Since it is the first sail I have ever attempted, I made it out of nylon. It's only $6 a yard, so the sail cost about $70 to make, including thread, eyelets, and rope. I sewed it all myself (mom taught me in about 10 minutes), so I saved some money there... but not time.
My next attempt will be dacron.
I researched as much as possible, but some things I could not find. For instance, do I need to add a draft curve to every panel, or just the bottom of the sail? I made mine just at the bottom, but the sail seemed very flat. Tightening up the battens didn't help much.
Yes, it stretches just a bit, but out on the lake today I was passing an 18 easily, so I must have done something right.
Questions, comments?
-Dave