Thanks to Dan, the dockmaster at Homer Smith, our mainsail is repaired. We will be able to use it to sail home, where we will take it to the sailmaker to rebuild the head of the sail. Dan brought his very heavy professional machine to the dock. We partially unfurled the sail so he could do the repair right on the dock. Dan reinforced the ripped area with spectra webbing and stitched it with the machine. He did not bring the heavy machine motor so had to turn the flywheel by hand. It is amazing how well the machine went through the heavy layers. Dan also attached new bolt rope fabric to the top end (that piece has completely ripped off.) He cautioned that this is a temporary fix and we shouldn’t expect to get several seasons out of it. We plan to take care of a more permanent repair soon after we get home. We are so grateful Dan had the time and skill to help us.
Ripping the stitches in preparation for inserting the spectra reinforcement.
Inserting the bobbin into the machine. The spectra webbing is basted in place ready to be sewn.
Sewing though the spectra webbing.
Finished with the reinforcement.
Hand sewing the new bolt rope piece.
Sewing the new bolt rope piece onto the sail.
Finished.
Trying it out. It works beautifully.
George and I are finishing up preparations to sail the rest of the way home. Our plan is to leave early tomorrow morning and go straight through, taking a little more than two days.
Ripping the stitches in preparation for inserting the spectra reinforcement.
Inserting the bobbin into the machine. The spectra webbing is basted in place ready to be sewn.
Sewing though the spectra webbing.
Finished with the reinforcement.
Hand sewing the new bolt rope piece.
Sewing the new bolt rope piece onto the sail.
Finished.
Trying it out. It works beautifully.
Amazing how many specialized skills and tools there are, so glad you and your sail are back in business!
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