How do I become a sailmaker? Sails for sailboats.?

Answer 1

If you're looking to make your own sails, you'll need a heavy-duty sewing machine to start with. Mom's old Singer just won't do. Pick up a few books on the internet about cuts and shape and you'll be sewing in no time. Drifters and 'chutes can be made from old parachutes bought on eBay, and will be the easiest material to start working with. They'll be the most forgiving if you mess up the shape.

If you're looking to start your own business, good luck. Many brand-name sails these days are outsourced to Asia and re-badged by a local sailmaker. The local guys mostly just do repairs nowadays. As others said, try getting an apprenticeship.

Answer 2

Become an apprentice at an experienced sailmaker. Do you wish to make modern sails or traditional? There are quite a few sailmakers located throughout the country.

Answer 3

First make sure it's what you want to do. There are many good books to give you more of an idea what skills and knowledge sailmakers need to have (you might be suprised).

Then, like the other answerer suggested, find someplace to become an apprentice.

If you like to work with your hands and make good money this would be ideal for you.

A good book to start with would be found at this web address-
http://www.mhprofessional.com/product.php?isbn=0071376429&cat=132&promocode=
Then when you go to apply you would know a little something about it.

Here is a link to an Australian sailmaking company.
http://www.phillipssails.com.au/contact.asp
You might contact them. If they don't have an apprenticeship, they might help you find one.

Answer 4

do you just want to do it for yourself as a hobby or you want to do it as a business? If you want to do it as a business, then I am pretty sure this stuff happens in third world countries ...