in mast furling sail storage

[secondwind410]

I have had an in mast furling main sail on my 410 for two years now. I live in Ontario Canada and my current sail storage procedure has been to lower the main and store it in the boat. I was wondering if anyone had any experience storing the sail in the mast for the winter? It seems to do quite well in this position for the other three seasons. I was wondering if storing it this way on the hard for the winter could have any adverse effects on the sail?

 

[Sailgunner]

The problem we have in Florida is the sun bakes the webbing that attaches to the haylard as it remains exposed even when furled. I alwasy figure its better to take the sails down if they are not going to be used for several months. Why keep it exposed to the elements?

 

[Scott B]

Hi Dave, we're in 223 at BayMoorings as well, know John ( Fatal Attraction ) well, seen you on the water several times in the past couple of years.

I take mine down. Although its well protected from the sun, snow, rain, moisture gets in there and doesn't always dry. Only takes a few minutes to take down, bag and drop in the v-berth.


We were at Beausoliel last weekend and dropped our sails on Saturday when we got over there. Quick and easy with very little wind. We're headed up on Sat, night to drain the water etc. and get ready to haul out the 21st.

See you on the docks.... you probably remember this, I was standing almost in front of 2nd Wind....

 

[secondwind410]

Hi Scott
thanks for replying, what a small world. We were out at Beausoliel last weekend as well. (lost bay). We are going up this weekend to get ready for haul out on the 19th. I will keep an eye out for you.
cheers
Dave

 

[Scott B]

With no wind Saturday, we decided to do a tour up through the Mini Cog ( I wanted to do a Securite but I don't think I'm as big as the Miss Midland ) around the top of Beausoliel, down past Picnic Island and back up to Tonche Point.

We're up Sat. night and doing the dinghy and winterize the plumbing Sunday.

 

[seadaddler]

Scott

We have no clue,but I am sure it's nice where you sail.
We are just getting started sailing again here in Florida,it's very hot and light wind most of the summer months here with afternoon thunder storms and lightning.
We have been sailing a few days here in Sept and now going out more and more every day,way less thunder storms and a few windy days have us sailing again,the water is great for swimming and snorkling to cool off but really hot for this time of year here,cooler weather is coming soon 80's instead of 90's and better wind.
Sorry your sailing is ending while ours is just starting,have a great winter and go south.
Nick

 

[secondwind410]

Nick I must say that I am envious of your season. To be able to have a longer season would be great. We have the same idea as you however and have booked the BVI for January. Let it snow, let it snow.
Dave

 

[dilligaf]

Why store the sails?? There are always days to sail in the winter! Retirement is good!

 

[Ron McCoy]

Hey Sailgunner. Not to be picky with your response, but corrections are necessary sometimes. The webbing you're refering to at the Clew of the sail. The halyard is attached to the head of of the sail, and is internal to the in-mast furling system --- and NOT exposed to the sun as you stated. You're right though about the sun destroying the webbing at the clew. That's why it's a good idea to drop the sails each year and give them a good once over for wear and tear. Doesn't have to be at winter layup time either, but inspections are needed periodically. If the boat goes on the hard, it's nothing to drop them and store -- or better yet send them off for washing.