sail dressing

[Alastairdent]

Had a trip out on a Thames sailing barge (Cabby) last weekend. Was impressed by the appearance and feel of the sails, which were ochre/red.

Our dutch barge has very stained white sails, it would seem to make sense to 'dress' them to ochre; both to cover up the stains and to preserve them.

Is it possible to 'dress' modern synthetic sailcloth, or can you only do it with cotton sails?

 

[donncha]

Have a look at this:

http://books.google.ie/books?id=axf0LZBU...mp;hl=en#PPA187,M1

 

[tidclacy]

Try http://www.thamesbarge.org.uk/index.html or http://www.bargetrust.org/winterwk.html or http://www.dawn-trust.org.uk/index.htmlhttp://www.jameslawrencesailmakers.com/

 

[Seagreen]

I think you can only do it with natural cotton and canvas, as the fibres will absorb the cutch. The synthetic Dacron will not absorb it, but I don't know about Duradon. It's a very messy business and really best avoided unless you are very determined to be authentic.