Winter Storage - Sails

[YACHTASEA]

I'm looking for a good place to send my sails and canvas out to be cleaned. Also, does anyone have thoughts about how often is best for sail cleaning? Is it something that needs to be done once every year after the season? I'm just concerned that too much cleaning might shorten the life of the sails, or is once a year sufficient.

[Jacob Wilson]

I hope this is not too off topic, but has anyone had their sails re-cut?
I have a new jib but kept the old one. It is soft and shows some wear.
I have heard of sailors having their old jibs re-cut to a smaller size to add to the inventory.
Has anyone done this? What did it cost? Feedback?

[Ken Odonnell]

This is a great question. I have old sails and my friend sold me a new jib that is bigger than my genoea so I hope to get it cut down.
So yes I will be looking for the answers to this question.
Ken

[Larry Wilson]

I haven't had it done, but have discussed it with a sailmaker. Not inexpensive, but much cheaper than new sails. Might be less to buy used from someone like Bacon sails though. Call your sailmaker. I use Ullman Sails in Deltaville,Va.

[Dave Skolnick]

Hi Sue,

The sail you carry on an inner forestay is a staysail. A trysail is a heavy, small sail flown behind the mast instead of the regular main to help maintain steerage, keep head to wind, and protect the regular main from damage in exceedingly high winds.

I do agree with you that being able to carry two foresails is very useful, particularly offshore. Did you fit running backstays as well to balance the load, or is the inner forestay terminated high on the mast like a Solent stay?

[John Berens]

Over the past 23 years I have tried several sail makers for my winter service. All did a good job of checking and repairing my sails. However, SailCare in PA did the best job I have ever seen. My sails were repaired as good as anyone. But the cleaning was, by far, the best I have ever experienced. However, they are not cheap, but in my mind worth every penny. Their web site is www.sailcare.com.