Six tips to extend the life of your sails

Six tips to extend the life of your sails. Sun and salt are their worst enemies: cover them when not in use and rinse them as soon as possible when exposed to seawater. And don’t forget to make periodic inspections looking for “cuts.”

1. WHEN NOT IN USE, DO NOT LEAVE THEM IN THE SUN.
UV rays are the worst enemy for your sails. If you have mainsail and genoa equipped with furling systems, the effort is minimal. Otherwise, the sails should be stowed and stored in a bag. If you do not have suitable covers on hand, all you have to do is fold them up and stow them below deck.

2. DAGGERBOARD COVER AND GENOA
For cruising furling sails, custom-made covers are usually used to leave the sails rigged. For racing sails, on the other hand, very light bags are used, which, while saving weight, do not provide complete defense against UV radiation. Over time, in fact, UV protectors wear out when exposed to the sun frequently, reaching a lifespan of only a couple of years. In any case, they should be checked frequently and repaired if they show damage. Every three years the most stressed parts should be stitched up to avoid more serious ruptures.

3. KEEP THE SAILS CLEAN
After the sun, the second most dangerous enemy to your sails is salt. The key is to wash them periodically: a sail that has been exposed to seawater should be washed as soon as possible. The genoas need to be rinsed more often than the mainsail, because most of the time they are not protected by a cover.

4. STOW THEM CAREFULLY
Sailmakers refer to the longevity of sails in terms of seasons or even hours, rather than years. Obviously, the lifespan of a sail depends on how much it is used and how much maintenance is done by the owner. If a sail is left wrapped in the boom or on the forestay for entire winters, it will obviously not have a long life. Do not leave your sails on board in the open for long periods, but stow them carefully in their bags, or ask your trusted sailmaker to do so-you will stretch their lives!

5. CARRIED OUT REGULAR CHECKS
At least once a year, sails need a check-up. If you do it yourself, place yourself in a dry place with good light where you can lay them on the ground and inspect them inch by inch for worn parts or loose seams. A small cut on the sail today can become a big tear tomorrow. Address problems while they are still small so that you do not have to reach into your wallet later.

6.PROTECT DANGEROUS SPOTS
The rigging and deck equipment can damage the sails, during a wrong tack or maneuver. Protect these “hot spots” with suitable tape or a leather protector. Another “weak point” are the bow lights that tack after tack could damage the genoa. If you notice that your headsail in tacking “drags” on the lights, look for guards to be placed to prevent tearing.