Sailmaker's Apprentice(The): A Comprehensive Guide for the Self-Reliant Sailor (Hardcover)

~ (Author) "SEE HOW SHE SCHOONS!..." (more)
Key Phrases: gaff sag, cut tablings, reef eyelets, Making Your Own Sails, Beetle Cat, Ted Brewer (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"... a clearly illustrated, superb step-by-step guide to traditional sailmaking." -- Cruising World

"... not just a new standard reference for designing, making, and using traditional sails, but a virtual epic poem about traditional sailmaking... Safe to say that The Sailmaker's Apprentice will dominate the shelf on books on sails and sailmaking far into the future... The best and most comprehensive book on sailmaking and sail repair to be published in a long time." -- WoodenBoat

"The author's depth of experience is make clear... through the excellent reorganization of the material and the remarkable clarity of the writing. There is also a playfulness about the book that reveals more than a sense of humor; it reveals true mastery... While we can take guidance from others, ultimately we must rely on ourselves for fulfillment. Many roads lead there, and with this book, Marino has surely proven that sailmaking is one of them." -- The Northern Mariner

Product Description

Master the sailmaking skills that every sailor should know. . .and save money every time you use them. Inside secrets of a top sailmaker. . .clearly explained and illustrated so you can make, repair, maintain, use and even buy sails--the right way! The Sailmaker's Apprentice will inspire you with new ideas. . .motivate you with directions, tips, and illustrations that show you how to turn your sailmaking dreams into reality. . .and teach you all the sailmaking secrets you need to do the job with confidence.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 512 pages
• Publisher: Intl Marine Pub (October 23, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 007157980X
• ISBN-13: 978-0071579803
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 7.5 x 1.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,059,960 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

43 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Nice, well-illustrated history of sailmaking ., February 2, 1999

By A Customer

This book shows you the way to build sails the old fashioned way, although some of the techniques shown are not really the way they were built in the "old days". It has lovely illustrations and and clear instructions on how to make sails with an eye on the craftsmanship of the past. The modern world of computer-designed and cut sails has no place here! If you are a novice and want this book to learn the art and craft of modern sailmaking, the book is not for you, as the construction details shown are needlessly complicated and redundant. Modern sails are actually easier to build than most of the techniques shown in this book, and most of today's sailmakers do not build sails using the book's methods. There are other books on how to make sails that are better and easier, but this is a great book for those who like the old ways of doing things. Nice photos and instructions on how to repair sails, and good basic advice for sailors who want to try their hand at a bit of palm-and-needle work. The author is holding onto the old way of designing and building sails, but has neglected alot of modern advances in the art of sailmaking.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Helping you to be self sufficient, December 4, 2003

By	Ryan McNabb (Ooltewah, TN USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Sailmaker's Apprentice (Paperback)

This wonderful book isn't intended to teach you about modern, complex, computer designed sails, or how to make them. Marino wants you to be able to repair and maintain your sails yourself. He wants you to understand how to sew a flat tabling, how to stick a cringle, how to sew on a boltrope. If you are adventurous, he will tell you how to completely make a sail for your boat, one that will last many, many years, but frankly very few people will ever make their own sails. But starting with a great beginner's project, the ditty bag, he shows you that traditional sailmaking is just a collection of readily understandable tasks, and then the repetition of those tasks, done with care and patience. Highly welcome and recommended in this age of multiple laminate fabrics and computer designed sails cut out by lasers. If that's what sailing is to you, look elsewhere.

15 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good read; lots of details, May 19, 2000

By	Charles W. Thomas (USA) - See all my reviews

The book seemed quite comprehensive on the subject of sailmaking. A good thing, but it took multiple readings to pick out what I did need vs. what I did not need when I started making my own sail. Having compared the techniques in the book to what I have seen in use among most so-called "production" sails, it was obvious to me this book was written for an audience who appreciates attention to details. It's a book for those serious about their sails, not for those who want to put together a quick and dirty sail that will last them only a couple of seasons, nor is it for those expecting nicely laid out patterns to follow.