Sailmaker
A sailmaker produces, repairs and maintains sails , tarpaulins , sprayhoods and tarpaulins for all types of sailing ships, but also in other areas, see sun protection sails , awnings and tents.
Sailmakers work in sailmakers and boat builders , but also on board larger sailing ships. They continue to be employed by interior decorators who manufacture sun protection devices and awnings . The activity contains a very high proportion of manual labor, but today it can hardly be done without the use of machines.
Sails are made in large workshops on a lace floor , on which their outlines are torn in original size . While the contours and cut edges used to be marked ("tied off") with cords, this process is now done with the aid of a computer using plotters . The sail can be given a three-dimensional profile by cutting the individual panels accordingly. Then the sail tracks are sewn together with special sewing machines . In the case of sails made of modern plastics ( Mylar , Kevlar , laminate sails ), sewing has been partially replaced by welding and adhesive techniques . All sails then have to be equipped by the sailmakers with the “accessories” with which they are later attached to and operated on board: thimbles , reefing and sails , eyes, etc.
Sailmakers assemble sails, tarpaulins, canopies and awnings on site. They often also take part in sailing trips and especially in regattas in order to show clients the optimal trim of the sails they have made, or to make modifications to optimize the sails.
The profession of sailmaker is a recognized training occupation in Germany according to the Vocational Training Act (BBiG) and the Crafts Code (HwO). The training takes place in the respective training company as well as the nationally competent vocational school on the Priwall . It lasts three years.
Sailmaker's sewing machine
Awning
Sprayhood
Thread, needle and sailmaker's glove
Historic sailmaker's workshop in the Zuiderzee Museum
Sources and web links
- State guild Schleswig-Holstein - information and training
- Professional profile sailmaker - in BERUFENET of the Federal Employment Agency
- General training plan - at the state guild of sailing makers Schleswig-Holstein
- State vocational school for sailmakers