Prolong Your Sails Life!

Sails require regular maintenance and inspection to ensure their longevity and performance on the water. There are several common sail issues that can be prevented with proper care, including chafing and rubbing damage, UV exposure, luff tape deterioration, and hardware failure.

Chafing and rubbing damage can occur when the sails come into contact with the mast, radar, spreaders, shrouds, or other objects on the boat. To prevent this type of damage, it's important to regularly inspect the sails for any signs of wear and tape up potential trouble spots. If chafing does occur, it's important to have it repaired or reinforced as soon as possible to extend the life of the sail.

UV exposure is another common issue that can significantly shorten the lifespan of a sail. To prevent UV damage, it's important to use a sacrificial UV cover on the leech and foot of roller-furling headsails and to properly furl in-mast and in-boom furling mainsails. Additionally, it's important to keep sails out of direct sunlight as much as possible, either by storing them in a sail cover or by rolling them up and securing them properly.

Luff tape deterioration is another issue that can be prevented with regular maintenance. Luff tapes are used to attach the sails to the luff of the mast and are subject to constant wear and tear. To prevent luff tape deterioration, it's important to inspect the tapes regularly and replace them if they show signs of wear.

Hardware failure is another common issue that can be prevented with proper maintenance. This includes things like shackles, rings, and other hardware used to attach the sails to the boat. To prevent hardware failure, it's important to regularly inspect the hardware for any signs of wear or damage and replace it as needed.

Overall, proper maintenance and inspection of your sails is essential for ensuring their longevity and performance on the water. By following these tips and paying attention to the condition of your sails, you can enjoy many years of safe and enjoyable sailing.

Starling is a 1972 Cheoy Lee Clipper that sails on Lake Superior with True North Sailing Charters. Her tan sails stand out on the water and are beautiful when full of wind!