Curious to know if anyone has tried tyvek. Have used my sail 30 plus hours this summer and had it in wind of 25+ mph and cannot detect much stretch at all. Only area showing much wear is the mast pocket. Seams are holding together nicely, no popped stitches, corner eyelets showing no localized stretching. Sail still hangs at original height and have not had to adjust batten tension. Very happy with durability versus cost. Seventeen layers sewed together, mast pocket to sail. Domestic sewing machine. Rivet used as batten stop. Battens made from 1/8 inch thick hickory strips and kind of rubber cement used on seams.
Thanks everyone for the positive comments. Majority of mast pocket is two layers but at each batten there is a 2" band around mast of four layers thick. At foot of sail the 4" band is 6 layers. The seventeen number is what domestic sewing machine punched through for the first 4" to attach pocket at foot of sail. After that the most layers encountered were 10 at the 2" bands. No broken needles and not much hesitation from sewing machine.
wow, I reckon i might have to award an honorary degree from the Lake Lefroy International University of Landsailing . Would you be happy with a High distinction
TYVEK is a woven material made in the USA and used for cladding weatherboard houses to stop the wind seeping through the fine cracks. In Australia we often see the material as strong envelopes, disposable overalls and its very like the Greeny bags from the supermarket except TYVEK has a smooth surface. You might get some from a builders supply place, but you will have to search hard.
Thanks mad66. Live in an area where windsurfer sails are hard to come by cost effectively. Had read about tyvek used as sail material, so i thought why not, had a free roll, (6' x ?). Checked cost recently and could purchase 900 sq. ft. for $120. My guess is for $20-$25 in materials,(tyvek, thread, glue, eyelets, etc.) you can build a sail.
