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.
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.
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