Enjoy this video of the launch of "Spirit", a 36', 5 Ton, replica of a Civil War era scow, turned blockade runner, built by the Crystal River (FL) Boat Builders with period tools over a period of about 3 years. "Spirit" is powered by a 507 sq. ft. gaff main and a 135 sq. ft. jib constructed of 8 oz. polyethylene laminate most know as polytarp. On a recent return trip from Cedar Key off the Gulf Coast, the GPS posted a speed of over 8 knots. Here is the Youtube link:
Or, this video and others of the build can be reached through the CRBB web site at http://www.tsca.net/CRBB/
As the sailmaker, I believe the gaff main to be the largest sail ever constructed from poly laminate.Following are a few photos of the sailmaking process starting with laying out the 30' x 40' tarp in my front yard.
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polysail