Sails are the heart of every sailboat — but they are also consumable items that inevitably wear out over time. Just like car tires, they deteriorate even when not in use. To make your sails last longer, they need to be used properly, protected, and serviced regularly.

The Biggest Enemy: Sun and UV Rays

UV radiation breaks down almost all materials — and sailcloth is no exception. When you’re not sailing, your sails should never be left exposed to the sun.

• Roller sails (furling sails) should always be rolled up — the UV protection strip then shields the sailcloth.
• Conventional sails (mainsail, genoa) should be covered with protective covers or stored in a lazy bag with the zipper closed.
• Racing sails should always be stored in their bags, never left stretched out on deck.

Leech Flutter – The Silent Killer

Leech flutter (the fluttering of the sail’s trailing edge) quickly damages the fabric and creates micro-cracks. Use the leech line actively — it’s an integral part of proper sail trim. Tighten it just enough to eliminate the flutter, and always ease it off when the sail is not in use or stored in its bag.

Over-Tightening – The Risk of Modern Winches and Battens

Excessive tension, especially when using electric or hydraulic winches, can cause permanent distortion of the sail or even tear seams and fibers. The same applies to battens — over-tightening batten tensioners can permanently deform the sail shape and reduce its performance. Adjust batten tension only enough to remove wrinkles along the batten pockets.

Trim your sails and set your battens with feel — not brute force.

Know Your Wind Limits

Every sail has a designed wind limit. Exceeding that limit can cause irreversible deformation or even complete failure. If the wind starts increasing — reduce sail area in time.

Proper Storage – The Key to Longevity

After sailing, your sails should be:

• Rinsed with fresh water to remove salt,
• Thoroughly dried, and
• Neatly folded and stored in a dry place.

Important: Do not use detergents, solvents, or any chemical cleaners — they can damage the coating and fibers of the sailcloth. Fresh water is all you need to remove salt and dirt.

Racing sails should ideally be rolled instead of folded, if storage space allows. Furling sails should be taken off and stored if you’re not planning to sail for more than three weeks.

Winter Service – A Smart Investment

Once a year, bring your sails to Dustom Sail Loft for a full winter service. We’ll inspect them in detail and, with your approval, carry out any necessary repairs. This preventative approach helps avoid costly damage and last-minute problems right before your holiday or race season. At Dustom Sails, we also offer professional sail washing and winter storage in a controlled environment — because proper sail care means fewer worries when the wind finally fills your sails again.