Sail

Sail

Skuldelev 2 had a square sail, woven from wool or flax, with an area of about 120 m2. Collecting the wool or flax, sorting and preparing fibres suitable for spinning, spinning the thread and weaving the sailcloth represented a colossal input of manpower and called for extensive knowledge of material properties, treatment and use. The work was probably performed on surrounding farms, and the finished cloth delivered to the sailmaker who then sewed and formed the sail. A good sail was a kingly gift.