Sail care for winter

[Guest]

Looking for any suggestions on winter care for sails. This will be my first winter for a larger boat and wanted to know if it advisable and/or necessary to drop the sails (I have in-mast and jib furled sails), fold them and store them. In fact, I am not even sure how to drop these furling sails..... Sorry for being such a newbie...

 

[Kenny Logsdon]

I do

When I winterize my boat I take practically everything off the exterior of the boat. I remove both the sails, fold and stown them below. I even remove as many lines as practical including the main sheet, boom vang, etc. I also removed my binnicle cover and replace it with a sculpture of plastic and duct tape. It shouldn't be difficult at all to remove the head sail, just unfurl it and drop the halyard. I have never messed with an in-mast system and don't jknow what is involved there. Good luck.Kenny, s/v "St Somewhere" H28.5

 

[Bob]

Really Easy!!

We also have a new 32. Have learned that no question is a bad one. There's alot to learn. The main sail is easy, just unfurl it with the mainsheet line unlocked and pull it down, take the two black plastic covers on the port side of the mast off and you will see a u-bolt (in the top slot)and a curved turning mechanism at the bottom. That's it!! I even helped some other owners take there's down (my second time).Really easy. Our Marina requires that all sails be taken off. Imagine a good 30-40 knot wind unfurling your sails for what ever reason and the domino effect take place with boats surrounding you. Good luck.

 

[jbm]

Ii's a must

A gib can become a huge kite in high winter winds, in no time, and a hazard to your boat and the surrounding craft. It could even knock you off your stands. The time it takes to drop a sail will save you countless sleepless nights listening to the wind. Pick a windless day, free your lines and start by raising the gib, then slowly lowering it to the deck and pleating it as you go from the bottom. It will slide out of the track as you go. Then simply fold into thirds and place it in your sail bag. Tie off the line to the furler if they go to the top they are hard to get back down!You will save years off premature wear if you store them in a warm dry location.For the in-mast you will need help, call a local sail manufacturer, Bank Sails/Haarstick etc. they have offices everywhere and they don't charge much to help and teach (about $40.00 for my 340) for a main sail here in New England. Hope this helps, stay calm, it looks a lot harder than it is.

 

[jbm]

It's a must follow up

contact Bank Sails @ info@sails.com