Keeping your sails in top shape
Sails are the centrepiece of every sailing yacht - they have to withstand numerous loads. To ensure that they last as long as possible and function reliably, regular care and inspection is essential. In this article, we give you practical tips on how you can make your sails fit for the season and significantly extend their service life. Salt, sun, weather conditions and handling all have an influence on durability. Two factors should be emphasised in particular.
Main causes of damage are:
- UV radiation
- Flapping of the sails/fluttering
Before winterising: Careful visual inspection
Before you set your sails after the winter break, they should be thoroughly checked for possible damage. Look specifically for chafe marks, small tears, open seams or other abnormalities. These initial signs can quickly worsen under load and should be repaired before the first sailing trip.
Particularly susceptible to wear are:
- Leech (the edges of the sail)
- batten pockets
- Reef rows
- Corner reinforcements
Regular checks - at least once a year
Sails are exposed to enormous loads during the season. It is therefore advisable to have them thoroughly inspected at least once a year - ideally by an experienced sailmaker. Early repairs prevent major damage and expensive new purchases.Checks should be carried out more frequently after regattas or longer trips.
Pay particular attention to:
- Abrasion caused by spreaders, shrouds, cotter pins, railing supports, hatches or deck fittings
- Mast sliders, batten tensioners and sail battens - these should be intact and fully functional
- Seams that have come undone or torn - these can usually be easily re-sewn
Correct trimming extends the service life
A properly adjusted sail trim not only ensures better speed, but also protects the material.
Take care when trimming:
- Tension the leech lines correctly - they prevent the leech or foot from flapping. Mainsails and headsails should only ever be tensioned to such an extent that the creases and flutter are just about gone.
- Adjust the luff tension with the cunningham on your mainsail depending on the wind strength and direction. The same principle applies here as for the Liekleine with regard to voltage.
- After sailing, all trim should be slackened to minimise permanent stress on the sail and rigging
Care & storage - dry, clean, protected
Further enemies for sails are salt, dirt and moisture. If you look after your sails regularly, trim them carefully and store them correctly, you can rely on them for many years. Investing in maintenance and protection pays off in terms of longevity, safety and sailing fun!
Therefore:
- Wet sails should be allowed to dry as quickly as possible - there is a risk of mould!
- During the season, regularly remove salt and dirt and allow to dry thoroughly
- At the end of the season: Take down the sail, rinse with fresh water , check for damage and store in a dry, well-ventilated room - ideally rolled up or neatly folded in a sail bag
- Particular attention should be paid to protection against UV radiation. This causes the fabric to become brittle over time. A furling tube, a closed boom cover including chimney or a UV protection strip sewn into the sail offer effective protection. The following applies: all furling sails should be protected from the sun, even during short harbour stops. Permanent hoist sails such as Code Zeros should have sewn-on UV protection
Talk to us - we will be happy to advise you!
Whether it's a professional inspection, professional repair or storing your sails over the winter - we will look after your sail wardrobe with experience and care. We also customise individual solutions such as suitable UV protection.