We
specialize in Sail Repair & Cleaning - plus also offer repair
and cleaning of your boats canvas.
Sail
Maintenance
Proper
sail care and maintenance can increase the life of your sails.
Whether you race or cruise, proper storage and cleaning can
mean the difference in speed as well as longevity. Over the
last few years, sailcloth has become increasingly firm. The
finish on cruising fabric today is what racing sailcloth was
only 10 years ago. The finish or resin is subject to faster
breakdown. It is important to keep the luffing of sails to a
minimum, as this is an easy way to break the resin down.
Laura repairing a sail |
For the
race or race/cruiser with dacron or laminated (mylar, kevlar,
etc.) sails, it is important to keep the fabric as wrinkle free
as possible. It is the surest way to keep and maintain the racing
edge. The best way to roll a sail is to start at the head of
the sail and roll to the foot. When folding becomes necessary
because of size and/or space, hold the clew and tack and fold
accordion style toward the head. If your mainsail is stored
on the boom, you may either roll it or flake it over the boom
before putting on the sail cover.
Always
store the sails dry. Nylon and dacron are susceptible to mildew
when stored wet. Also, heavily resinated sailcloth may soften
up over a period of time when wet or damp. Nylon sail fabric
can bleed when stored wet, so be careful to dry whenever possible.
Dry your sails by laying them on a grassy area or hanging them
up, if the wind is very light. Do not hang your sails in a breeze.
Cruising sails, typically much softer than their racing counterparts,
may be stuffed for weeks at a time without harm. In general,
fold cruising sails whenever possible and store dry.
Mold
& Mildew destroy your sail's threads. Sail cleaning
removes mold & mildew. Call Oriental Sailmakers and
ask for a quote 252-249-2093. |
NOTE: All
sailcloth should be frequently washed with fresh water and stored
as salt free as possible.
Ultra-violet
radiation can, over a short period of time, destroy both nylon
and dacron. The use of cover materials for mainsails and roller-furling
sails is a sure way to prolong the life of your sails. It is
important, especially on mylar andmylar/kevlar genoas, to have
spreader patches to protect the sail from chafe. We make every
effort to apply them before the sail is built. But many times
we don't have the proper location. In most cases we try to come
to your boat and mark and apply the patches.
Get your sails cleaned - we will pick up and deliver - contact
Oriental Sailmakers. Phone 252-249-2093 or email sails@towndock.net.
