In the last blog about taking care of your sails at the end of the season, I have pointed out some of the areas on sails that are particularly vulnerable to deterioration or damage. This time I would like to share with you a few pictures showing these problem areas: This first picture shows a severely deteriorated webbing loop at the head of this furling genoa.  This web is really ready to fail at any moment, and most likely it will happen in the worst possible time… Hopefully webbing loops on your sails are nowhere near this level of deterioration, but… Read More »

So, it’s November. For many sailors in the Northeast and other parts of the country (and the world) the sailing season is winding down. Your sails represent a significant investment in your sailing enjoyment, so naturally taking good care is important. Here are some dos and don’ts when it comes to sail care. End of season sail care do’s and don’ts Don’t store your sails when they are wet and or dirty. Wet sails stashed away invite mold growth. That may not damage your sail in terms of its usability, but it may cause unhealthy conditions, spread to other items… Read More »

original post by Gavin Junkins   On October 15th the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race started just south of the Bay Bridge. A close friend of Steve’s, races his boat every year, this year was more eventful than most. Prior to the start of the race two boats shared a special moment.  

I was really anxious, maybe even slightly scared. My adrenaline was definitely in overdrive. Although it just around four in the morning, there was no trace of sleepiness in my body. I was on my sailboat, miles away from nearest shore. It was pitch dark, with strong swells hitting the hull of my boat with laud bangs, leaving that unnerving, sickly feeling in my stomach, and a nagging question that run through my alarmed mind – will she hold together? Such was my state of mind shortly before the awesome feeling of elation, joy and sense of adventure lifted my… Read More »