8 replies to this topic

[thengling]

Just wondering how cost prohibitive it would be to obtain classic sails for my '70's 5O5. Actually, it would be a bit of a mis-match, as I like the '50's look... like this forerunner of the 5O5... http://www.int505.or...pix/coronet.bmp
Anyone know who makes retro-sails? Or would I have to (gasp) make them myself?

[seajay]

Perhaps a sail loft in Port Townsend, WA.

[Icedtea]

Hmmm it depends what you want.
If you want retro sails in retro technology I'd say they wouldn't be too expensive.
But if you wanted new tech sails in a retro look, be prepared to pay!

[Presuming Ed]

Well, for the true retro look you need narrow panels. Which means lots of stitching = lots of work = cost.

Surely the best place to ask would be, oh I don't know..., an actual sailmaker?

[thengling]

It would definitely be retro "technology"... I'm not trying to win races. I don't know any sailmakers, and I doubt if there are any within a 1000km radius of here! Could be wrong, though likely I have to search beyond that... partly why I'm asking, really.

[Amati]

This might interest you. Loook through the list of kits they make (I think I saw a 505 kit), and then you can customize your kit. They will also make you a kit from scratch. As you will see, they do narrow panels, classic looks and have different cloths that would work. If you're willing to assemble them yourself, the savings are pretty spectacular. The sails look great, but I don't know racing results. The head sailmaker does not consider himself a traditional designer, but a modern sailmaker doing different styles.


http://search.sailri...pular-Sail-Kits

Here's a complete list of kits.

http://www.sailritesails.com/

[wing wang]

I will be looking for retro looking sails for my classic 14, but will simply take the sails I have - the original suit - to a sailmaker and get a copy made. That way they will be good for use but still be true to the age of the boat. That's what I would do in your position, rather than stick on soemthing that isn't meant to be there and wont - to my mind - look right.

[Steam Flyer]

Well, for the true retro look you need narrow panels. Which means lots of stitching = lots of work = cost.

Surely the best place to ask would be, oh I don't know..., an actual sailmaker?

Narrow panels & miter cut
Although the radial cut appeared in the mid-1960s... I never knew anybody that had them

FB- Doug

[thengling]

WW, I agree with you, mostly. Narrow panel, mitre cut, etc., would indeed look proper with wood spars, bronze blocks, and hemp tone sheets. On the other hand, in the '60's one could see mitre panel sails on aluminum spars. It would certainly look wrong paired with (in my case) the orange and white deck and hull. Technora sails would in theory look just as wrong. However, I am thinking of re-finishing the boat. Given that the design is always in transition anyway, I don't think I would mind the mis-match.