Sails are a considerable investment in your boat, and the way you manage
that invesment will translate directly to the pleasure you get from your
boat and your sailing (and your chequebook). On smaller boats (and
extensively used in dinghy classes) try a piece of 4" PVC drainage tube the
same length as the foot of the sail and roll the sail around the tube before
putting it in a sausage bag or "sock". You may choose to start the roll
along the foot or from the head, or other ways, but this has to be the best
way to avoid creases, folds and other fabric-destroying effects. Of
course, you are left with an inflexible and fairly large package to stow,
but they are easily carried in this fashion and can be stowed in ways that
other sails cannot. For the Mainsail on my Etchells, this is the only way
to go.

"John R Weiss" wrote in message
news:yeLeb.657596$uu5.106949@sccrnsc04...
"padeen" wrote...
I was shown how to precisely fold my sails for my 16' Luger and told
that
this is a must, but there are times when I don't have the space or time
to
do this. How do people with larger boats fold their sails, especially
when
underway? Don't they just shove them into the sail storage area and dry
them when they can? Just what are the issues involved with folding, vs.
stuffing, sails?

Folding sails is more space-efficient than stuffing. Also, for new sails,
folding will help preserve the "crispness" imparted by the sizing.

For larger boats/sails, folding may be impractical. Stuffing is quicker
and
takes less work area.