Temporary sail repairs (before a visit to the sailmaker)
What sailor hasn’t had sail damage? A tear in the spinnaker, a slider or a reefing cringle torn out, batten pocket or leech ripped, sailcloth burnt by UV rays. We take a look at some of the most common types of damage... and ways to repair them before heading for the sail loft.
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Published on 27/01/2021
By
Emmanuel van Deth
Issue:
176
Published:
Mar.
/
Apr.
2021
A TEAR IN THE SPI
The tack of this spinnaker has just failed, right at the edge of the reinforcing. A not so unusual occurrence in strong winds.
AT SEA. Once hoisted, the spinnaker is only likely to be damaged in very strong winds. In moderate conditions, it’s during hoisting and dropping that clevis pins, split rings and (poorly protected) spreaders will take great pleasure in tearing the sailcloth. When gybing, the bowsprit or the radar can perforate the spinnaker. As long as the tear is no more than 12 inches (30 cm), the spinnaker can hold out, on the condition…
