JG SAILS

As soon as possible after receiving your new sails, hang them by the head for a few days to ensure that any residual curling is able to fall out of the material. Take care not to crease the material, as creases are almost impossible to remove. With heavier cloth, if you notice any curl at all, try reverse rolling the sail for a short time - an hour or so, then hang from the head for a few days.

When fitting the sail to the mast, lay your boat down on a flat surface, such as a large work bench or the floor, in preference to trying to fit the sail with the mast vertical.

Applying sail numbers is best done using a permanent marker in preference to stick on numbers. The stick on numbers have a tendency to distort lighter films.

Appropriate sail maintenance is something that will make your sails last longer and hold their shape longer. In between sailing days, please do the following:

 

• Remove any tension from the sail by releasing all luff tensioners, boom vang, foot tension etc. Storing sails with tension will pull the material out of shape and could result in the glue from the double sided tape at the seams letting the material move - especially in very hot conditions.

• Completely dry your sails prior to storage. Moisture on the material over long periods will distort film sails and affect sail shape

• Try to avoid storing sails in places where the temperature is very high.

• Consider making a timber sail box in preference to a sail bag, as the box will breathe.

 

At lakeside, always ensure that your boat is laying over pointing into the wind. On many occasions, boats have been picked up and spun around in such a way that the sail hits against something and is permanently creased.

If a sail does become creased, there are no good methods to remove the crease completely. Once the film material has a sharp fold, you can try to reduce the effect of the crease by laying the sail on a smooth surface that has some 'give' - like a semi hard rubber. Place the sharp side of the fold upwards, and using the bottom of a smooth teaspoon, gently press down along the length of the crease so the material is flattened. Take care not to push so hard that the film stretches in the opposite direction.
 

And.....see if you can avoid getting tangled or hitting other boats!!