Green sails - mildew

[stevebirch2002]

This is the first year I have kept my Vega in for the winter. Supposed to have loads of winter sailing but did not work out that way! Left genoa (furled) and now have a green stripped sail. I have tried to wash in mild detergent in the bath but still greeny - any ideas?

 

[Ships_Cat]

If it is a polyester sail then soak in bleach solution at the strength recommended on the bottle for clothes - you need quite alot of it when using a bath full of water. Any heavy green needs to be lightly brushed away first with water and laundry detergent, taking care not to damage the filler in the cloth.

If it is not polyester, then consult a sailmaker - maybe consult one anyway.

Is a problem where we are due to rainfall and warmth and I think worse if the UV strip is not readily permeable to water and/or a foam luff fitted. We now take our genoa off except for the periods when we are cruising - we don't daysail at all, so doing so is not a big chore.

John

 

[Guest]

And I thought I was the only one with the green stripey genny !!! But I've got a good excuse !! seeing as my boat sits lonely months on end !!!!

Anyone for a glass of Red Wine ???? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Lakesailor]

Lay it out on a tarp. using a deck brush and a strong solution of 1001 give a good scrub.
Worked on my genoa and it hasn't fallen to bits yet.

 

[John_Clarke]

Cuprinol Mould Killer is good

PVB gave excellent advice which he got from Hallberg Rassy for treating green algae on teak. I also used it on my genoa a year ago and all the green has gone.

Use one of the products for killing mould prior to decoration. They contain 3%w/w disodium octaborate (a fungicide) and 1.5%w/w benzalkonium chloride (an algaecide). B&Q stock Cuprinol Mould Killer and Polycell 3-in-1 Mould Killer, Homebase stock Weathershield Multi-Surface Fungicidal Wash; they cost about £5 per litre.

I spread my sail out on the grass and used a sponge mop and paint tray to hold the fluid. It can be applied sparingly and I applied it on both sides of the sail (don't know it this is necessary). The sail does look a bit grubby but not green!

Also great for ropes that have gone green. Takes very little fluid and it wicks through the rope.

 

[stevebirch2002]

Thanks all. I soaked for two days in very mild detergent, thoroughly rinsed with fresh water, laid on lawn and scrubbed with brush and diluted carpet cleaner, thoroughly rinsed with hosepipe for about thirty minutes and now hung up to dry on the washing line. All seems clean and nice again. Many thanks for all your ideas.