Maintenance Monday – Protecting Your Sails

As promised last Monday, I am sharing some tips provided by David Thompson from Eggers sailmakers. Although firms like Eggers profit most from poor maintenance and protection of sails, they would still rather you don't wear them out prematurely. Some tips on making them last a long time. 1. Dacron vs Laminate for cruisers? Cruisers should stick with Dacron as it last twice as long as any laminate. Moreover laminates don't wear out as "gracefully" as Dacron, they just fall apart. Dacron just stretches. While it becomes less efficient over time, it is still a workable sail. A well-made Dacron sail should last 20 years. 2. How do you best maintain your sails? Firstly don't let them flog. Secondly keep them out of the sun. UV is most the damaging thing for sails. Kept in the sun for too long, Dacron and laminates degrade and rip more easily. Dark Sunbrella is the commonly most used protection as sail covers or as the leech of a furled headsail. Dark Sunbrella lasts twice as long as light Sunbrella products. One note of caution. The thread used with Sunbrella products is Dacron and will break down well before the cover does due to UV exposure. 3. What should you do with your sails in the off-season? Taken your sails and covers off the boat, rinse them in soft water, let them dry, fold them properly and keep them in a cool, dry storage area. 4. What should you use for emergency sail repair? Ripstop with sticky backing is pretty useless in David's opinion. He recommends Self-adhesive Dacron. Hope this is useful.