Mariner’s Web

Safe Furling

The life of sailcloth is greatly reduced by prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV rays. Once a sail is rolled in part of it is exposed to the elements and cloth degradation begins. Unless you opt to use an external cover such as a zippered sleeve, which is not always practical for the typical cruising boat,  the exposed sail area should be protected with a sacrificial cloth sewn to the foot and leech. This brings up several  issues for the boat owner to think about; which side of the sail is exposed, additional weight aloft, sail shape, durability, and the choice of materials and installation methods. A majority of the cost of adding UV protection is in the labor costs but the choice of material is an all important one.  Over time many materials have been used (and experimented with) but realistically they can be narrowed down to a coated Dacron or an Acrylic canvas.

• UV Dacron choices are an ultra-light “sticky back” (~2 oz) or a coated sailcloth that comes in heavier weights of 4 oz or more and prove to be more durable and stable.

• Acrylics provide a heavier and more durable solution that comes in many colors.  Although not as stable as Dacron there are also some lighter hybrid variations of acrylic cloth that are manufactured for the special purpose of UV protection.

Once you have discussed the cloth options with your sailmaker and chosen one, it should be attached with a zig-zag stitch in a manner that will maintain the flat profile of the sail over the leech and foot to maintain an attached air flow when trimmed properly.  This usually involves stitching around the perimeter of each panel in addition to diagonal rows across the panel.  A rolled edge of sacrificial material will protect the very edge of the sail.

The UV material should be periodically inspected for any abrasion or looseness. The thread will be the first to show signs of UV damage and become weak.  Pricking it with an awl or sewing needle will indicate when it reaches the breaking point.  Also any signs of chafe or loose stitching should be repaired asap.

And it is still a good idea to cover the sail with a zippered sleeve whenever the boat is left for longer time periods – not a problem to have UV protection for your UV protection!

Sunbrella UV protection