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SAILS
The working life of a sail mainly depends on its being regularly maintained.
When sailing, trim the sails properly in accordance with the stresses in order to reduce
the harmful strains on the fabric.
Avoid wear and tear: Use protective items against chafing on the the accessories with
rough surfaces (protective items for spreaders, stanchions etc.).
Have a sail maker's kit and a user's manual so that you may carry out the emergency
repairs waiting for the sailmaker's assistance.
AUTOMATIC REEFING SYSTEM
When you reef down automatically, the mainsail halyard shall not be too loose, otherwise
the reefing blocks take up improper positions.
The diagram shows the path of the automatic reef line and does not indicate the standard
take system.
SHORTENING THE STANDARD MAINSAIL
To shorten sail:
- Head into the wind.
- Slacken off the kick strap.
- Slightly slacken the mainsail sheet.
- Slightly slacken the mainsail halyard.
- Take in the reef line.
- Take up the slack in the mainsail halyard.
- Reset the mainsail sheet.
- Take up the kick strap slack if necessary.
SHORTENING THE FURLING MAINSAIL
To reduce the surface area of the mainsail:
- Gradually take in the mainsail furling line while letting out the foot tack line (keep the
boom perpendicular to the mast).
CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE
Rinse the sails with fresh water from time to time and dry quickly in order to avoid mildew.
Avoid drying the sails to windward when on the mast (when the sails lift, the seams are
worn, the sails may be torn by the rigging).
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RIGGING AND SAILS
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