Craft:Sail making

Sails are traditionally made of linen, which has as its only flaws, that it stretches slightly when new and rots if stored away damp. Sails are made of heavy cloth, with all seams triple stitched (the two pieces of cloth are overlaid by an inch or so, sewn at each edge and also down the middle. Reef points are added (cord ties used to tie the sail along the boom when the sail is reefed, i.e. partly pulled up to reduce its area in high winds. The points and corners of the sail have holes pierced, a metal eyelet put in place (to prevent fraying) and are often reinforced with leather for larger sails ? this is where the main ropes are attached and the sail will be under most strain. Lacing eyes are also required to tie the sail to the booms and spars. A sail may have a bolt rope sewn into its edges for added strength. Sails are designed to catch the wind and so need a slight belly or dip rather than being completely flat.
The best sails are made, unsurprisingly in Brechtur and bin the lands of the Khinasi. Sails can be made in a variety of shapes, from the square or rectangular Anuirean sails to triangular, claw shaped, angled blades and other bespoke sails made by the weavers of the Brecht and Khinasi to suit the needs of each particular ship.