Proper sail care is easy and takes little time, but it can make a BIG difference in the life and performance of your new sails!

When not in use, your sails should be stored dry and folded. Don’t fold them on the same creases every time, if you do they will have eight or ten permanent creases, rather then thirty slight creases which generally shake out easily. Avoid high temperatures.

Dacron sails have only two real enemies: sunlight and abrasion. Direct sunlight will eventually rot the cloth and abrasion wears it down. If you must leave your sails on, make sure they’re dry and covered from the sun. Cover any part of the rig that constantly rubs on the sail with leather or tape to prevent chafe.

To remove surface dirt, hose them off with fresh water. Don’t store sails wet for long periods of time, as the darker colors will bleed onto the lighter ones.

Should your sails get so dirty that you absolutely can’t stand it, soak them in lukewarm water and mild soap or detergent. Rub over the dirtiest areas with a sponge to loosen what dirt you can. Then rinse well with fresh water. They can be dried flat on a lawn, but don’t let them flop in a breeze.

Never put your sails in the washing machine, or dryer. Don’t dry clean or iron them. Don’t pour acid, bleach or other harsh chemicals on your new sails.

A new special insignia material, used whenever possible, has virtually eliminated wrinkles caused by number shrinkage or gathered stitching. Should an edge or corner of a number lift up, simply press it back down and rub that area firmly.

Should you poke a hole in your sail, it’s good to be able to assess the damage. Holes the size an ice pick would make generally don’t get much worse and can be left alone. Tears an inch or two long aren’t too serious if they’re in the center of the sail. These can be fixed temporarily by placing a piece of white adhesive or dick tape on each side of the tear. Tears near the edges or corners of a sail or near a batten pocket should be mended properly. If in doubt, check with a sailmaker. It’s cheaper and easier to repair a small tear than a split panel, and your sails will be a lot better for it.