Winter storage

[Jane Reed]

What is the best way of storing the Bre
It is currently under dry cover for the next 6months
1. Centre board resting on the centre roller or up
2. Sails jib off or furled
3. main and mizzen ?
Many thanks

[Jonathan Stuart]

1. Resting on roller. I would keep it on the roller at all times, esp when towing, and lift it before launching.
2. I always kept mine furled having rinsed and dried it on a warm day first.
3. I took them off the boat and stored them in my garage - the main in its bag and attached to the boom, which was suspended from garage's roof beams so there was good airflow - although this may have been overkill.

[Sea Simon]

As per JS.

Loosely furled jib.

Sails to my mother's loft, which has a large hatch, and unlike mine plenty of room!

Mould/mildew and rodents are the main issues for sails, imho, when in winter storage.
Never leave my sails in the boat, have seen mice destroy sails in the space of a week.

[globetrot]

I make sure no lines are under tension. I loosely role or flake the sails. I don't mind keeping the sails in the cockpit of the boat as long as it is dry. I don't have other storage so I make do. I've never had issues with mice... I guess I've been lucky.

I release the centerboard so it rests in the roller. I also release the lines that raise or lower the rudder.

I use a spare piece of rope to support the rudder in the up-position to the mizzen step. I also unscrew all of through-hull fittings so the hull can dry out.

I keep some equipment in the lockers. To prevent mildew, I use chemical dehumidifiers (calcium chloride).

[Graham W]

It may be worth considering something like this every few seasons https://www.wilkinsonsails.co.uk/sail-valeting.

[Sea Simon]

While we're  on this subject, but not exactly  on topic 

A campervanning pal recommended this Fenwicks overwintering fluid, it works well, as do their other caravan-orientated chemical products.  Very economical compared to boat stuff!

https://fenwickscaravan.com/product/overwintering/

I still use a winter cover, but as it's perpetually damp in at least 3 of 4 seasons hereabouts, this stuff prevents mould/algae etc.

Decks.
My 26 has real teak laid decks, and a pal who is a specialist timber merchant recommended this Boracol solution. That too is extremely  effective and economical. Recommended also by Halberg Rassey no less!
No scrubbing!
https://www.acslimited.co.uk/wood-preservation/boracol
https://www.acslimited.co.uk/boracol-5rh?search=Boracol%20