Avoid sail damage - Sail Exchange's free guide
by Sail Exchange 7 Jun 05:28 BST
Save on Sails © Sail Exchange
It's that time of year when the world splits—down south, we're packing sails away for winter, while up north, it's all hands on deck getting ready for a new season.
Whether you're storing or setting up, one thing's clear: how you handle your sails matters, when you care for your sails, you don't risk mildew, mould or UV damage.
We've put together a two-page downloadable guide on sail storage best practices, covering everything from smart folding to mildew prevention, salt removal, and rodent defence.
Whether you're racing, cruising, or living aboard, these are the tips that keep your sail wardrobe strong, season after season.
Keep this checklist tucked in your sail locker or storage shed for reference.
Sail Storage: avoid these five common mistakes
Salt is the silent killer
If you store your sails salty, you're basically sealing in moisture—and with it, mildew, mould, and rot. Salt attracts water like a sponge, weakening stitching and creating the perfect storm for a ruined sail. One fresh water rinse now could save your sails.
Damp is the devil
Packing sails even slightly damp? Within weeks, your crisp laminate or Dacron can stain and start to smell. Dry them to avoid unnecessary stains.
Mice love mainsails
Rodents are drawn to the warm, dark corners of poorly stored sails and they don't just nibble, they nest. One winter nest in a rolled sail can mean chewed fabric, shredded stitching. Store your sail off the floor.
Folds can kill
Folding along the same crease every season creates weak points, especially in laminate sails. Those sharp lines eventually crack and fail under load. Rotate your folds or roll loosely.
UV doesn't sleep
Even in storage, indirect sunlight can cause sailcloth to deteriorate. Faded panels, weakened fibres, and brittle stitching await any sail left exposed. A good UV cover or shaded spot now means a stronger, longer-lasting sail when the season starts again.
Download Sail Exchange's Full Sail Storage Guide here...