Replacing a Chafed Furling Line: Calico Skies
Sailing enthusiasts Grace and Bill, the popular YouTube sailors from Calico Skies, have recently shared an insightful video about their…
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All About UV Protection for Your Sailboat Sails
This informative article is a must-read for sailors looking to maintain their sailboat sails in top-notch condition. It emphasizes the significance of safeguarding sails from the detrimental effects of UV radiation, which can lead to weakening, fading, and eventual failure of sailcloth. The article covers a comprehensive range of topics related to UV protection, making it a valuable resource for sailors of all experience levels.
Readers will gain insights into different types of UV protection, with a focus on Dacron and acrylic sacrificial strips, explaining their benefits and applications. The article also addresses UV protection for spinnakers and code zeros, offering tailored solutions for these lightweight sail materials.
Moreover, sailors are guided on how to replace old UV protection, whether seeking professional assistance or attempting a DIY approach. Common mistakes, like “candy striping” and incorrect furling, are highlighted, along with the importance of using UV protection correctly to maintain sail integrity.
Intriguingly, the article explores how replacing the entire sail can sometimes be more cost-effective than just replacing UV protection. Lastly, it provides valuable tips on recognizing signs of UV damage on sailboat sails, ensuring they remain in optimal condition. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or new to the sport, this article equips you with essential knowledge for preserving your sail’s longevity and performance.
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Halyards, Sheets, and Lines: A Guide to Choosing and Maintaining Your Sailboat Rigging
How to Choose the Right Halyard/Sheet When choosing a halyard for your sailboat, several factors come into play. These include…
Building the Ultimate Offshore Sail Repair Kit: 12 Essential Items to Include
As a blue water cruiser, you know that preparation is key to ensuring a safe and enjoyable sailing experience. One…
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Spring Sailing Tips
Measuring up for a Successful Spring Season: Checking Equipment and Skills Here’s some resources to help you assess your preparedness…
Can Different Types of Sailcloth Become Moldy?
Sails can get moldy, but it can be avoided. You have to make sure to try to keep it dry and avoid furling the sail when it’s wet. Taking the sail down and storing it is also an effective method when trying to combat mold. Mold and mildew show up differently in Dacron and Laminate sails and as such these sail fabrics require different techniques. This video explores the best ways to keep your Dacron and laminate sails clean and extend their longevity. […]
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Buying a Boat? Are The Sails Good to Go?
Sails help keep you safe on the water. When purchasing a new boat, it is always a very exciting time, but it’s important to make adequate checks to ensure your new vessel is seaworthy and safe.
Getting Ready for Winter – Winterizing Your Sailboat
Getting your boat ready for winter is an important step in boat ownership. Not winterizing your boat can lead to serious consequences. For the boat owners who are not able to continue sailing during the winter months, this blog outlines processes on how to winterize your sailboats engine, fuel systems, water systems, head, sails, and batteries.
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Get Your Sailboat Ready For Spring – Checklist And Infographic
Is your sailboat ready for spring? The sailing season is almost here, but with all the joy that comes with sailing comes the monotonous task of preparing the boat for the season. Unwrapping the boat, cleaning the hull, checking the rigging… There is so much to do, and for most casual cruisers, not much time. The list and infographic below are great guides preparing for the spring sailing season. Here is a quick Spring Sailing Checklist and helpful infographic to help cut through the grime and get you back out on the water.
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Checking Sails At Home
With the sailing season almost upon those of us living in the northern hemisphere, now is the time to inspect our sails so we can be confident they will survive another season of abuse. Unfortunately, this is not one of the more glamorous or exciting parts of sailing, and for some, it can fall by the wayside until it is too late. However, if you do not mind filling your living room with Dacron for an afternoon, we will show you how to inspect your sails from the comfort of your own couch!
Removing Mildew, Rust and Dirt from your Sails!
Have you ever taken your sails out of storage or unfurled them and discovered the dreaded black blotches of mildew have made their unfortunate appearance? The regrettable truth is mildew, rust stains, and dirt are common occurrences on sails. If you have noticed your sails becoming dirtier after pulling them out of storage or unfurling them this guide is aimed at helping reduce and remove mildew, rust, and other markings on your sail. Discover how to get your sails back to their peak appearance and prevent mildew from growing.
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