Roller Furling Cover (or not)

[Ken Palmer]

After using my new sails for one year, I discovered traces of mildew on the UV cover of my genoa. I sail "up north" on Lake Ontario, so we don't usually have the mildew problems as those that sail in the warmer climates. I take Liberty out at least once a week, so the sails don't sit around damp after a rain or sail on a choppy sea.The folks at North said that it sounds like moisture is trapped between the actual sail cloth and the UV strip, and there isn't much to do about it except to make sure it is kept dry and clean. They offer a professional cleaning at a reasonable price, but I would have to UPS the sail to Annapolis every year for cleaning.I had a thought about using a roller furling cover. I have seen a few in use, but never paid too much attention. If I were to use one, would it keep rain off the sail? Anybody out there familiar with them and their use?Thanks, Ken PalmerS/V Liberty

 

[John]

Question and Comments

What kind of UV cover does your sail have? Standardly, sailmakers use a sacrifical Sunbrella type of cover and this should allow the sailcloth to dry out fairly well. The other type of UV protection is a self-adhesive backed vinyl and this does not allow the sailcloth to breath as easy. I have this on my 150 but this is more of a summer sail. How old is the sail?In the northwest we get a lot of experience with mold and mildew and one thing I've learned is that once it is established it's really hard (impossible?) to get rid of. Cleaning the sail might get rid of it but it will probably return again only quicker. Chlorine knocks mold and mildew down good but this is harmful to the sailcloth.Roller furling cover: The main problem with this method is chafe on the threads of the sail from the movement of the cover.My standard procedure is to take the sails off around mid October (this year it was early November) and put them on again when the weather improves enough to sail (varies between mid March and, one year, the end of June!!). In 1986 we had measurable precipitation every single day of July! I dry them out on the living room floor (how to make points with one's wife!) and store them in a place with ventilation. I've never had my sails cleaned because of concerns about premature ageing.Hope the above provides some ideas.

 

[Ken Palmer]

Answers

Thanks John for your comments.I purchased a new Main and 150% genny from North Sails a year ago, so have used them for one full season here in Rochester, NY. The genny is a laminate called NorLam, made by North Sails. The UV cover is a sewn-on white Dacron that they claim is heavily treated with an anti-fungel agent. The folks at North have tried to help when I asked about cleaning myself, but really recommended sending the sail in to be cleaned. I find that they have good information on their web site. Go to http://www.northsails.com/North_America/Tips/mildew.html Keep the comments coming.Ken PalmerS/V Liberty

 

[Michael Bell]

Don't bother

I made a jib cover for my H26. The problem was – the entire cover had to be large enough diameter to surround the jib near the bottom, because that’s where you can reach to zip it up as it’s hoisted. That makes it excessively loose at the top of the jib because that area wraps up in a smaller diameter (less sail). Now, when the wind blows, guess what? It flaps. It flaps so much that it makes the entire boat vibrate. You can push a line tried in a noose up as high as you can reach with a dock pole, and tie it off to the base of the mast. But you usually don’t think to do that until the middle of the night when the wind is howling. You might be able to sew in some elastic to restrict it when in place.As for myself – I’m having a sunbrella cover sewn onto the sail.

 

[Paul R. Mitchell]

Local Cleaning

Check to see if there is a local sail loft that offers a cleaning service. The one at our marina in the lower Hudson River does. No need to mail the sail out of town. Included in the cleaning price are minor sail repairs, cleaning and winter sail storage. Cost is in the 25 to 35 cents(US) per square foot range.Paul