Practical Sail Care and Repair

This book contains detailed instructions on how to make emergency repairs to sails at sea and then how to turn them into permanent repairs once ashore or in more tranquil surroundings. It covers every type of damage from torn leeches to larger tears into the body of the sail, it explains how to replace pulled-out fittings such as clew, head and tack eyes.

Preventive care, such as chafe patches and sacrificial UV strips are explained, together with advice on cleaning various types of stains. Instructions on how to make your own sail bags and covers are accompanied by other useful items such as emergency fenders, the Sea-Chute and high-visibility awnings.

Lisa Carr worked for a leading sailmaker before realizing her ambition of long-distance cruising. She is currently sailing in the Eastern Mediterranean and it was a result of her advice and help to fellow cruising yachtsmen that she has written this book.