Sail Cleaning - your sails will look better and last longer

Proper sail care and maintenance can increase the life of your sails. Whether you race or cruise, proper storage and cleaning can mean the difference in speed as well as longevity. Over the last few years, sailcloth has become increasingly firm. The finish on cruising fabric today is what racing sailcloth was only 10 years ago. The finish or resin is subject to faster breakdown. It is important to keep the luffing of sails to a minimum, as this is an easy way to break the resin down.

For the race or race/cruiser with dacron or laminated (mylar, kevlar, etc.) sails, it is important to keep the fabric as wrinkle free as possible. It is the surest way to keep and maintain the racing edge. The best way to roll a sail is to start at the head of the sail and roll to the foot. When folding becomes necessary because of size and/or space, hold the clew and tack and fold accordion style toward the head. If your mainsail is stored on the boom, you may either roll it or flake it over the boom before putting on the sail cover.

Always store the sails dry. Nylon and dacron are susceptible to mildew when stored wet. Also, heavily resinated sailcloth may soften up over a period of time when wet or damp. Nylon sail fabric can bleed when stored wet, so be careful to dry whenever possible. Dry your sails by laying them on a grassy area or hanging them up, if the wind is very light. Do not hang your sails in a breeze. Cruising sails, typically much softer than their racing counterparts, may be stuffed for weeks at a time without harm. In general, fold cruising sails whenever possible and store dry.

NOTE: All sailcloth should be frequently washed with fresh water and stored as salt free as possible.

Ultra-violet radiation can, over a short period of time, destroy both nylon and dacron. The use of cover materials for mainsails and roller-furling sails is a sure way to prolong the life of your sails. It is important, especially on mylar andmylar/kevlar genoas, to have spreader patches to protect the sail from chafe. We make every effort to apply them before the sail is built. But many times we don't have the proper location. In most cases we try to come to your boat and mark and apply the patches.

Get your sails washed - contact Hodges Street Sails. Phone 252-249-0739 or email gil@towndock.net.