How to Store Dacron Sails

A sail made of Dacron, a synthetic fiber, requires a bit of care when you prepare it for storage. Treat each sail as an item of value and take proper steps to ensure the success of its future use. Dacron sails are used on boats of all sizes and shapes, but all sails have a single common denominator --- the storage requirements remain the same. A Dacron sail may become compromised as a result of improper storage.

Things You'll Need

  • Fresh water
  • Mild detergent
  • Soft brush
  • Chlorine bleach
  • Spray disinfectant
  • Sail bag
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Instructions

    • 1

      Inspect your sails. Salt, seaweed, beverage spills and bird droppings all have a damaging effect upon the Dacron fabric. Clean each sail with a mild detergent and a soft brush. Rinse the sails in fresh water and dry each sail thoroughly.

    • 2

      Treat mildew immediately. Mildew may spread when left unattended. Prepare a mixture of 25-percent chlorine bleach and 75-percent fresh water in a 1 qt. spray bottle. Spray the mixture on the mildew and let it sit for 15 minutes. Rinse the sail thoroughly with fresh water and allow it to air-dry.

    • 3

      Hang up or lay out sails in order to dry them completely as storing a damp sail invites the occurrence of mildew. Colored panels of sails can "bleed" when stored while still damp.

    • 4

      Remove the Dacron sail battens, if present. Fold each sail using accordion pleats. Begin folding at the bottom of the sail --- called the foot --- and complete each pleat until you reach the top part, or head. Fold the pleated sail in half for storage.

    • 5

      Store each sail in a sail bag large enough to contain the folded sail. Do not try to stuff a sail into a sail bag as that abrades the sail fibers and weakens the sail. Discourage mildew in damp climates by spraying a bit of disinfectant into the sail bag before you pack the sail.