Proper Care And Storage For Your Sails
Published: Monday, November 12, 2018
By: Doyle Cleveland
As the season changes, the unfortunate “haul out for winter” process begins and most sailors just bundle up their sails and stuff them down below until next season. But what should we really be doing with our sails?
As a general rule, we recommend that your sails be inspected and serviced once a year. The sooner any chafe, mildew, or other problems are detected, the easier it will be to rectify. Your local Doyle loft will inspect all stitching and hardware to provide the most cost effective approach long term. For storage, your sails should be stored dry and free of salt, ensuring that they are folded without any wrinkles and kept at room temperature. We offer free winter storage after all repairs are completed.
UV Protection: Ultraviolet rays are the number one enemy of sails. Left exposed to the sun, when not being used, your sails will deteriorate rapidly. All mainsails, mizzens, and staysails should have the leech and foot covers to protect the sail fabric from the sun when the sail is furled.
Also having these thoroughly inspected seam by seam will prevent future hassles.
Washing Your Sails: Depending on the number of hours and type of use, it may become necessary to wash your sails. Washing serves two purposes: first, it rids the sails of salt, dirt, and other contaminants. Salt-encrusted sails are harder to handle and, because salt is a crystal, it will shorten the life of your sails. Second, washing the sails helps remove unsightly oil, grease, rust, and mildew stains. Again, we start with any detailed inspection for overall shape and condition, and then proper recommendations for cleaning, as necessary.
Our loft is equipped to suspend your sails to analyze the flying shape. If we discover any shape issue, can improve performance, or prevent additional wear and tear, we provide recommendations. Luff curve adjustments, batten modifications, and re-tensioning luff tapes are just a few of the corrections that can be
offered after this evaluation.
We are here to help you get the most out of your boat and, with the short season here on the Great Lakes, winter is the best time to have your sails and rigging in for inspection and proper storage.
Contact us to schedule a pick-up, drop-off, shipping, or a time to come to the loft to bring your sails in and check out where the “magic” happens. And remember: Sailing Has No Off Season, Plan Accordingly.
Visit www.doylesails.com today.
This article first appeared in the Year End Issue (Nov/Dec) 2018 of Great Lakes Scuttlebutt magazine.
tags: Sailing, Service & Repair, Storage, Winterization
