Sail cleaning options

[csoule13]

Sails are three years old, and could use a good cleaning. Being in Chattanooga, there are no local businesses for this(or, really, any sailboat work). There's Sail Care up in PA, but I'm not sure the sails need their full process. I don't have the space, or access to anyone who has the space, to do this at home.

Any suggestions for places to ship the sails to other than Sail Care? Any experience with them?

Much appreciated,
Chris

[tjr818]

Chris,
What Cape Dory do you have? We had a 27 and I would wash the sails every year on my driveway. Luckily our driveway slopes quite well for draining and it faces south for drying in the sun. A scrub brush on a long handle and some mild soap (we use simply green) does the job very well. I don't know what the typical dirt problem is in Chattanooga, but here in St. Louis our biggest problem is muddobber nests, they love to crawl under the sail cover and build their muddy homes. The nests are easy to knock off, but the leave a mud footprint that stays. Soap and water, a brush, and a strong blast from, the garden hose takes care of the problem. If you don't have the driveway space you can lay the sails out on a lawn, a tennis court, or a school playground when school is out for the summer, or if you belong to a church, talk to the minister and ask if you can use their parking lot after services or when it is not being used, just be sure to bring your own hose and supplies.

[Jim Walsh]

This place is a two hour drive from Chattanooga. There may be places closer to you, all I did was search the web for a couple minutes. If they are unsuitable they should be able to direct you toward their regional competitors.
https://www.snugharborboats.com/the-sail-loft/