CAMBRIA Restoration Diary: Full Story
Red sails in the sunset
Steve Hall, propietor of North Sea Sails has been contracted to make the six main sails for Cambria. From his modest sail loft in Tollesbury, Steve serves the needs of traditional craft owners both in the UK and abroad. However, Cambria is a big order with over 5000 sq ft of canvas to prepare.
Our picture shows Steve working on the mizzen sail. The canvas is a modern spun polyester yarn designed specifically for traditional and classic sails. The corner point where the neddle is coming through is eight layers of canvas, and Steve uses a sailmakers palm to push the neddle through, with plyers finishing off the stitch. A spliced eye has already been prepared to the correct size to accept a metal thimble into which the tack of the sail will hook. The rope is being sewn to the port side of the sail using a four strand thread well lubricated with a beeswax and lard solution.
