Removing sails on a SO 34.2 (1998)?

[daifu]

Hi, new member here (with a newly acquired boat)  and looking for any hints and tips on the easiest/safest way to remove the sails for the winter.

I haven't had to remove sails before so looking for any advice.

TIA
Dave

[Chris Meyer]

Sept 23, 2022 21:16:58 GMT daifu said:

Hi, new member here (with a newly acquired boat)  and looking for any hints and tips on the easiest/safest way to remove the sails for the winter.

I haven't had to remove sails before so looking for any advice.

TIA
Dave

I would first start with a day when the winds are light and ideally coming from the direction of the bow.

When I take either sail down, I like to secure the halyard shackle so it does not accidently go up the mast during winter.

Put each sail on the ground and fold and then roll into the sail bags.  

Store inside in a place that is not humid.

Make sense?

[daifu]

Thanks Chris, makes sense.
Looks like winds will be light tomorrow afternoon so will attempt it then.
Thanks again
Dave

[Charlie-Bravo]

And should the wind direction persist in the wrong direction, but otherwise it’s a lovely day, either turn the boat around in its berth, or pop out of harbour, anchor, and the breeze will be on your bow.

You can flake the sails on the side deck as you lower, but it can be easier to just bundle them up best you can, then pop back to the marina where a more favourable spot for neat sail arranging and bagging might be found.

Don’t store wet sails, if a little damp leave them gently flapping in the breeze and sunshine till dry before lowering, or wait for better weather, damp stored sails will look horrible next season, & smell bad.

Last resort, if the weather just won’t behave, take them down damp and take them to your local sailmaker for a check over and clean, they will come back to you nice , clean and dry, with any dodgy stitching repaired.

CB