Mark Mansfield of Quantum Sails Ireland with five things you should consider to get you ready for the new racing season.
1. Clear out the boat
It may seem straightforward, but you would be surprised by how many boats leave all their damp sails, cushions, lifejackets etc., on the boat over the winter and then are surprised to find mould and other nasty bits on all their gear in the spring. Get the sails indoors into a dry environment, and open the sail bags to let everything dry out. Wash the Jib zippers before they get salted and cannot be reopened.
2. Mouse out halyards
Modern ropes do not like to be outdoors for any longer than needed. UV damage dramatically reduces their strength and longevity. Buy a cheap roll of twine and mouse out the halyards and any other ropes that can be removed, such as mainsheets, tack lines etc. Wash in fresh warm water, dry thoroughly, and put away in a dry environment.
3. Get a good bottom finish for 2023
Trying to race competitively is an expensive enough business. Sail costs, new rigging costs, etc., all add up. The cheapest way to improve your performance is to put an excellent plan together to get a great finish to your antifoul for the season. Mostly it is just graft in sanding back the old paint to a good smooth finish—lots of hours are involved in doing this. Then make sure new antifouling is applied with great care, with the best finish being achieved. Spraying would be best, but not always possible. A really good short pile roller is the next best. It is essential that whatever way you apply it, it is then sanded down to get it smooth. Expect about a third of the antifouling to come off with the sanding.
4. Remeasure sails for IRC
In the new year, most owners will renew their IRC certificates. Most sails will shrink as they get older. Have your sails remeasured by your sailmaker if they have a suitable size loft before renewing the cert. There is a good chance a few points can be shaved off the handicap by this simple and inexpensive task.
Sail being remeasured in the Quantum sail loft in Galway
5. Have your sails checked over
Get your sailmaker to lay out your sails in their loft, if they have the space, and get them checked over. Often there are minor repairs that are needed that could lead to more significant problems later. In particular, if you have a code 0, clean out the furler and top swivel in a large bucket of warm water to get the salt out of the system. If possible, a code 0 should also be opened with at least the leech area washed/wiped down to remove salt and other muck that has been attached. This will improve the furling performance substantially.
Code 0 furlers need to be serviced
Now is also a good time to get a quote for some new sail you have been considering. Quantum sails Ireland would be delighted to quote.
