Inside the sailmaker’s loft
The art of sailmaking dates back millennia, with Odysseus himself, according to Homer’s epic writings (circa 1000 B.C.), fashioning sails for his handmade vessel. Stranded on a lee shore, he built a boat with the assistance of Calypso, who provided the tools, cloth, and knowledge. Homer tells us that Odysseus “skillfully” crafted sails, complete with braces, halyards, and sheets.
This ancient craft remains deeply rooted in tradition and whilst materials have evolved beyond all recognition, many of the principles of the construction remain true.
Let’s take a tour around the sailmaker’s loft and explore five key elements of this age-old artistry:
The sailmaker’s bench
A cornerstone of the craft, the sailmaker’s bench is akin to an architect’s drafting table. Simple yet essential, it keeps tools—needles of various sizes, sharp knives, wax—within easy reach. Holes in the bench of varying sizes enable the insertion of cringles into the sail’s bolt rope by the use of a fid. The “bench hook” helps secure the sailcloth, allowing the sailmaker to pull needles through heavy material with precision. The benches in our loft carry the scars from decades of sailmaking and remain an essential tool used everyday.
Hand-Worked Ring
The hand-worked or sewn ring, is the traditional attachment point for lines and hardware and is both functional and elegant. A steel or brass ring is hand sewn into the hole using flat waxed threads, originally made from cat’s gut. A brass liner is then hammered into the aperture to protect the threads. While modern boats generally use hydraulically pressed rings, for classic yachts, it’s the detail that matters. The execution speaks volumes about the craftsmanship behind every sail.
Selvage Edge
Derived from "self-edge," the selvage refers to the finished edge of sail cloth woven to prevent unraveling or fraying. Historically, cotton bolts were 18 inches wide, with selvage edges ensuring durability and enabling efficient overlap seams, originally stitched by hand before the zig-zag stitch was introduced. The balance of the selvage is vital—too tight or too loose, and the sail won’t set properly. This precision embodies the timeless quality of the craft.
Stencilling
Stencilling is an enduring hallmark of quality in cotton sails, used as both the sailmakers marque and to also identify the different corners and loading points of the sail. The iconic red half-moon logo, symbolising the Ratsey quality, has marked our sails since the 1960s, heralding a new era in sailmaking with the introduction of modern fabrics.
Rope Work and Rat Tail
“Learning the ropes” stems from the essential skill of rope work in sailing. From rigging to mooring lines, rope efficiency is integral to navigation and ship handling. At our loft in Cowes, bolt ropes are used to support and strengthen the edges and the corners of the sail. As the rope nears the end, our craftsmen taper the ropes into elegant ‘rat tails’, waxing and twisting them for a smooth finish that ensures both durability and a more refined aesthetic.
We hope you enjoyed this glimpse into the Sailmaker’s Loft, where art and science converge to create sails of stunning beauty.
Thank you for being part of our story.
Warm regards,
The Ratsey & Lapthorn Team