Sailing In The Rain?

[Bad Obsession]

Usually, if I see rain moving in I bring the sails down and turn on the outboard. If you get caught out in the rain with your sails up I know that it is necessary to dry them before storage to prevent mildew...but what do you do with the main sail to prevent mildew? Do you leave the cover off and not flake it? What if you are going to leave the boat in your slip for a week or two and you can't get down to it for that time period?

 

[Mark]

Flake it and cover it

I've always just went about things as if if never got wet. FLake it out on the boom and cover the sucker. I've never had a problem with it mildewing here in Florida.

 

[Jim]

Sailcovers and rain

The purpose of a sailcover is too keep the sail protected from UV and wind chafe damage more than rainwater or dampness. Although newer sailcovers just happen to keep the sail dry, as the cover ages the water will penetrate the cover. A main flaked properly and covered is loose within the cover and enjoys circulation in the breeze, hence a covered wet main is less apt to mildew. The contrary is true with a jib, which when rolled tighlty on a furler enjoys less circulation, jibs wrapped wet on a furler will mildew more than a main will. If I were leaving a wet main for more than a day or so, I'd remove it from the rig and store it loosely ruffled in the cabin which will further reduce the chance of mildew staining the sail over a long period of time, or the few weeks you mention. It is much easier to take steps to prevent mildew than try to remove the stains. I happen to enjoy sailing in the rain when there is no apparent threat of thunder and lightning.

 

[Jim]

Sailing in the rain

I enjoy sailing in the rain on a warm summer day, sailing in the rain adds a delightful dimension to sailing and enjoying summer weather. Cutting through the water and feeling warm rain is a a wonderful sensation, just imagine sailing in the shower! <G>. I have been caught in rain that is more stressful, most memorable was an 85kt linesquall, but that's not what I am talking about. Try it, and you'll enjoy those rainy weekends more and complain (generally speaking) about the wx less. Jim

 

[John Nantz]

In the PNW Rain just Happens!

And.... it's happening as we speak...er, write.One of the best sails I ever had was during a downpour between Bainbridge Island and Oak Harbor - sleding along at 10kts with it cold and pouring rain. In fact, the rain caught by the main came down on the gooseneck in about a 3 or 4 inch spout of water.If we only sailed when the sun was out you'd miss about eleven months of the year. What do do with wet sails? Just put them away wet and live with it. The spinnaker could be taken home and dried out though. Grey spinnakers don't look too sharp. For the winter months (end of October to April) I take the sails off and store them at home for better protection from the elements. It also helps the UV protection and mainsail cover last longer.