Main Sail 101
TomCat;There is no such thing as a dumb question......All sail cloth [Dacron] is impregnated with resin, hence that stiff, crisp feeling when they are new.Over time[years] the resin breaks down due to UV rays,handling by folding, and normal use.Once the cloth becomes softened the shape of the sail and its ability to hold the original shape is lost(ie.-resist stretching).At this point it is still good, but for the racer less than optimal.To tell if the cloth is at the point of rotten try to push your finger thru the cloth.IF it is totally rotten you will tear it.If the cloth resists tearing you may be able to get many more seasons use out of them.Make sure you put a sail cover on the main when you are done sailing as UV rays will destroy the cloth faster than anything.How do I know this?? I was part owner of the UK/Crown Off Shore Sail Loft here in Jacksonville, Florida in the 80's. It would not hurt to take[send] the main into your local sailmaker[Charleston?] there in SC and have him go over it.Resewing of all the broad seams will help to give you some added seasons as well.The Dacron thread breaks down over time too and seams or luff tape can open up in heavy air with no warning.One of the worst things to do to a sail is let it flog, or snap back and forth in heavy air.This is very fatigueing to the cloth .I hope this has answered your question?Cheers-CaptHawkS34/RogueWave