Should You Remove Your Sails for the Winter?

Should you remove your sails during the off season, or can you leave them on the boat? If the boat will only sit unused for a few weeks, removing the sails may not be necessary. The most important thing is to make sure the sails are completely dry before they are furled or stored. Moisture trapped inside tightly rolled sails can lead to mold, mildew, and difficult-to-remove staining, especially during warm, humid weather. For winter storage, however, it is generally best to remove the sails from the boat. This gives you an opportunity to inspect them, identify damage, and have any necessary servicing completed before the next season. Some sailors leave sails inside furling masts or furling booms because it is convenient, but doing so can hide moisture or damage until spring. Removing and checking the sails before winter storage helps avoid unpleasant surprises when it is time to get the boat sailing again.