The late 18th and early 19th century was the great age of tower mills. The tower of Skerries five sail windmill is 49 feet (c.15 m) high, and the diameter of sail 66 feet (c.20 m). In flat landscapes, as in Holland, mills are up to 80 feet (c.24 m) high and can include living accommodation. Multi-sailed mills are unusual but not uncommon. Five-, six- and eight-sailed mills increased the area of the sails and thus efficiency of the mill. Five sails were very efficient, although the loss of one sweep (sail) could stop the mill. The Skerries five-sail windmill was built...
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