sails and moisture

[little shack]

Hi folks just a quick one to pick a brain or two.This has been my first year with a sail boat and has been good fun.Hope to sail a bit through the winter but would like some advice on how to keep sails in good condition.while sailing this time of year rain is just a matter of course , how do you stop them from been damaged if you've to leave the boat after they've had a soaking thanks for your thoughts.

 

[MrCramp]

There is nothing you can do if your sails are wet when you leave the boat. It would be good if you can get back when it is dry but in practice wet sails just get left and no harm comes to them.

 

[floebs]

frosty sails

hi, i'm in a similar situation - new boat owner, leaving her in this winter, as wanting to get some winter sailing in - and wondering... whats the best way to reduce damage (if any) to the sails over winter?

does anyone have any thoughts on how best to protect/care for sails that might be wet and then get frozen

i'm still learning this 'boat ownership' thing!

 

[Seajet]

Well, the best answer would be to bag the sails, take them home and air them in the attic or garage, spare bedroom etc.

Mildew is a problem, at least cosmetically - the black spot stains can occur after just a little neglect in damp conditions and won't come out with anything I've ever heard of, and don't use bleach, it completely knackers sails and can turn them yellow !

If unable to take wet sails home, I at least spread them around the cabin to air, and make sure the ventilation is all open.

 

[William_H]

Wet sails

Can be left wet on the boat as mine often are. One trick is to not fold the sails but just dump them spread out below. It has the advantage that there can be some air flow and hence they will dry. Although other things in the boat get damp. Or perhaps I use that method because we mostly have dryer air. good luck olewill