Flaking The Main Solution

[Ducati]

Our last boat had Dacron sails with a Dutchman system for the main and a roller furling headsail.

Our new boat is well equipped with hi-tech carbon race sails and I know that after a first few trips back to the dock my wife will really start to hate the process of flaking our racing sails. I was wondering if there is anything that we can do or buy make this process easier.

When we sail with "the guys" we have no issue however I know that if I don't resolve this process I see the purchase of some cheap delivery sails with lazy-jacks and a roller furling system.

 

[RichH]

you want to ROLL sails made with carbon fiber and other 'hi-tech' fibers .... never 'flake' them. Flaking can cause a permanent crease which can readily destroy the strength of the fibers/films.

 

[Shooter II]

Rich,

could you please explain or describe Rolling the sail?

thanks

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Flaking a fiber sail will crease it causing damage to an expensive sail. You really want to keep it for special occasions, racing, etc unless you want to remove and roll it every time you return to the dock. It should also have a cover designed to contain the roll to prevent damage from UV, abrasion, etc.

The headsail is less of a problem obviously but needs to be totally covered when not in use if you want to prolong it's lifetime.

 

[sailingdog]

Roll the sail into a large tube... do not fold or flake it.

Rich,

could you please explain or describe Rolling the sail?

thanks

 

[PaulK]

Some people get a PVC pipe to wrap the sail around as it comes down. $8 at Home Depot. Your wife is not going to like this solution any better than flaking. Perhaps you need a new sail.

 

[Todd Smith]

You should get some cruising sails. If you are racing for real, keep the carbon sails for those days, otherwise sell them. There is a pretty good fleet of 36.7's , you should be able to find a buyer.

 

[Ducati]

you want to ROLL sails made with carbon fiber and other 'hi-tech' fibers .... never 'flake' them. Flaking can cause a permanent crease which can readily destroy the strength of the fibers/films.

You cannot roll them because the boom vang is in the way...unless I am missing something.


comments.

 

[sailingdog]

You roll the sail when it is taken off the boom....and store it in a long cylindrical bag.

You cannot roll them because the boom vang is in the way...unless I am missing something.


comments.

 

[RichH]

Rich,

could you please explain or describe Rolling the sail?

thanks

On my (scow) racing boat, I drop/remove the mainsail from the mast track and starting from the headboard (sail now disconnected from the mast but not the boom) roll the sail into a 'rolled package' of approximately 18" diameter - the 'rolled up sail' parallel to the boom. I then tie (w/ sail ties) the 'roll', hanging loose and slightly 'under' the boom. I then cover the boom and the 'roll' with a cover.
Actually on this particular boat, I dont use sail-slugs but only the boltrope in the mast track.

I do this with all my racing sails - laminate fabric as well as woven dacron. For jibs, etc. I remove from the boat, lay flat on a dock before rolling and then insert them into 'long tubular bags'. Even stiff woven dacron greatly benefits from rolling rather than 'flaking'. (I loft/make all my own sails.)