What kind of condition are your sails in... and do you care? Is your canvas the newest, techiest, state-of-the-art synthetics, or the old Dacron set that came with the boat? How much impact do they have on your sailing? Are they holding you back, an irritation every time you're on the water? Are they 'good enough' for the sailing you do? Or do they make it possible for you to wring every tenth of a knot out of your boat? Share your sail thoughts here, then vote in the Quick Quiz at the bottom of the home page.
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10 YO set that came with the boat from the factory
had them cleaned, evaluated, restitched where needed and a new sunband. They are in very good shape and do not warrant replacement for my cruising use. However there is a similar boat in the marina with a new set of laminate racing sails that makes me a little envious when I just can't keep up with him in light airs.
had them cleaned, evaluated, restitched where needed and a new sunband. They are in very good shape and do not warrant replacement for my cruising use. However there is a similar boat in the marina with a new set of laminate racing sails that makes me a little envious when I just can't keep up with him in light airs.
Old and tired
They must be the original sails and would then be 20 years old. I have no complaints because there are no defects that I can tell, they just look old and probably don't have the best shape. The Jib is 110% and I want a larger jib, say 140 to 150, for the typical light air summer days so I will buy a new genoa. If I'm getting a new genoa, might as well get a new main. I want to start shopping soon, among the best sailmakers in the area, for sails that are suitable for cruising ... durable and practical. I have no need for the more expensive technology and I wouldn't know the importance of an extra half knot anyway. However, I do expect to be able to learn much more about sail shape by having new sails rather than maintaining the old. I still haven't made up my mind between roller furling vs. hanked on headsails. I want to still be able to use the smaller jib that I have to hank on. We don't single-hand and I actually like going forward to hank the sail (we don't have a pitching deck on our small lake).
They must be the original sails and would then be 20 years old. I have no complaints because there are no defects that I can tell, they just look old and probably don't have the best shape. The Jib is 110% and I want a larger jib, say 140 to 150, for the typical light air summer days so I will buy a new genoa. If I'm getting a new genoa, might as well get a new main. I want to start shopping soon, among the best sailmakers in the area, for sails that are suitable for cruising ... durable and practical. I have no need for the more expensive technology and I wouldn't know the importance of an extra half knot anyway. However, I do expect to be able to learn much more about sail shape by having new sails rather than maintaining the old. I still haven't made up my mind between roller furling vs. hanked on headsails. I want to still be able to use the smaller jib that I have to hank on. We don't single-hand and I actually like going forward to hank the sail (we don't have a pitching deck on our small lake).
Not much left
Having good sails and them performing well is very important to us. My funds for fixing my 34' which I just bought in Nov. are dwindling so I'm looking at buying used sails. Would prefer new, but you do what you have to. Also wonder how much better a full batten main would be on this boat.
Having good sails and them performing well is very important to us. My funds for fixing my 34' which I just bought in Nov. are dwindling so I'm looking at buying used sails. Would prefer new, but you do what you have to. Also wonder how much better a full batten main would be on this boat.
Thanks Rick
Rick thanks for the link. I did not know about that place. I will definitely make use of their services. I am still using my original 23 year old sails. I will buy new ones sometime soon but would like to recondition the ones I have in the meantime.
Rick thanks for the link. I did not know about that place. I will definitely make use of their services. I am still using my original 23 year old sails. I will buy new ones sometime soon but would like to recondition the ones I have in the meantime.
my 1974 oday daysailer 2 has a newer set I think
my 1974 oday daysailer 2 has a newer set I think, and the only reason I think this, is that although the DS emblem is on the main, there is no sail number. Also the main and jib are from different mfgs, so therefore assume they have been replaced at sometime. As well, they seem to be in fairly good condition compared to the wear and tear on the boat. I know my previous owner, did not replace them, although he had just purchased a used spinnaker before I acquired the boat, so it must have been prior to him. At any rate, I had some minor repairs done initially, replacing a top panel in the main, then restitching some batten pockets and installing a set of reef points and a sun cloth for the jib. The sails are stored indoors in the off season, but (although suncover protected) stay on the boat furled in place suring the summer. They show no signs of being anywhere close to blown out yet so I suspect that with continued good care and barring any accidents, should last several more years. I calculate that they work fewer hours a year, than I do in a week.
my 1974 oday daysailer 2 has a newer set I think, and the only reason I think this, is that although the DS emblem is on the main, there is no sail number. Also the main and jib are from different mfgs, so therefore assume they have been replaced at sometime. As well, they seem to be in fairly good condition compared to the wear and tear on the boat. I know my previous owner, did not replace them, although he had just purchased a used spinnaker before I acquired the boat, so it must have been prior to him. At any rate, I had some minor repairs done initially, replacing a top panel in the main, then restitching some batten pockets and installing a set of reef points and a sun cloth for the jib. The sails are stored indoors in the off season, but (although suncover protected) stay on the boat furled in place suring the summer. They show no signs of being anywhere close to blown out yet so I suspect that with continued good care and barring any accidents, should last several more years. I calculate that they work fewer hours a year, than I do in a week.
Amen... and Hallelujia!
I had Sailcare rejuvenate my 20 year old sails last winter. What a difference! They even SOUNDED new.
I had Sailcare rejuvenate my 20 year old sails last winter. What a difference! They even SOUNDED new.
Match.com works
Jenny, You certainly can find sailors on Match.com. I am getting married next Friday (in Maui) to a woman sailor I met through Match.com.
Jenny, You certainly can find sailors on Match.com. I am getting married next Friday (in Maui) to a woman sailor I met through Match.com.
Congrats!
Rick, Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! Please contact me @ Ryan_Tuohy@yahoo.com; I think your story might fit really well into a little book that I am working on. -Ryan
Rick, Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! Please contact me @ Ryan_Tuohy@yahoo.com; I think your story might fit really well into a little book that I am working on. -Ryan
old sails
I just bought a 1982 Daysailer II last spring, it appears the main is original (numbered and multi-color striped), jib is replacement when converted to roller furling. The main tore on the mast edge, after using cheap sail tape from I found white duct tape from Home Depot worked great - tired old sails but good enough for now! Mostly single handed, no spinnaker, not sure if I could manage alone very well (or worth the effort for cruising).
I just bought a 1982 Daysailer II last spring, it appears the main is original (numbered and multi-color striped), jib is replacement when converted to roller furling. The main tore on the mast edge, after using cheap sail tape from I found white duct tape from Home Depot worked great - tired old sails but good enough for now! Mostly single handed, no spinnaker, not sure if I could manage alone very well (or worth the effort for cruising).
Old Sails
I know this is nothing new, but for the majority of people with sails that are much more than 6 years old, you would be surprised at what poor shape your sails are in. I'm talking about sail shape. Sails lose their shape very slowly with use, especially dacron sails. This of course does not apply if you seldom sail your boat. Due to the very slow deterioration of the shape, you aren't aware of the loss of efficiency until you replace them with new ones. The difference can be amazing. Better speed and pointing, with much less heeling! It's not just about speed. But not having to tack all day getting nowhere is nice. I've been through this myself when I replaced a set of original dacron sails with a new pair of laminated sails. I don't think the construction of the sails was as important as just getting rid of the old tired ones. Refurbishing your sails will not restore the shape. By the way, I wish I could afford to replace the 5-year-old original factory (budget) sails that I have on my current boat, but I can't. If I could just replace one sail every couple of years, it might ease the pain a little. And personally, I don't buy the argument that cruisers don't need good sails. A good set of sails increases sailing enjoyment for anyone. Also, I have nothing to do with selling sails, I'm just a zealot!
I know this is nothing new, but for the majority of people with sails that are much more than 6 years old, you would be surprised at what poor shape your sails are in. I'm talking about sail shape. Sails lose their shape very slowly with use, especially dacron sails. This of course does not apply if you seldom sail your boat. Due to the very slow deterioration of the shape, you aren't aware of the loss of efficiency until you replace them with new ones. The difference can be amazing. Better speed and pointing, with much less heeling! It's not just about speed. But not having to tack all day getting nowhere is nice. I've been through this myself when I replaced a set of original dacron sails with a new pair of laminated sails. I don't think the construction of the sails was as important as just getting rid of the old tired ones. Refurbishing your sails will not restore the shape. By the way, I wish I could afford to replace the 5-year-old original factory (budget) sails that I have on my current boat, but I can't. If I could just replace one sail every couple of years, it might ease the pain a little. And personally, I don't buy the argument that cruisers don't need good sails. A good set of sails increases sailing enjoyment for anyone. Also, I have nothing to do with selling sails, I'm just a zealot!
New sails make a difference
Our C22 had its original 15 year old sails when we bought her. The sails were not torn or anything but didn't hold their shape well. We went with a new main and immediatley noticed the difference. Changing various sail controls actually changed the shape of the sail! Next we'll be replacing the jib and genoa with a 150% roller furler.
Our C22 had its original 15 year old sails when we bought her. The sails were not torn or anything but didn't hold their shape well. We went with a new main and immediatley noticed the difference. Changing various sail controls actually changed the shape of the sail! Next we'll be replacing the jib and genoa with a 150% roller furler.
How do U know?????
Ok! I just bought a 1987 26D. The sails appear to be original. The 150 Genoa is folded up in the bag. I am not so sure it has ever been used. The jib and main both are clean and very crisp feeling. So how do I know if they have lost there shape? Can I measure the stretch? Is there any way to know what the original sail dimensions were? Your input is gladly appreciated. Randy
Ok! I just bought a 1987 26D. The sails appear to be original. The 150 Genoa is folded up in the bag. I am not so sure it has ever been used. The jib and main both are clean and very crisp feeling. So how do I know if they have lost there shape? Can I measure the stretch? Is there any way to know what the original sail dimensions were? Your input is gladly appreciated. Randy
Stretched Main Options
I will be taking a 1994 H26 on a sea trial that I will buy pending the trial. I'm a 1st time buyer. It has the original main. The current owner says the main is somewhat stretched and has a "belly". How will I know how much stretch is "too much"? Can a stretched main be repaired. If possible I'd like to defer buying a new main for a couple of years. Thanks, Brian
I will be taking a 1994 H26 on a sea trial that I will buy pending the trial. I'm a 1st time buyer. It has the original main. The current owner says the main is somewhat stretched and has a "belly". How will I know how much stretch is "too much"? Can a stretched main be repaired. If possible I'd like to defer buying a new main for a couple of years. Thanks, Brian
Not too bad
If my sails had been original to my 1984 O'DAY 30, STARGAZER, I would have actively pursued an upgrade. But - since they were replaced prior to my purchase of the boat in 2001, I feel that I'm OK with them. I don't do club racing, nor do I obsess over being first in my cruising fleet! I probably motor-sail more than I should in compensation. Now that I'm "retired" - I'll "live" with them until they fail completely.Bill on STARGAZER
If my sails had been original to my 1984 O'DAY 30, STARGAZER, I would have actively pursued an upgrade. But - since they were replaced prior to my purchase of the boat in 2001, I feel that I'm OK with them. I don't do club racing, nor do I obsess over being first in my cruising fleet! I probably motor-sail more than I should in compensation. Now that I'm "retired" - I'll "live" with them until they fail completely.Bill on STARGAZER
Judging sail shape
It's not easy to judge if your sails are stretched out without some experience. It can't really be measured, because the sail itself doesn't stretch so much, but the material loses stability to hold its designed shape. You can't really see it so much until it's actually flying in a good bit of wind. The key is the position of maximum curve, or draft. It should be towards the forward half of the sail. Think of an airplane wing, with the front of the wing having a very pronounced curve with the back half being almost flat. Those aerial shots of the Americas Cup boats from a helicopter overhead show perfect shape. Makes me almost drool. As the sail gets older and the material starts getting stretchy, the draft, or maximum curve gets blown back from the front, towards the middle of the sail. The sail then takes on more of a semicircular shape. This causes more of the sail's driving force to be sideways to the direction the boat is pointing, with less forward drive. This of course causes more heeling, and all kinds of resulting problems. The visible difference in shape is not always obvious with out knowing what you're looking for. You can look at pictures of racing sailboats in magazines that will give you a good idea of what a good sail should look like. Sailing World magazine is a good one. Whether it's a race boat or cruiser, the ideal designed sail shape is the same. An efficient airfoil is what's desired in either case. I'll just add that I don't think my original factory sails had that good of a shape to begin with. They are built to a budget after all.
It's not easy to judge if your sails are stretched out without some experience. It can't really be measured, because the sail itself doesn't stretch so much, but the material loses stability to hold its designed shape. You can't really see it so much until it's actually flying in a good bit of wind. The key is the position of maximum curve, or draft. It should be towards the forward half of the sail. Think of an airplane wing, with the front of the wing having a very pronounced curve with the back half being almost flat. Those aerial shots of the Americas Cup boats from a helicopter overhead show perfect shape. Makes me almost drool. As the sail gets older and the material starts getting stretchy, the draft, or maximum curve gets blown back from the front, towards the middle of the sail. The sail then takes on more of a semicircular shape. This causes more of the sail's driving force to be sideways to the direction the boat is pointing, with less forward drive. This of course causes more heeling, and all kinds of resulting problems. The visible difference in shape is not always obvious with out knowing what you're looking for. You can look at pictures of racing sailboats in magazines that will give you a good idea of what a good sail should look like. Sailing World magazine is a good one. Whether it's a race boat or cruiser, the ideal designed sail shape is the same. An efficient airfoil is what's desired in either case. I'll just add that I don't think my original factory sails had that good of a shape to begin with. They are built to a budget after all.
When sails Feel soft
It is time to replace them. As to shape a lot depends upon your sailing. If you like pointing ability shape is very important but as you fall off it makes less of a difference. Also I think the aspect ratio of the sails is important. Lower fatter sails aren't affected as much by shape as are tall thinner sails. Fianlly it depends upon your boat. If you have a deep fin keel and tall narrow sails and your boat points very well then sails make more of a difference than if you have a low rigg and full keel. A low rig with a full keel won't point as high regardless of the sails. If you have plenty of money buy new sails but if you are on a budget there are probably other ways to spend your limited money. A fresh bottom job will probably improve performance more than new sails. Tom
It is time to replace them. As to shape a lot depends upon your sailing. If you like pointing ability shape is very important but as you fall off it makes less of a difference. Also I think the aspect ratio of the sails is important. Lower fatter sails aren't affected as much by shape as are tall thinner sails. Fianlly it depends upon your boat. If you have a deep fin keel and tall narrow sails and your boat points very well then sails make more of a difference than if you have a low rigg and full keel. A low rig with a full keel won't point as high regardless of the sails. If you have plenty of money buy new sails but if you are on a budget there are probably other ways to spend your limited money. A fresh bottom job will probably improve performance more than new sails. Tom
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