Weekender sails question

[markfitz]

Hi everyone,

Just a quick question - this is the first winter we've put the boat up as "finished" but I'm not sure what to do with the sails.  The boat is parked on the trailer in an unheated garage.  Should we take off the mainsail and store it folded up, or is it ok to leave it lashed on?  These are sails we bought, so I just wanted to make sure the cold won't mess them up.

[Hirilonde]

The cold isn't going to hurt them, but it is best if the sails can be stored relaxed and either flat or loosely rolled.  If they spend months with wrinkles in them, or with strains on them they will develop near permanent wrinkles or become unnecessarily stretched.  I carefully flake my sails and store them on a flat surface. (flaking is a loose fold in an accordion manner)

[Bikermouse]

The problem with storing sails on the mast during winter is that, as they go through warming and cooling cycles, condensation can form in the folds that will never completely dry.  In the springtime, then, you find mildew damage.  Having read from people with much more experience than myself, I'd really recommend unbending the sails, cleaning and drying them completely, then storing in a sail bag in a climate-controlled area.  Maybe a closet in the house instead of an unheated/uncooled garage or shed.

[markfitz]

Thanks all. I will try to get them off this weekend.  Someone else told me that the folds make nice mouse houses too...and I sure as heck don't want that!!

[Hirilonde]

  Someone else told me that the folds make nice mouse houses too...and I sure as heck don't want that!!

This is definitely something to consider.  The cold itself does not hurt the sails, but many cold storage areas are prone to having mice.  A mouse-proof container may be worth while.