sailing ships, sails

[drummo]

If cotton goods were not manufactured in the west in the 15th century, of what were the sails of Columbus's ship, Santa Maria, and the Mary Rose made.

[dundurn]

Usually hemp, sometimes linen.

[Octavius]

Hemp probably.

[nix-j-c]

most probably hemp.

i go to sea cadets and we haveto do history of most stuff to do with sailing.

[jake-the-peg]

Cotton has been known in the west for over 1000 years
even if mostly imported

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cotton

[Lil O'lady]

Re. Jake's point, cotton was known in the west at this time but was inordinately expensive. Columbus's sails were probably hemp; sails made from wool were used by the Vikings; and mixed fibre cloths using hemp and linen would also be used.

[drummo]

thanks to all, never though of hemp

[Octavius]

"When the Mary Rose was found, the sails, made of hemp, had almost disappeared. Some of the ropes, also made of hemp, but covered in a tarry, waterproof pitch, were
in good condition."

[heathfield]

Specifically, it's known that Columbus' ships had sails and rigging made from hemp.
Both hemp and linen were widely used for these purposes from prehistoric times.