The Historic Sail Research Project

More than 30 years ago master sailmaker, Louie Bartos, of Ketchikan, Alaska, set out to rediscover the long lost methods of sailmaking prior to the Industrial Revolution. Over time, he became a world expert on the subject, often called upon to analyze rare sail finds from European archaeological sites. Since Bartos’ passing in 2020, the project has been carried on by his appointed successor, Nathaniel Howe of Cutwater Maritime. New research continues, examining archaeological finds, contemporary art, parsing historic texts, and sewing experimental reconstructions. The primary effort is to expand and complete a manuscript Bartos started that will encompass the entirety of the HSRP and its findings.

  • Archaeological Finds

    Sails are rarely found on archaeological sites, but when they are, there is no better source of information on historic methods of sailmaking.

  • Historic Texts

    Manuscripts and treatises from the 15th century onward offer insights into sailmaking, textile production, and the performance of different sailcloths and methods of assembly. The HSRP draws from dozens of old texts in English, German, Swedish, Dutch, Danish, French, Spanish, and Italian.

  • Experimental Reconstructions

    Experimental reconstructions are an essential element of the Historic Sail Research Project, exploring the methods of assembly and stitching, often revealing otherwise unobservable details.

  • Diagrammatic Reconstruction

    Many extant examples of historic sailmaking methods are very difficult to discern, even in photographs, but especially in archaeological finds. Diagrammatic reconstructions are a core method of illustrating sail structures and fitting.

  • Sequential Illustration

    Capturing active processes in static illustrations requires sequential illustration. These active processes are often key parts of the analysis; if the needle and thread can’t be maneuvered to assemble the sail as interpreted, the interpretation is wrong. An accurate interpretation must align with the entire production process, not just the end product.