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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Here is a Helpful Guide. There is no doubt that sailing can create a unique environment to build a stronger…
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As the sun sets and casts its glimmering light over the soft flow of the ocean, the moon is only just beginning to awaken. Blackness swallows you and your vessel whole, leaving close to zero visual cues behind.
While many sailors find night sailing daunting, it doesn’t have to be. With the right preparations and procedures in place, a night passage will fill any sailor with glee and excitement.
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Ever wondered how to measure for a new main while your mast and rigging is down or taken apart? Clients tell us all the time that they can’t get their measurements to us because their sailboat’s rigs are taken apart. This blog has the information on how to get the measurements for your mast sliders, backstay position, tack connections, clew slug, Max foot, halyard shackle, and your max hoist. The process is made easier with a buddy so try to have one around and call us anytime, we’re here to help.
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Bobby White from Sailing Doodles sails around the world in their 30-year-old sailboat and has documented what living off-grid means for them and most other sailors out there! Follow along as Bobby takes you step-by-step through all the things you need if you want to live on your sailboat off-grid, covering batteries, power sources, freshwater options, navigation and communication, and more.
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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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A Spreader Patch is a strip of Insignia cloth which is used to protect sections of your sail from chafing caused by spreaders or other sharp objects which can press up against the sail. They are applied to sails to prolong the life of your sails. In this blog examine when spreader patches should be applied and how to install them.
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There is an old saying that B.O.A.T. is an acronym for “bring on another thousand”. Unfortunately there is some truth in this as sailboats require continuous maintenance and upgrades. This includes the eventual challenge of deciding between having to be content with your old, worn out sails or replacing them with new sails. Whether your sails are old and ragged or new and bright, here are a few things you can do in order to prolong the lifespan of your sails and maximize their performance.
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This blog reviews what you’ll need to know to take the measurements from your existing mainsail and headsail and your tack set-back / set-up. This is best done with two people as it makes the process easier and faster and produces better measurements. Step by step instructions how to complete the measuring process and the tools needed.
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Is your sail needing an instant upgrade with new sail numbers, insignias, or draft stripes? Insignia cloth can be made from polyester or Dacron and is dyed solid colors with an adhesive backing. This means that time and ultra-violet rays aren’t always kind and sometimes it is beneficial to replace your old graphics with vibrant new cloth. This blog provides how-to instructions for the removal and installation of your old sail numbers and insignias.
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Reefing is meant to increase your ease-of-use, flatten sail shape, reduce sail area, and re-position the boat’s center of effort. This reduces heeling and de-powers your sails to improve safety and stability in rough weather. Reefing is an important part of sailing to learn and understand how to do efficiently and effectively.
Read More about Reefing 101: How to reef a mainsail and when to do it
