What to do with old sails?

[Iliade]

There is always someone with worse sails who would appreciate your cast offs; At least one boat here had the genoa shredded by the recent gales.

 

[geem]

We have made bean bags for the cockpit. We turn a genoa in to a useful tarpaulin for covering stuff in the garden. We painted it with waterproofer.

 

[reeac]

I used an old mainsail to provide a background for a whole set of shipwrights' tools which I had inherited and wanted to advertise for sale. I later used that same sail to drag a load of new steel roofing across our paddock behind our tractor. I still have it ready for any other exotic jobs that turn up.

 

[Spirit (of Glenans)]

I am moved to comment;
a. favourably on the amount of inventiveness displayed on this thread.
b. unfavourably on the use of skips, bins dumps etc., for items that can be disposed of more sustainably, confessed or recommended by posters on these fora in general.

 

[wombat88]

Local Scout/Guide/Sea Cadets groups etc.

Don't worry about money give them to a good cause. Someone will want them.

 

[LittleSister]

Make it easy on yourself.

Just offer them free, or nominal cost, or postage cost only, or whatever you think they're worth, on the For Sale section of this forum.

 

[Bristolfashion]

Very popular amongst crafty types and DIY fans. Put them up for free on Gumtree - they'll go like hot cakes.

 

[Charlie Boy]

Burials at sea?

 

[differentroads]

I'm sat in the boat enjoying the breeze directed down the forehatch by our 2m high windchute made from an old staysl. Just double sided sticky tape, webbing loops sewn at the head and 2/3 up the chute.

 

[Mikedefieslife]

Sun shades for the garden.

They are usually dirty and rust stained though by the time cruiser are done. Can't imagine that is appealing in your garden

 

[dunkelly]

i recycle them , if you are near enough and able to hold them until i get off the island i would be happy to take them off your hands . i make all sort of things from surfboard bags to various dust covers for things in my very dusty workshop

 

[Travelling Westerly]

Thanks for all the replies - food for thought so not skipping it yet.

 

[MM5AHO]

I've made several things. From one corner of a genoa, made a small riding sail. Useful at anchor in very strong winds, cuts down the roving by half.
Another use was a strip hanging from a rope bolt, strip used between fenders and hull when going through the Crinan Canal. Otherwise the fenders pick up grit and slime and rub it into the hull. This curtain about 4m long x 0.5m high, keeps the dirty fenders off the hull. Wash it all in the sea after getting out to sea!
I still have some left, and intend making a new kit bag, and suchlike.