HiSModel – Specialists in high-quality accessories for historic ship models
HMS Victory 1:100 (Heller) – Complete Set of 18 CNC-Sewn Cloth Sails
A complete set of 18 CNC-sewn cotton sails prepared specifically for the Heller HMS Victory model kit in 1:100 scale.
The sails are machine-sewn for consistent precision, individually cut and finished by hand. Their shape and reinforcement details are based on British sailmaking practices from the period of Admiral Nelson.
Set Contents
The offer contains the complete basic set of 18 sails required for the model. Studding sails are not included in this set and are available separately.
- Number of sails: 18
- Material: 100% cotton sailcloth
- Fabric weight: 125 g/m²
- Fabric preparation: Pre-washed
- Sewing method: CNC machine sewing
- Finishing: Individually cut and finished by hand
The cotton cloth is pre-washed before production to minimize further shrinkage and dimensional changes after the sails have been installed on the model.
Historical Basis of the Sail Construction
The construction and reinforcement details are based on English sailmaking practices from the period of Admiral Nelson. Particular reference was made to David Steel’s The Elements and Practice of Rigging and Seamanship, published in 1794.
This historical source describes the construction of sails, including the placement of reef bands, middle bands, buntline cloths, linings and other reinforcing elements.
The exact arrangement of some elements, including reef bands and buntline cloths, could vary according to the period, type of ship and specific sail.
Edge Tabling and Sail Reinforcement
The edges of the sails are finished with sewn reinforcement known in sailmaking terminology as tabling. The tabling along the head of a sail is generally wider than that used along its side edges and foot.
On the fore and main courses and topsails, the reinforcing strips along the leeches taper towards the head of the sail, corresponding to the construction of the original sails.
The corners and other highly stressed areas are also reinforced according to the type and function of each sail.
Middle Bands and Buntline Cloths
The fore and main courses and topsails are reinforced with middle bands running horizontally across the sails.
The courses on the foremast and mainmast also include buntline cloths. These are vertical reinforcing linings sewn upwards from the foot of the sail towards the middle band.
Buntline cloths reinforced the areas where the buntlines acted upon the sail. Buntlines were part of the running rigging used to draw the lower portion of a square sail upwards when taking in or furling it.
Reef Bands
The appropriate sails are fitted with reef bands across the areas where the reefing points and associated fittings were located.
Reef bands strengthened the sailcloth where the sail was secured after its effective area had been reduced. The number and position of the bands depend on the size, type and historical construction of the individual sail.
Reinforcement of the Remaining Square Sails
The topgallant sails, spritsail, sprit topsail and other smaller sails are reinforced at their corners and other relevant load-bearing areas.
The edge tabling, middle bands, reef bands, buntline cloths and the majority of the other reinforcing elements are represented on the forward side of the square sails.
Top Linings and Mast Cloths
The topsails include additional protective linings on their aft sides. These are represented as top linings and mast cloths.
The top linings protected the sails from chafing against the rim of the mast top, while the mast cloths protected the canvas where it came into contact with the mast and adjacent structures.
Unlike most of the visible reinforcing elements on the forward side, the top linings and mast cloths are placed on the aft side of the appropriate topsails.
Staysails and Jibs
The staysails and jibs are reinforced at their corners on the starboard side, corresponding to the right-hand side when looking forward from the stern of the ship.
Staysails with a vertical leading edge also include reinforcement extending along the full length of that edge.
Product Specifications
- Ship: HMS Victory
- Model manufacturer: Heller
- Scale: 1:100
- Number of sails: 18
- Material: 100% cotton
- Fabric weight: 125 g/m²
- Production: CNC-sewn and hand-finished
- Historical reference: David Steel, The Elements and Practice of Rigging and Seamanship, 1794
- Accessory manufacturer: HiSModel
Instructions and Recommended Use
Recommendations for preparing, shaping and installing the supplied sails are available in the Workflow section of the HiSModel website.
Other Accessories Available in Separate eBay Listings
The products listed below are sold separately in our other eBay listings and are not included in this offer.
HiSModel also offers the following accessories for the Heller HMS Victory model kit in 1:100 scale:
- Separate set of CNC-sewn studding sails
- Laser-cut wooden deck
- Complete set of 104 brass gun barrels
- Set of brass gun barrels for the visible upper decks
- Set of CNC-machined walnut blocks and deadeyes for the rigging
- Set of professional rigging ropes
- Set of double-sided cloth flags and draft scales
- Set of Nelson’s Trafalgar signal flags
- Set of wooden gun carriages for guns and carronades
- Set of wooden blocks, ropes, hooks and eyelets for the gun tackles
- Set of photo-etched rigging and ship-detail fittings
Recommendations for using the supplied sails are available in the Workflow section of the HiSModel website.
Please visit our eBay store or contact us if you are interested in purchasing the separately listed studding sails, any of the other accessories or accessories for another historic ship model.