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Top 12 Tips for Getting Your Elvstrom Sails Ready for the Season

Updated: May 16, 2023


The sailing season is here, and it is time to bring back your sail wardrobe from its winter hiatus! However, before hitting the waters, it's essential to give your sails a thorough check to ensure they're in good shape. Here are our top tips for inspecting your sails before the new season.


Elvstrom Sails | Yachting Partners Malta


1. Inspect All Stitches on the Sails


The first thing to do when inspecting your sails is to check all the stitches. If you notice any damage, it's important to contact Yachting Partners Malta - your official Elvstrom Sails Point in Malta. Damaged stitches can cause further damage to your sails, leading to costly repairs.


2. Check the Batten Pockets and Battens


Take a close look at all the batten pockets, inspect the battens, and check the pocket latch. Make sure all the luff cars and other fittings on your sails are in good shape. Any damage or wear can affect the performance of your sails and should be addressed immediately.


3. Inspect the Luff Tape and Bolt Ropes


Check the luff tape and bolt ropes for damage and abrasion. These areas are prone to wear and tear and should be regularly inspected to ensure they're in good condition.


4. Examine the Leech of the Sails


Inspect the leech of the sails for minor marks from spreaders and mast fittings. These marks can quickly evolve during the season, so it's essential to patch any damaged areas with self-adhesive cloth. Contact Yachting Partners Malta - your official Elvstrom Sails Point in Malta, if you notice any major marks on the sail.


5. Check Packed Sails


Try unpacking your spinnaker and other packed sails to ensure they're whole and undamaged. Repack them to be ready for hoisting


6. Inspect the Leech Line and Cleat/Velcro


Ensure that the leech line and the cleat/velcro are in good condition. Check that the reefs on the mainsail are intact.


7. Clean Spots and Blemishes


If you find spots or blemishes on your sails, you can try cleaning them off with warm water or water mixed with dishwashing liquid or a detergent. Use a soft brush to agitate the spot. However, never use any chemical solvents or detergents as they may cause damage to the material integrity of the sail.


8. Inspect the Furling System


Inspect your furling system(s) for damage to the foil, drum, and furling line itself. Any damage can cause the furling system to malfunction, leading to potential safety hazards.


9. Ensure Mast and Furler Grooves are Clean


Make sure the mast and furler grooves are clean. Salt, grime, and insects can clog up the line, affecting the performance of your sails. Clean them with a cloth and some silicone-free lubricant. Avoid using any type of grease.


10. Clean and Grease Threads on Turnbuckles


Clean and grease the threads on all turnbuckles before trimming the mast. This will ensure that they're in good working order and prevent them from seizing up.


11. Trim Your Mast


Aim for a moderate mast curve without having tension on the backstay on conventional masts. If you have a furling mast, aim for having hardly any curve.


12. Inspect Halyards


Inspect your halyards for damage or abrasion. If you find abrasion, you can fix it by cutting off the splice and then resplicing the halyard at the other end of the rope if it's long enough. This moves





Whether you’re into weekly club racing or you take part in some of the classic regattas around the world, Elvstrom designs the sail to fit your challenges.


Yachting Partners Malta Ltd is the official Elvstrom Sails Point in Malta.


Get in contact for more information.



 

Yachting Partners Malta Ltd

183/4 Marina Street, Pieta PTA9042 - Malta

Tel: +356 2125 2727

Yachting Partners Malta

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