Welcome to our blog series, created in partnership with Towergate Boat Insurance, where we bring you expert tips and insights tailored specifically for Yacht Havens berth holders. In this series, we'll explore the essentials of boat ownership, starting with one of the most crucial aspects of your yacht – the sails. Proper sail care and maintenance not only enhance performance but also extend the lifespan of your sails, ensuring they stay in peak condition for every adventure. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or new to yachting, join us as we dive into best practices, preventative tips, and expert advice to keep your sails looking and performing their best.
The sails are the true engine of any yacht. Yes, there's that diesel-powered thing below deck, but it's only really there for convenience and emergencies!
If we're talking sailing yachts, then the sails are one of the most important pieces of equipment onboard. And, with a little care and effort, you can extend the life of sails and maintain their performance for many years.
Flogging and Flapping
Flogging or excessive flapping is the fastest way to wear them out. The resin finish on modern sailcloth breaks down with the physical shaking and the cloth becomes weaker and stretchier.
If a boat is equipped with modern sail handling technology, then sails should really only flog in an emergency. But even a limited amount can do damage, like the flapping of a badly set-up mainsail or headsail leech.
TOP TIPS: Invest in some knowledge of correct sail trim, and work fast when hoisting/dropping sails to avoid flapping when head-to-wind.
Sunlight
Like flogging, sunlight degrades all sail cloth and while not much can be done about it when the sail is up, they can be covered when the yacht is motoring, moored or anchored.
TOP TIP: Boom covers and sacrificial sunstrips on the leeches of furling genoas will really help the sails last and are a sound investment.
Nylon Sails & Spinnakers
We can be grateful that these days that modern sail materials are resistant to damp and salt. But if there is an opportunity, it's never a bad idea to rinse the sails anyway. Salt does hold moisture in the cloth and older sails may start to break down, and the salt crystals will chafe the fibres.
There is one type of sail that does need more care, and that's anything made from nylon, as the material loses strength and changes shape when it's wet. Try to rinse and dry wet nylon spinnakers; alternatively, leave the sail loose and out of the bag in the cabin or forepeak as the next best thing.
Storage
When it comes to handling, then it's always best to roll sails when they are packed up, as this avoids creasing if they are flaked or folded. Try and get bags big enough that the sails don't need any further folding. If they are stored down below, politely ask crew and guests not to sit or stand on them!
If a headsail is left on a roller furler, then make sure that any halyard tension is eased off. The same goes for the outhaul tension on the mainsail if it is left flaked, rolled or furled on the boom - otherwise the sail can end up permanently stretched.
Winter Service
Even hard-wearing modern materials do not take kindly to being left damp, salty, dirty and creased till the spring.
Many sailmakers offer a 'Winter Valet Service' including sail inspections, seam repairs, cleaning and storage.
With the rising cost of electricity and dehumidifiers, paying for small storage fee at a local sailmaker could be wise.
Protecting your passion for boating
At Yacht Havens, we want to help you get the right boat insurance for your vessel. That’s why we have worked with one of the market-leading boat insurance specialists to create insurance policies and benefits designed to meet the needs of our Berth Holders.
What's more, Yacht Havens berth holders can enjoy a further 20% discount when you buy or renew a Towergate Insurance policy*.