What to do with used sails?
Sept 27, 2018
Sail shape is long gone. They have stained, feels thin and you see broken threads everywhere. Your sail is used-up and ready for the garbage. What to do with it is a common question that sailmakers get asked.
The best advice is to not put it into an unsuspecting dumpster. The green alternative is to recycle. If it is in reasonable condition, you can sell it used. There is a market for it. Most reusable sails can be found in the boating section in the local and nation sailing publications, newsletters or buy & sell web sites.
When the sail is too far gone to resell and it is made from Dacron there are other options. Because of Dacron’s physical properties it can have a life beyond being just a sail. Sailcloth is made from weaved Dacron fiber that gives it high strength with minimal stretch. It is translucent, it is resistant to abrasion, UV resistant, doesn’t rot and holds water very well. Although your sail may be in poor condition it’s properties are mostly intact. The sail is good enough for other uses. Excellent examples of recycled Dacron sailcloth are found in the most innovated ways. Sails have been cut and made into; sun shades in green houses, natural roof lighting in chicken coups, camper awnings, firewood covers and wind screens. The best example of a recycled sail goes to the maker of the trendy, “Puddle Jump Bags”. Unique, strong, water resistant beach size bag. It’s great for groceries and saves our environment many times over.
If you are not a sailor but have a need for used Dacron sailcloth, contact a local sail loft or agent. They may have an old sail for you at a very minimal charge or none at all. If you are a sailboat owner and buying a new sail, ask your sail maker to take your old sail off your hands. It may end up being used for a good cause.
Kevin Smylski from Lee Sails in Cowichan Bay, British Columbia supplies sail material for Puddle Jump Bags.
