If you live around a seaport that has fishing vessels, you could ask someone
there to show you how to build a net..

You are correct, it is a for of macrame and I suspect that macrame craft was
developed by sailors and fishermen..

Net making is a form of weaving and knotting. You will need a 'shuttle' to
wind your cord on and this passes through the net loops you have already
formed. (kinda hard to explain here.)

I assume your are wanting to make a net under the bowsprit, between the
whisker stays. If you only need netting on the bow pulpit, then you could
purchase standard netting from any real fisheries supply house. Or they sell
(at an inflated price) netting for lifelines at (rec.) marine hardwares.

The lifeline netting is rather light for a net under the bowsprit, so I
recommend you make your own or purchase real fish netting and just cut it
down to the shape you want.

The stuff I got in Mex. was nylon and treated with a black preservative. It
stands up very well to exposure to the sun and weather, however I don't
think I would want to leave a sail in contact with it for a long period of
time. I suspect it would stain the sail.


--
My opinion and experience. FWIW

Steve
s/v Good Intentions