We consider "The Complete Guide to Sail Care & Repair", at least in part, an endorsement of all that Sailrite has stood for. Even though he is careful to stress that he does not recommend sail construction for amateurs, his book certainly helps lift the shroud of mystery that has surrounded professional sailmaking. And we are appreciative of his warm praise for the Ultrafeed zigzag machine that we loaned him during preparation of the book.
The title tells it all. At 1232 pages his book is not just complete — it is authoritative. The Dashews have designed and built boats as well as sailed them extensively. And they have spent years pulling everything together in this one book.
Chock full of information that is just not available elsewhere. The Dashews have "been there and done that" and they are able to convey what they know with wit and charm. Representative chapters: watchkeeping, navigation, closing with shore, boat handling, prepartion, anchoring, storm tactics and more.
This book is for those who want to know how to build their own sails -- nothing is held back. The primary focus here is on Bermuda mainsthe triangular sails that are most common on modern sailboats as mainsails and mizzen sails.