F/T Program

 Sailmaking & Rigging

Course details

Start date:	01/03/2011
Course dates:	January 3-March 25
Course days:	Monday-Friday
Course times:	9am-5pm Monday, 8am-5pm Tuesday-Friday
Term:	Winter
Length:	3 Months
Class limit:	12
Tuition:	$3,975 $100 Registration Fee
Tools/Materials:	Tools suggested, not required
Materials cost:	$100
Skill level:	Beginner
Location:	Northwest Sails Loft located at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding
Instructor(s):	Sean Rankins

Prerequisite(s)

None

Education goal

To teach sailmaking and rigging while providing sails for educational vessels. A course for students of all ages and backgrounds, where students will come away with a full understanding of sailmaking.

Description

This course is for students of all ages and backgrounds, aspiring or seasoned sailors and sailmakers, or even enthusiasts with an eye for the craft. It is a great opportunity for the cruising yachtsman to understand his main power source and how to survive at sea, for individuals interested in gaining employment in the sailmaking or rigging fields, and for employees of cruising or Tall Ship organizations.

Students will participate in the entire sailmaking and rigging process, from measuring, lofting and machine work-to fitting the sails on the educational vessels. Beginning this year, students will also learn spar, block, and hardware construction, canvas making and repair.

Course outline

• The course will cover the following topics:
  
  Sailmaking introduction
  Tools and how to use them properly
  Materials: cloth, rope, hardware, thread
  Sail/Rig Types: Square rig, schooner, ketch, small boat...
  Sail types: Scotch, vertical, miter, etc.
  Sail theory
  History of sail development
  Intro to design
  Measuring
  Intro to lofting and layout
  Sailmaking process-measure, loft, machine work, finishing
  Handwork-eyelets, whipping, sizing, servive
  Knots & splices-rope
  Splices-wire
  Corners & fittings
  Rattailing
  Roping
  Sail Care-stowing, maintenance, inspection
  Sail repair
  Canvas Work-Ditty bag, sail bag, sea bag, sail covers, cushions, covers...
  Cringles
  Sailing
  Repair Kits
  Ordering and Supplies
  Make your own sails (how to start)
  spar, block, and deck hardware construction
  Dock walks included!

Additional resources

Website:   
More Info: 
Document:   Sailmaking & Rigging Enrollment Application

Special instructions

This course is taught primarily by Sean Rankins of Northwest Sails, who has worked as a professional sailmaker for 33 years, and taught for more then 20 years. Spar, block and deck hardware construction will be taught by boat building instructor Tim Lee. Many guest lecturers will be included also.

For further information contact

Student Services Administrator
360-385-4948
courses@nwboatschool.org