Tarpaulins
Sail Cover: Protection and Maintenance for Sails and Equipment
Sails, equipment and varnished wooden surfaces on deck in particular suffer enormously from aggressive UV radiation and the effects of the weather. UV radiation very quickly degrades the fibre structure of the sailcloth, the fabric loses its elasticity and becomes brittle and fragile. This process cannot be regenerated and new sails have to be purchased after just a few years. Most furling foresails are already equipped with UV protection on the leech by the sailmaker, but a conventional mainsail often lies unprotected on the boom.
A boom cover for the mainsail is the best protection against sun, dirt and moisture. A functional boat cover must have many qualities. The fabric must be robust yet lightweight and resistant to dirt and moisture. A weather-resistant and breathable polyacrylic fabric that prevents waterlogging, mould stains and mildew is ideal. The material also dries very quickly. The tarpaulin must be quick and easy to attach, even in wind and weather.
Zips and buckles are better suited to this than complicated line systems. A recovery system that combines lazyjacks and tarpaulins is the ideal solution, offering both safety when recovering the sail and all-round protection for the sail. Installation is simple, without complex fittings and drill holes. Ready-made tarpaulins are available for smaller dinghies such as Optis and for inflatable boats. Tarpaulins for winter storage need to be particularly stable and windproof. Tarpaulin supports mounted on a fixed base on deck are best suited for this purpose.
Winter tarpaulins or all-purpose tarpaulins over the boat should be fitted with strong fastening eyelets so that the tarpaulins can be pulled tight everywhere. The tarpaulin should also be fastened in such a way that the wind cannot get caught in it. Sailing yachts in particular, which are braced on high trestles on land, can move dangerously due to wind pressure. The Compass online shop at compass24.com offers boat covers and boat tarpaulins as well as a wide range of accessories.