I decided years ago I would put together a specialist beginners manual that teaches how to build sailing ships in bottles.

In the following pages I have put together a simple step by step procedure of various types of sailing ships that anyone, (you could be 7 years old or 70 years old), can make very easily and quickly.

Once you have prepared the various bits and pieces that are required, such as making a number of masts, cleaning, preparing the different sized bottles, cutting out the sails etc, you will then be ready for the closest assembly line you could get to mass production!

You will notice as you go through the motions of ‘curling’ a sail or carving a hull, the procedure remains the same…over and over again. You might even come up with an easier way to do the job than me.

If you do, my best advice is to go with it – you’ll get a lot more out of this than just job satisfaction. In fact some of the people (and schools) I have taught get more than just job satisfaction, some make income from this hobby – see page 46.

I wish you well with this hobby, and if I can assist in any way I would be happy to help.  .                                                                                                                                                             I also hope to hear of your successes.