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Sails - billowing

S

Stjoedreamer

Joined
Dec 13, 2025
Messages
9
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3

Hi all, looking for a fool proof way to “fill my sails” with wind. All help and advice is appreciated!
Thanks, Paula
 
There are a few videos on you tube that address this issue. Here is one video from Olha Batchvarov


Other people have used starch or dilute PVA and shaped a sail around forms.

Rob
 
Rob444 said:
There are a few videos on you tube that address this issue. Here is one video from Olha Batchvarov


Other people have used starch or dilute PVA and shaped a sail around forms.

Rob
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I tried powdered starch but no matter how much I added to water I could not get it to hold its shape. I have watched Olha’s videos but I don’t think I added enough glue to hold enough shape. I’m still trying’ thank you!
 
Stjoedreamer said:
I tried powdered starch but no matter how much I added to water I could not get it to hold its shape. I have watched Olha’s videos but I don’t think I added enough glue to hold enough shape. I’m still trying’ thank you!
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Not enough cat , i reckon.
 
I have watched a number of videos from Olha Batchvarov. She is truly a master artisan, from making rope, breeching, sails, etc.
Very enjoyable to watch!
 
Stjoedreamer said:
Hi all, looking for a fool proof way to “fill my sails” with wind. All help and advice is appreciated!
Thanks, Paula
Click to expand...
Lots of techniques. This is a whole topic by itself. One is stitch wire into the seams then stitch the bolt ropes on top. The wire has to be substantial enough to hold a shape, thin copper probably wouldn't be enough. To keep the size as low as possible there is s stainless steel wire but I can't find mine nor remember the name! Sorry. I assume I got the tip from a sailmaking post or video so keep searching. Some of the methods given above work to a degree, it's getting the balance right. You'll have to devote some time building framework, jigs etc, working with a stiffener, a hair dryer until you're happy with the result.
Also using different weight material will make a difference, and the size of the sail.
Not many people get good results with full sails. At some point this year I plan to build a cutter under sail and will be posting the results. But I'll be needing a different approach to what I've done in the past. I'm constantly thinking and planning which methods I'll be trying.
Sorry that's not an answer to your question, but could be your big chance to be a shining light!!
 
Bob Ellis said:
Lots of techniques. This is a whole topic by itself. One is stitch wire into the seams then stitch the bolt ropes on top. The wire has to be substantial enough to hold a shape, thin copper probably wouldn't be enough. To keep the size as low as possible there is s stainless steel wire but I can't find mine nor remember the name! Sorry. I assume I got the tip from a sailmaking post or video so keep searching. Some of the methods given above work to a degree, it's getting the balance right. You'll have to devote some time building framework, jigs etc, working with a stiffener, a hair dryer until you're happy with the result.
Also using different weight material will make a difference, and the size of the sail.
Not many people get good results with full sails. At some point this year I plan to build a cutter under sail and will be posting the results. But I'll be needing a different approach to what I've done in the past. I'm constantly thinking and planning which methods I'll be trying.
Sorry that's not an answer to your question, but could be your big chance to be a shining light!!
Click to expand...
Currently I’m practicing using the diluted glue technique but I like the idea of inserting wire through the sail seams to keep the billowing affect! Thanks for your suggestions!
 
Korsan said:
I use ironing spray (Zeta Spray) .First sprayed wet and dried with a hot air blower taking the shape of the blowing direction.This type of the spray is neutral in color and the proccessing time is short.
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I shall try this also! I bought some powdered starch but no matter how thick I made it once dry it would not hold its shape. The spray starch is probably much better! Thank you!
 
Stjoedreamer said:
I shall try this also! I bought some powdered starch but no matter how thick I made it once dry it would not hold its shape. The spray starch is probably much better! Thank you!
Click to expand...
No, didn't work for me. I also tried sprayfix. It works but remains very sticky for ages afterwards and any (just the lounge atmosphere in my case) collected dust is permanant
 
A related issue: how best to model the sheets attached to the clews of a sail, so that when the sail is apparently filled with wind as per the suggestions above in this thread, how do you keep the clew sheets tight so that they appear as if under tension, straining to hold the bottom of the sail? You need to (somehow) model the interplay between the sail billowing outwards, away from its yard, and the sheets under tension pulling it back. I don't have any a good answer yet, but hope to find a solution for my current build (when I get as far as adding the sails)...
 
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