What should I do with old, blown out sails??

[Bill Goldsmith]

Further to my recent posting, just bent on new suit of sails. Old sails are circa 1980, clearly used for each of 20 seasons. I would not feel comfortable selling or even giving away for sailing use. Main is blown, big belly, several old repairs barely holding up. 135 genoa in a little better shape, with some seams needing restitching but chafe and UV exposure is evident. Should I
1) keep them for emergency replacements
2) have them cut into storm sail, anchor riding sail, etc.,
3) make tote bags
4) other suggestions?

Bill Goldsmith
CD27 #173
Second Chance



goldy@bestweb.net

[John M.]

Hi Bill,

Zoo Atlanta uses old sails to entertain some of the animals in one of their exhibits. I don't know any of the details. They have asked all of the local sailing community for donation of old sails. This is probably tax deductible, and a good cause. If you want to contact them:
www.zooatlanta.org

Good Luck

John and Nancy Matin
CD28 #346 Intrepid

Further to my recent posting, just bent on new suit of sails. Old sails are circa 1980, clearly used for each of 20 seasons. I would not feel comfortable selling or even giving away for sailing use. Main is blown, big belly, several old repairs barely holding up. 135 genoa in a little better shape, with some seams needing restitching but chafe and UV exposure is evident. Should I
1) keep them for emergency replacements
2) have them cut into storm sail, anchor riding sail, etc.,
3) make tote bags
4) other suggestions?

Bill Goldsmith
CD27 #173
Second Chance

johnmartin55@hotmail.com

[Bill Goldsmith]

Now there's one I hadn't thought of. Great idea!!

Hi Bill,

Zoo Atlanta uses old sails to entertain some of the animals in one of their exhibits. I don't know any of the details. They have asked all of the local sailing community for donation of old sails. This is probably tax deductible, and a good cause. If you want to contact them:
www.zooatlanta.org

Good Luck

John and Nancy Matin
CD28 #346 Intrepid

Further to my recent posting, just bent on new suit of sails. Old sails are circa 1980, clearly used for each of 20 seasons. I would not feel comfortable selling or even giving away for sailing use. Main is blown, big belly, several old repairs barely holding up. 135 genoa in a little better shape, with some seams needing restitching but chafe and UV exposure is evident. Should I
1) keep them for emergency replacements
2) have them cut into storm sail, anchor riding sail, etc.,
3) make tote bags
4) other suggestions?

Bill Goldsmith
CD27 #173
Second Chance

goldy@bestweb.net

[Ed Haley]

I've seen some sailors make great cockpit covers for blocking sunlight and rain from old sails. If the top half of the main is cut and inverted, it can be sewn onto the bottom half to make a large single cover that will fit from the stern to the mast. I plan to do that with my old main when my new one is finished being made this month.



eghaley@twcny.rr.com

[Ed Haley]

I'm having a main made for my CD28 by a Canadian sailmaker, (Andy Soper and Ron Clark out of Kingston Sail Loft in Kingston, Ontario). It has a loose foot and full battens for the top three and a partial batten for the bottom. The partial batten cuts down on the hanging weight of the sail so it sails better in light winds. Taking advantage of the $Can, the sail cost $1200. There is no tax since the sail will be sent to my home in NY state.



eghaley@twcny.rr.com

[John MacArthur]

I always assume they will be good for something. What I do is put them on a shelf in the boatshed, where they periodically avalanche on me, leave them there in the way for about 10 years, and then throw them away.



jmac@laplaza.org

[Mark Yashinsky]

Could always let the kids have them. They could probably think up some great ideas, like a roof for their fort, a sail for a cobbled together raft, wrapping up their youngest brother, parachuting off the roof.

P.S. I know the Bill Goldsmith's kids and would not put it past them.
Lock them away sothey dont try some of these ideas.