Sails Questions and Answers

  • Reefing rules

    What sail to reef with first and protocol for going windward, running off, close reach, and on a run. More

  • Rig pumper

    An expert describes the causes of mast pumping and how to prevent it with some rigging solutions. More

  • Removing rigging rust

    Win Fowler warns a reader to avoid the electrolytic process to remove rust from the rigging of an Ericson 30. More

  • Dirty deck lines

    Win Fowler gives advice on the best ways to remove mold on rigging and deck lines. More

  • Rake and bag

    Win Fowler explains how to reduce a weather helm if the rake is more than it should be. More

  • Snuff or Furl

    Is a continuous-line furler or a spinnaker sleeve for an asymmetric spinnaker easier to deploy? Which works better for singlehanding? Win Fowler has the answer. More

  • Powering Up

    Win Fowler explains how to run a mainsheet back to a winch near the helm. More

  • Mast lines

    A reader building a 42-foot cutter wants to know what he can do to avoid running backstays. More

  • Steady helm

    Would moving the foot of the mast forward or aft on a Grampian sloop help to keep the boat in a straighter line? More

  • Spar spares

    Is carrying a Spectra line on a cruiser sufficient for having extra lines but also saving space? More