Crunchy New Sails!

Flatfendershop · #1 (**permalink**) 05-10-2009

Hello, Help!

I have just received my new sails from FX - very impressive, admirable workmanship and ingenuity!

I have sailed for a long time but have never had the pleasure (or the funds) to acquire NEW sails. Because of this I'm not really familiar with what sail cloth is like when its new. And furthermore don't know one sail cloth from another. ( I don't know what I got since I asked FX for the recommendation for my boat and my notes are at work).

My sails are crunchy, as in they crackle when they are moved, folded, or touched. They sound like they will break or crack - will they? I unboxed them and laid them out, when it was time to put them away I tried as best I could not to fold or wad them, instead tried to roll them. The cloth is so stiff it was not possible to not fold them.

Another question is on the battens. In order to stow the sails in the bags you have to take the longest 2 battens out. Is this normal? I've never pulled a batten in my life (other than to replace one that got split or something).

I sail a 1967 Venture 21 and the sails are a main and 130 Genoa.

Many thanks! Flat.

Faster · #2 (**permalink**) 05-10-2009

Welcome to the world of new sails... stiff, crunchy, loud when hoisted... it won't last but enjoy it for now.

It should be possible to roll the sail, and is better for it. If you roll the main, just roll it parallel to the axis of the battens. We used to roll the main on our last racer as it came off the mast, and stored the sail in a long tubular bag. We did the same with the jibs too.

Oh-and- no, they won't break or crack!

trantor12020 · #3 (**permalink**) 05-10-2009

normal for new sail to be crispy. its white colour I suppose. it should be dracon. smell it, enjoy its crispiness. after some (1-2 yr plus) use it'll get less crispy. its normal. if you're folding the mains, take out the battens. if you go to some sail maker (and perhaps Sail Care for sail cleaning, sail repair, new sails, roller furlings and sailing equipment) website, they have instructions on how to fold a sail (mains and genny).

sailingdog · #4 (**permalink**) 05-10-2009

That would be because sails are treated with resin to give them their stiffness and crunchiness... they're good in milk that way...

If you're bagging the sail... TAKE THE BATTENS OUT OF IT.

Joesaila · #5 (**permalink**) 05-10-2009

My new main is still in the box. So I know what to expect. I'm taking it out soon and will have the milk ready.

Sailormann · #6 (**permalink**) 05-10-2009

Quote:

My sails are crunchy, as in they crackle when they are moved, folded, or touched. They sound like they will break or crack

You must be very, very careful with them. Wrap them well in tissue paper and put them to bed in a warm, safe place at night. Be careful carrying them - you don't want to drop them - the little darlings bruise easily. Be cautious about exposing them to the elements, they can easily become wet or soiled and nobody wants that for their nice new sails. Probably best to keep them in a well-ventilated cupboard and just take them out to show company.

jarcher · #7 (**permalink**) 05-10-2009

Congrats on the new sails! I know many people who don't have furlers flake their sails as described here:

Sail Care for sail cleaning, sail repair, new sails, roller furlings and sailing equipment

Its kind of a pain on a small deck but not too bad. You can also flake from the hull on to the dock if you're in a slip. Try to avoid making creases as much as possible.

Flatfendershop · #8 (**permalink**) 05-11-2009

Thanks for the insight and tips. I would like to get it worked out to where I can fold the main once and then roll it. I'll put my wife to work on a new sail bag, this way I can leave the battens in. I can see a lot of wear and tear in pulling the battens each time we sail, the Velcro system that FX uses is very clever, but we all know how velcro does over time- no more stick soon.

One way or the other, we'll work it out.
Thanks for the link to folding them, that's how they came from the loft, good to see it illustrated.

Flat.
V-21
Quixotic

jarcher · #9 (**permalink**) 05-11-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flatfendershop

Thanks for the insight and tips. I would like to get it worked out to where I can fold the main once and then roll it.

I don't follow... How would that work? Are you going to take it off the boom each time?

sailingdog · #10 (**permalink**) 05-11-2009

It's a Venture 21... a trailerable boat... so yes, he would be taking it off the boom each time he puts it on the trailer.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jarcher

I don't follow... How would that work? Are you going to take it off the boom each time?