steel Tumblers - 20 Oz.
• 16" Platters
• Tidbit Trays
• 2 - Handle Trays
• Ceramic Mugs
• Pint Glasses
• Kitchen Towels
• Kitchen, Bar, and Tableware
• Beach Towels
• Nautical Dinnerware
• Nautical Guest Towels
• Nautical Kitchen Towels
• Nautical Placemats
• Candle Holders
• Nautical Coasters
• Desk Accessories
• All Glass Floats
• LED Glass Floats
• Figurines, Sculptures, and Statues
• Hooks, Racks and Cabinet Knobs
• Oars and Paddles
• Rugs and Door Mats
• Shower Curtains
• Tabletop Accents
• Throw Blankets
• Throw Pillows
• Other Home Accent Items
• All Seashell and Capiz Decor and Gifts
• Electroplated Shells and Starfish
• Metal and Capiz Decor
• Night Lights
• Seashell Keepsake Boxes
• Seashell Ornaments
• Seashell Wreaths
• Windchimes and Chandeliers
• All Nautical Keychains
• Solid Brass Key Chains
• Mother of Pearl Key Chains
• Nautical Pocket Knives
• All Nautical Watches
• Exclusive Tide Watch Collection
• Admiral Collection
• Long Life Catalina Sports Strap Collection
• Professional Dive Collection
• Exclusive Super Glo Collection
• Premier Automatic Collection
• Long Life Nautical Collection
• Long Life Coronado Collection
• Military Collection
• Men's Dive and Sailing Watches
• Women's Dive and Sailing Watches
• All Nautical Jewelry
• Nautical Jewelry
• All Nautical Charm Bracelets and Necklaces
• Bracelets for Charms
• Chains for Charms
• Engravable Charms
• Jewelry and Keepsake Boxes
• All Nautical Yard and Patio Decor
• Nautical Outdoor Artwork
• Outdoor Rugs, Pillows, and Patio Accessories
• Weather Vanes
• Cranes and Herons
• Hanging Figures
• Whales, Dolphins, Sharks, and Trophy Fish
• Other Yard and Patio Decor
• All Nautical Decor by Theme
• Anchors, Ship's Wheels, Oars, and Portholes
• Classic Nautical Instruments
• Lanterns and Classic Lighting
• LED Wooden Wall Art
• Lighthouses
• Oyster Shells
• Pirates, Captains, Divers, and Sailors
• Sailboats, Ships, Yachts, and Other Boats
• Sea Turtles
• Shore Birds
• Trophy Fish
• Other Themes and Animals
• Armed Forces Decor
• Nautical Kids Korner
• Wholesale, Parties, Weddings
• Corporate and Promotional Gifts
• SHIPPING ONLY

Shop by Brand

• Everything Nautical
• View all Brands
• Destinations USA (All Products)

Let your love for the sea be known with our huge collection of handcrafted  Nautical Sailboat Models ! Ideal for any collector and perfect for use as decor, our model ships are designed to add a nautical atmosphere anywhere they are placed. They also make thoughtful gifts for friends who love the sea. Arriving fully assembled and ready for display, we also offer tabletop and stand-alone display cases for the avid collector.

This collection features many Sailboats such as models of the Bluenose II, Classic 1930s Yacht, Drakkar Viking, and many more. All items are available for purchase at our  guaranteed low price.  We also offer  free shipping  for orders above $99.

When you shop with  Everything Nautical,  you are receiving the same quality treatment that all of our customers have been receiving online since 1998. Let us help you shop with confidence and complete your home nautical decor with our quality Model Ships and maritime collectibles. Call us now at  888-211-4490 !

Endeavour Lux Model Sailboat - 36"

Columbia Sailboat - America's Cup - 56"

Columbia Sailboat - America's Cup - 46.5"

sku: AS075F

Columbia - america's cup sailboat - 65"".

sku: AS108F

Columbia - america's cup sailboat - 35.5".

sku: AS076F

Columbia - america's cup sailboat - 46.7".

Ship Model Wall Display

sku: Intrepid 27

Intrepid limited model sailboat - 27".

sku: R-ENT -30

Rustic enterprise limited model sailboat - 27".

sku: H END D0303

Endeavour limited edition model sailboat - 35".

Wooden Enterprise Limited Model Sailboat 27"

sku: H Bluenose 32

Bluenose ii model sailboat - 35".

Ranger Model Sailboat America's Cup- 26"

sku: MD-393

America's cup columbia model ship - mid.

sku: Sailboats - Float - Set 2 - #3

Sailboats - they float 12" - set of 2 - #3.

sku: Sailboats - Float - Set 2 - #2

Sailboats - they float 12" - set of 2 - #2.

sku: Sailboats - Float - Set 2 - #1

Sailboats - they float 12" - set of 2- #1.

sku: MD-396 M

J5 classic yacht.

sku: ENT-R-35 Rustic

Vintage enterprise limited model sailboat america's cup 35".

sku: Ran-R-35

Ranger model sailboat america's cup- 35".

sku: WW-E-35

Rustic whitewashed enterprise limited model sailboat 35".

sku: Drakkar 24

Wooden viking drakkar model boat 24".

sku: Drakkar Raven 14

Wooden viking drakkar with embroidered raven limited model- 14".

sku: Drakkar 14

Wooden viking drakkar model boat -14".

sku: H-R-Newport 30

Newport sloop - rustic -30".

sku: H-BLUE 24

Bluenose model sailboat - 24".

sku: H-D0604

Shamrock limited model sailboat - 27".

sku: MD-389

Uscg barque eagle - 1936 i.

sku: MD-391

Endeavour racing yacht.

sku: MD-383

Outer banks sailboat.

sku: MD-354

Sailboats - 9" - set of 4.

sku: MD-397

Endeavour & enterprise sailboats -21" - set of 2.

sku: MD-394

Sailboats - 13.5" - set of 4.

sku: American Sailboat Set - 12"

American sailboats - red - white - blue- 12" - set of 4.

sku: H-End R 60

Endeavour model sailboat - rustic - 60".

sku: H-END- R-35

Endeavour model sailboat - 35".

sku: H-END 27 D0304

Endeavour limited model sailboat - 27".

sku: H- COL 60

Columbia limited model sailboat - 60".

sku: H- COL-D0404

Columbia limited model sailboat - 25".

sku: H-R-COL 30

Columbia sailboat - rustic - limited 30".

Wooden Columbia America's Cup Limited Edition - 25"

sku: American Sailboat Set 17

American sailboats - red - white - blue- 17" - set of 4.

sku: MD-357

Sailing boat i.

Shamrock Yacht - Large - Optional Personalized Plaque

Shamrock Yacht - Mid Size - Optional Personalized Plaque

Painted Shamrock Half-Hull Model Boat - 35.5" - Optional Personalized Plaque

Pen Duick Half-Hull Scaled Model Boat - 35.5" - Optional Personalized Plaque

Custom Made Model Ship - Optional Personalized Plaque and Display Case

Endeavour Lux Model Sailboat - 36" Everything Nautical proudly presents the Endeavour Lux Model Sailboat - 36" With the winning spirit of her famous namesake, the presence of this sailing ship model...

Columbia Sailboat - America's Cup - 56" Everything Nautical proudly presents the Columbia Sailboat - America's Cup - 56"  Perfect for the nautical décor theme of a room with existing rustic décor, bedroom shelf or office desk,...

Columbia Sailboat - America's Cup - 46.5" Everything Nautical proudly presents the Columbia Sailboat - America's Cup - 46.5"  Perfect for the nautical décor theme of a room with existing rustic décor, bedroom shelf or office...

Columbia -  America's Cup Sailboat - 65" Everything Nautical proudly presents the Columbia -  America's Cup Sailboat - 65"  Perfect for the nautical décor theme of a room with existing rustic décor, bedroom shelf or...

Columbia -  America's Cup Sailboat - 35.5" Everything Nautical proudly presents the Columbia - America's Cup Sailboat - 35.5"  Perfect for the nautical décor theme of a room with existing rustic décor, bedroom shelf or...

Columbia -  America's Cup Sailboat - 46.7" Everything Nautical proudly presents the Columbia -  America's Cup Sailboat - 46.7"  Perfect for the nautical décor theme of a room with existing rustic décor, bedroom shelf or...

Everything Nautical proudly presents the Ship Model Wall Display. This is an elegant wood wall mount display for ship models. Screws & brackets are included Note images with ships displayed on it with varying size bases. The base for your...

Intrepid Limited Model Sailboat - 27" Everything Nautical proudly presents the Intrepid Limited Model Sailboat - 27". Increased craftsmanship and significantly upgraded deck features highlight our newly...

  Rustic Enterprise Limited Model Sailboat - 27" Everything Nautical proudly presents the Rustic Enterprise Limited Model Sailboat - 27".  Wind and waves will take you away on Enterprise racing model sailboats with these Limited...

Endeavour Limited Edition Model Sailboat - 35" Everything Nautical proudly presents the Endeavour Limited Edition Model Sailboat Decoration -  35". With the winning spirit of her famous namesake, the presence of this sailing ship model...

 Wooden Enterprise Limited Model Sailboat 27" Everything Nautical proudly presents the Wooden Enterprise Limited Model Sailboat 27".  Wind and waves will take you away on Enterprise racing model sailboats with these Limited Edition yacht...

Bluenose II Model Sailboat - 35"  Everything Nautical proudly presents the Bluenose II Model Sailboat - 35" . With a sleek elegance that won her numerous titles in both racing and fishing competitions, this brilliant model livens up...

Ranger Model Sailboat America's Cup - 26" Everything Nautical proudly presents the Ranger Model Sailboat America's Cup - 26" With the winning spirit of her famous namesake, the presence of this sailing ship model of America’s Cup winner...

America's Cup Columbia Model Ship - Mid Presenting the all new America's Cup Columbia Model Ship - Mid from Everything Nautical.  Here's your chance to own the historic Columbia, 2 time winner of America's Cup. A truly magnificent and...

Sailboats - They Float 12" - Set of 2 Everything Nautical proudly presents our new It Floats - Sailboat. These really are "whatever floats your boat! These sailboats are freshly designed with increased craftsmanship and is our debut...

Sailboats - They Float 12" - Set of 2 Everything Nautical proudly presents our new It Floats - Sailboat.  These really are "whatever floats your boat! These sailboats are freshly designed with increased craftsmanship and is our...

J5 Classic Yacht Everything Nautical proudly presents the carefully handcrafted, and famous J Classic Yacht. A J-Class yacht is a single-masted racing yacht built to the specifications of Nathanael Herreshoff's Universal Rule. The J-Class are...

 Vintage Enterprise Limited Model Sailboat America's Cup 35" Everything Nautical proudly presents the Vintage Enterprise Limited Model Sailboat America's Cup 35" . With the winning spirit of her famous namesake, the presence of this...

Ranger Model Sailboat America's Cup - 35" Everything Nautical proudly presents the Ranger Model Sailboat America's Cup - 35" With the winning spirit of her famous namesake, the presence of this sailing ship model of America’s Cup winner...

Rustic Whitewashed Enterprise Limited Model Sailboat 35" Everything Nautical proudly presents the Rustic Whitewashed Enterprise Limited Model Sailboat 35" . With the winning spirit of her famous namesake, the presence of this sailing ship model of...

Wooden Viking Drakkar Model Boat 24" Everything Nautical proudly presents the Wooden Viking Drakkar Model Boat -24". Share the courageous spirit of adventure that made the Vikings the greatest explorers, traders and feared raiders of...

Wooden Viking Drakkar with Embroidered Raven Limited Model- 14" Everything Nautical proudly presents the Wooden Viking Drakkar with Embroidered Raven Limited Model- 14". Share the courageous spirit of adventure that made the Vikings the...

Wooden Viking Drakkar Model Boat -14" Everything Nautical proudly presents the Wooden Viking Drakkar Model Boat -14". Share the courageous spirit of adventure that made the Vikings the greatest explorers, traders and feared raiders of...

Newport Sloop- Rustic - 30" Everything Nautical proudly presents the Newport Sloop - Rustic - Limited 30".   Perfect for the nautical decor theme of a room with existing rustic decor, bedroom shelf or office desk, the graceful lines of...

Bluenose Model Sailboat - 24" Everything Nautical proudly presents the Bluenose Model Sailboat - 24". With a sleek elegance that won her numerous titles in both racing and fishing competitions, this brilliant model livens up any room or office...

Shamrock Limited Model Sailboat - 27" Everything Nautical proudly presents the Shamrock Shamrock Limited Model Sailboat - 27". Increased craftsmanship and significantly upgraded deck features highlight our newly redesigned Limited Edition...

United States Coast Guard USCG Eagle Tall Model Ship -15" Everything Nautical proudly presents the United States Coast Guard USCG Eagle Tall Model Ship -15". The legendary cutter USCG Eagle is proudly recreated here in stunning detail,...

Endeavour Racing Yacht  Everything Nautical proudly presents the carefully handcrafted, and famous Endeavor Racing Yacht, the Endeavour Racing Yacht . This version of the Endeavour is slightly different from the MD-349 in size and color...

Outer Banks Sailboat  Everything Nautical proudly presents the carefully handcrafted, Outer Banks Sailboat. Sail the Outer Banks with this sailboat whether it be off Nag's Head, or Cape Cod. Or, perhaps your sailboat is sailing off the Outer...

Sailboats - 9" - Set of 4 Add a nautical flair to your home or office with these cutter style Sailboats - 9" - Set of 4! What could be more fun than having this set of colorful Sailboats! How  These boats are replicas of many of the...

Endeavour & Enterprise Sailboats -21" - Set of 2 Everything Nautical proudly presents the Endeavor and Enterprise - 21" Set of 2. A winner and challenger in the America's Cup. Now you can display both at a very moderate price...

Sailboats - 13.5" - Set of 4 Add a nautical flair to your home or office with the Sailboats - 13.5" - Set of 4! What could be more fun than having this set of colorful Sailboats! How  These boats are replicas of many of the sailboats on...

American Sailboats - Red - White - Blue- 12" Set of 4 Add a nautical flair to your home or office with the Set of American Sailboats - Red - White - Blue from Everything Nautical! What could be more fun than having this set of...

Endeavour Model Sailboat - Rustic - 60" Everything Nautical proudly presents the Endeavour Model Sailboat - Rustic - 60". With the winning spirit of her famous namesake, the presence of this sailing ship model...

Endeavour Model Sailboat - 35" Everything Nautical proudly presents the Endeavour Model Sailboat - 35". With the winning spirit of her famous namesake, the presence of this sailing ship model...

Endeavour Limited Model Sailboat 27" Everything Nautical proudly presents the Endeavour Limited Model Sailboat 27". Newly redesigned, our Limited Edition sailing ship models of the famous America’s Cup challenger Endeavour feature...

Columbia Limited Model Sailboat - 60" Everything Nautical proudly presents the Columbia Limited Model Sailboat - 60"  Perfect for the nautical decor theme of a room with existing decor, bedroom shelf or office desk, the graceful lines of this...

Columbia Limited Model Sailboat - 25" Everything Nautical proudly presents the Columbia Limited Model Sailboat - 25"  Perfect for the nautical décor theme of a room with existing rustic décor, bedroom shelf or office desk, the...

Columbia  Sailboat - Rustic - Limited 30" Everything Nautical proudly presents the Columbia Sailboat - Rustic - Limited 30".  Perfect for the nautical decor theme of a room with existing rustic decor, bedroom shelf or office desk, the...

Wooden Columbia America's Cup Limited Edition - 25" Everything Nautical proudly presents the Wooden Columbia America's Cup Limited Edition  - 25" Let the wind and waves take you away with this Limited Edition wooden model sailboat of the...

American Sailboats - Red - White - Blue- 17" Set of 4 Add a nautical flair to your home or office with the Set of American Sailboats - Red - White - Blue from Everything Nautical! What could be more fun than having this set of...

Sailing Boat I Everything Nautical proudly presents the carefully handcrafted, Sailing Boat I  A perfect gift for the boating enthusiast, the passionate collector or simply those who appreciate the nautical life. Dimensions 29"" H x 3.5" D x 20"...

Shamrock Model Yacht - Large with Optional Personalized Plaque Everything Nautical is proud to present this stunning Shamrock Model Yacht, now available with the option to add a customized plaque. Display this beautiful ship anywhere in your...

Shamrock Model Yacht - Mid Size -  with Optional Personalized Plaque Everything Nautical is proud to present this stunning Shamrock Model Yacht, now available with the option to add a customized plaque. Display this beautiful ship...

Painted Shamrock Half-Hull Model Boat with Optional Personalized Plaque Everything Nautical is proud to present this stunning Painted Shamrock Half-Hull Model Boat, now available with the option to add a customized plaque. Display this...

Pen Duick Half-Hull Scaled Model Boat with Optional Personalized Plaque Everything Nautical is proud to present this stunning Pen Duick Half-Hull Scaled Model Boat, now available with the option to add a customized plaque. Display this...

Custom Made Model Ship with Optional Personalized Plaque Everything Nautical is proud to present the opportunity to create your very own stunning Custom Made Model Ship, now available with the option to add a customized plaque. Display the...

Sirius Sails

Starting on 11/1/23, I will be refunding all current orders, in the order they were placed.  I plan on refunding these over the next 3 months.  I apologize for not doing this earlier.  For those who wish to continue with their order, please send an email.  I don't know when these will be processed due to my health, but they will be done in in placement order.

Don 11/1/23

Sail Materials and Construction

Sail cloth currently available:.

TriSpi 25, 40, 50, 1.4 mil Mylar, 2.0 Mylar, 3.0 Mylar, PX75, CPM 505, iCarex, Xio4, AZZ03 Aramid

Construction details:

All sails are made and guaranteed to conform with class rules. All sails have taped and sewn seams. Sail panels are warp oriented, in the load direction, and are alternated, front to back, to maintain vertical partitioning. The foot of each sail is stabilized with an additional material layer to help prevent curling. Included are draft stripes, telltales, luff pockets on both sails, battens, plus an installed jib luff wire. Standard sails have starburst reinforced grommeted corners made of black, red, white, blue, green, yellow, hot pink, or fluorescent orange dacron ripstop. Full roach sails (US1M, S/B, Soling 50 etc.) have layered dacron patch corner reinforcements. Nylon reinforced tie points are included on the mainsail luff as appropriate.

Optional extras are: Class logo, sail numbers, and mast groove slugs installed on the mainsail luff.Powerful shapes, flat leeches, high pointing, less heel and impressive boat acceleration are obvious in all conditions.

Sail Cloth details:

Extensive testing by Sirius Sails have shown that the type of sail cloth has almost no impact on performance, given that the load limits of the material are not exceeded. Generally, heavier sail cloth is more stable in all load directions than lighter sail cloth, is less flexible, but will provide the longest racing life. Lighter cloth weights are more flexible and respond to light air more readily, making them easier to read, but do not provide the longevity of heavier cloth. Most standard Sirius Sails suits pair a heavier weight material main with a lighter material jib to optimize responsiveness and longevity.

Details and uses for each type of cloth are:

1.0 oz Mylar with scrim in the warp as well as the X-Ply. It is very similar to the old PX75 except it has Gray Dyneema scrim.  Very flexible, yet strong when warp load oriented. Suitable for all yacht sails, light to heavy air depending on sail size, and jibs on all models.

1.0 oz Cuben Fiber is an extremely strong and flexible material.  It is very similar to the old cuben fiber material except its made with dyneema fibers.  Very flexible, yet strong when warp load oriented. Suitable for all yacht sails, light to heavy air depending on sail size, and jibs on all models.

.6 oz Mylar with scrim in the warp and fill directions. Very flexible, yet strong when warp load oriented. Suitable for small yacht sails, light air sails, and jibs on larger models.

.9 oz Mylar with scrim in the warp and fill directions. Medium/high flexibility with great strength when warp load oriented. Suitable for all purpose use.

1.2 oz Mylar with scrim in the warp and fill directions. Strongest, but least flexible of the TriSpi materials. Suitable for larger sails and high wind sails.

AZZ03 is a Contender Mylar Laminate 1 mil Mylar film, 2.4 sm oz material with box and x ply aramid fibers. Approximately the same weight as the Xio4 but with Aramid fibers instead of polyester which reduces stretch. Would work very well for a B rig or larger high aspect A rigs

1.5 oz Mylar with a heavy scrim on the bias. Extremely high omni-directional strength with medium/low flexibility. Suitable for larger sails and high wind sails.

.75 oz Mylar film with an omni-directional fiber backing that provides excellent omni-directional strength and medium flexibility. This material is quite expensive and the fiber side is hydroscopic, but it's directional stability makes an excellent sail. Best suited for mainsails on all model yacht sizes.

.4 oz (drafting Mylar) translucent film that has omni-direction strength and medium/low flexibility. Can be easily wrinkled, so extreme handling care is necessary. Suitable for smaller model yacht sails only.

iCarex has set the standard in performance and durability. It is also state of the art in ripstop polyester fabric for sport kite applications. Icarex has achieved legendary status in every sport kite competition and is used by all major sport kite manufacturers worldwide. Strength and stability are at a premium for these high performance sport kites. Icarex – an exceptional lightweight fabric with high level air tightness and dimensional stability for all those applications where light weight airtightness and high dimensional stability are important.

Seam Tape details:

Sirius Sails are assembled using a custom seam tape with twice the adhesion properties of typical seam tapes. The adhesive is also white pigmented for superior UV resistance.

iCarex Colors

Insignia Colors