A thorough inspection of the sail wardrobe and the entire rigging is well worth it before the season begins. Much damage occurs gradually during winter storage due to improper storage, moisture, dirt, or salt crystals.
To ensure that the sail wardrobe is ready for use when heading out after the winter break, several points should be observed. SeaHelp has compiled seven tips for proper sail care after the winter.
1. Spread Out and Inspect Sails Thoroughly
After the winter break, owners should take the trouble to completely spread out the mainsail, genoa/jib, spinnaker, or gennaker. The cloth should be checked for chafe marks, UV damage, thinning, and small tears; seams should be inspected for loose or brittle threads, and one should check whether the reinforcements at the “corners” (head, tack, clew) or reefing points are still in good condition.
Furthermore, the condition of the sail battens (cracks, delamination?), batten pockets, and mast sliders should be checked. Do the leech tensioners still function? Are the sail numbers correct (important when buying used sails)? Attention should also be paid to the UV protection strips on furling sails – these often become brittle first. In general, the fabrics should be checked for mold, mildew spots, and salt residues, which must be removed before use.
Chafe points on spreaders (mainsail on downwind courses), shrouds, split pins, stanchions, deck fittings, and hatches are particularly critical. Minor damage should be repaired immediately before it worsens; for more complex damage, you should leave it to the sailmaker of your choice.
2. Check Halyards, Sheets, and Lines
The running rigging should also be inspected: Are there chafed cover areas, hard, stiff, or discolored spots, breaks in the core, crushing at deflection points, or fraying at ends and splices? Other critical points are the condition of shackle connections and thimbles. Lines that regularly chafe against blocks, stoppers, or winches often wear out more on the inside than is visible on the outside. If in doubt, it is better to consider a replacement early on.
3. Inspect Standing Rigging and Mast
A look at the “standing rigging” such as the mast, boom, shrouds, stays, turnbuckles, and terminals is especially worthwhile. Here, you should focus on broken strands in wire ropes, rust traces on swage sleeves and terminals, bent (or missing) cotter pins or shackles, and corrosion on mast fittings. Is there excessive play in bolts, turnbuckles, or fittings? Can hairline cracks be identified at the mast foot, spreaders, or fittings? Finally, the condition of the mast groove, sail tracks, and furling systems should also be checked.
Note: Wire ropes can often age invisibly from the inside; older standing rigging, in particular, should be viewed critically. A rule of thumb suggests replacing it preventatively after about 10–15 years.
4. Maintain Rollers, Blocks, Winches, and Furlers
Before the start of the season, all blocks and rollers should be checked for smooth operation, and the bearings should be cleaned and (sparingly) lubricated if necessary. Those who wish can disassemble their winches, clean them, and re-grease them. Dirt, salt, and old (hardened) grease often lead to stiff winches or blocked furling systems. Accordingly, furling gear should also be checked for smooth running.
Finally, there are tracks, travelers, and cars that should be cleaned as needed – this is also a good time to notice if a screw has come loose or if there are signs of corrosion.
5. Clean and Store Sails Correctly
In general, sails should always be stored dry, clean, and loose. If there is still dirt, the rule is: rinse salt with fresh water and do not use aggressive agents for cleaning. Before “packing,” ensure the sails are completely dry. Damp storage promotes mildew spots, mold, and material fatigue.
Additionally, it is advantageous for sails to be stored in a cool, UV-protected place and not folded tightly for long periods. For laminate sails and high-quality cloth in general, the rule is: roll them instead of folding.
6. When Should Sails Be Replaced?
Replacement seems sensible whenever the sails are heavily faded or brittle, when they no longer hold a clean shape, when repairs are needed more frequently, or when seams are failing extensively or UV strips are disintegrating. Also, if the cloth becomes “soft” or “flimsy,” or if it becomes wavy, this is a clear sign that a change is due.
Cruising sails often last 8–15 years, depending on use, UV exposure, and care. Racing sailors replace them much earlier. Some exchange them after just a few years when perfect shape is essential; if you want to “sail at the very front,” a new sail wardrobe might even be purchased every year (ambitious leisure sailors can often find a “bargain” here for good, used class boat sails at a fair price).
7. Useful Additional Measures Before the Season
You are always well-advised to keep spare shackles, cotter pins, blocks, and lines on board, to occasionally clean and re-grease the turnbuckles, and to regularly check the correct mast and rigging trim before the season starts. Covers and the sprayhood also need care and should be checked for condition, seams, and the smooth operation of zippers (the UV protection for covers & co. may need to be renewed).
Finally, the recommendation is to plan a professional sail and rigging inspection every few years; especially before long trips or if the yacht is older, a visit to a sailmaker or rigger is well worth it in good time.
