old sailboat sails

Second Wind Sails was established in 1995 in response to a local sailing community need for a convenient way to acquire and dispose of preowned sails in South Florida. The popularity of the service led to expanding the offering internationally.

Our mission is to make it as easy as possible to buy or sell a used sail. Our readily accessible technical expertise, economical pricing, timely evaluation process and up-to-date inventory make this happen. We stand behind every sail with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

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Yachting Monthly

• Digital edition

When to replace yacht sails and how to make old sails last longer

• Theo Stocker
• February 9, 2023

Sails stretch over time and can seriously impact the performance and handling of your boat. Paul Lees tells Theo Stocker how to make do with old sails, and when it’s time to bite the bullet

Having owned my 1984 Sadler 29 , Pasque , for four years, and cruising with family and, more recently, small children on board, we began to get to know her foibles. She likes to heel a fair amount, readily going to 25º or even 30º of heel by the time she’s powered up; she makes a moderate amount of leeway, and she develops quite heavy weather helm unless the main is reefed very early.

With a modest beam and an unbalanced, skeg-hung rudder, some of this down to the late 1970s design, but it’s unfair to blame many of her quirks on her lines. The sails, though mechanically still perfectly sound, with no rips or tears, were of an unknown age and were starting to look very baggy, with a lot of belly, and stretches in some odd places.

I am no expert on sails, however, so I asked Paul Lees of Crusader Sails in Poole for a professional opinion, and to see what he could suggest to improve how the boat sails and handles with her current canvas.

Ultimately, I was beginning to think that it might be time for me to take the plunge and get new sails, but it would certainly help if I could make the current ones last another season or two.

Having slipped out of Lymington on a warm October day, we were rewarded with a consistent Force 3, just about perfect conditions for focusing on what the sails were doing.

Handing the helm to Paul, the first thing he noticed was the large amount of weather helm he was having to apply to keep the boat tracking straight. He quickly attributed this to our sail setting, specifically to oversheeting both the mainsail and genoa to stop them luffing and to try and point as close to the wind as possible. By oversheeting the genoa, we were exacerbating the issue by closing the slot between the headsail and the main, backwinding the mainsail.

Set the genoa car so when sheeted in, both upper and lower tell-tales fly parallel. Photo: Richard Langdon

Sorting the sail trim

Paul set about correcting our sail trim as a first step. I was expecting some black-magic tweaking of halyards, cars and sheets, but the advice he gave was alarmingly simple: ‘Treat both sails as one single aerofoil. Trim the front of the front sail and the back of the back sail.’

In other words, prioritise the luff of the headsail, looking at the genoa tell-tales, and the leech of the mainsail, again aiming to get the tell-tales flying most of the time. If this means you get a badly luffing main, then so be it.

The mainsail is old and baggy, and I had been making the mistake of sheeting in to stop it luffing and backwinding. By the time the main was sheeted in enough to set the luff, the leech was stalling, ruining the whole aerofoil of the boat’s sailplan. The effect of this over-sheeting was much more weather helm and a little more heeling, and consequently more drag and a slower boat. ‘The slower we go, the more weather helm I’m picking up,’ explained Paul.

Easing the main until the leech tell-tales were flying correctly increased boat speed by almost a knot from 3.9 knots to 4.5-4.7 knots, while reducing the helm required by 5º.

Ease out the mainsheet until the leech tell-tales stream out most of the time. Photo: Richard Langdon

The increased boat speed, coupled with a more upright angle of attack, also helps the keel foil work more efficiently, reducing leeway. All of this was achieved without sacrificing any pointing height to windward, with the genoa tell-tales flying fair. More importantly, it was all done without taking scissors to my sails and without denting the boat budget.

Stretch test under way

While out on the water, we decided to check how much the sails were stretching, and how the shape changed under load. We did this by sailing upwind and setting the sails accordingly. We then bore away onto a very deep reach, but without easing the sails.

Sail downwind and note the distance off the rigging and the shape of the draught stripe. Photo: Richard Langdon

On this course, the sails were full, but under very little strain. We made note of a few reference points: the shape of the camber lines, the shape of the leech, the proximity of the genoa’s leech and foot to fixed points at the spreaders, shroud bases and over the guard wires.

We then headed back upwind without touching the sail-setting. The apparent wind built and the load on the sails rose rapidly. As it did so, the sails visibly ballooned, stretching not a few millimetres, but centimetres, in every dimension. The sails grew visibly deeper with far more belly, and the maximum draught shifted from a desirable one-third aft from the luff, to more than half way aft towards the leech.

Back on the wind, compare how the sail changes shape once loaded up. Photo: Richard Langdon

There are a number of things you can do to flatten both sails and bring the draught back forwards whilst under way. Firstly, wind on some more halyard tension. In theory, you want just enough halyard tension to remove any horizontal creases from the luff, but to drag the draught forward you may need more than this. If you get vertical creases in the luff, ease a bit of halyard back out.

Outhaul tension will help flatten the main, which might be useful, but it’s not going to move the draught. Finally, inducing some mast bend with either backstay tension (or forward lowers/baby stay tension) will help flatten the luff of the sail, though it will also open up the leech.

Dyneema sheets and soft shackles minimise stretch compared to polyester braid. Photo: Richard Langdon

Halyards and sheets

If you’re thinking your sails might need some attention, have a look at your running rigging first. These are likely to be subject to at least as much stretch as your sails, if not more, especially if they are ageing braid-on-braid polyester ropes.

My boat had been recently fitted with new Dyneema sheets, so we were confident that these were not contributing to any of the stretch witnessed. The halyard, however, was another matter. My halyard from clutch to headboard was roughly 12m (40ft) and stretch over this length can be several inches or more. This is equivalent to letting your halyard off in the gusts, effectively slackening off the luff, inducing more depth and allowing the belly to move further aft.

You want a flatter sail in stronger winds, but halyard stretch gives you exactly the opposite, increasing drag and heeling moment when you least want it. If you want a demonstration of this, set the main in harbour with no wind in the sails. Tension the halyard as you would normally, then sheet the main in hard, as if you were sailing to windward.

Sheet the main on hard and watch the luff go slack as the halyard stretches. Photo: Richard Langdon

The leech will be extremely tight, transferring all the load from the mainsheet to the halyard via the headboard (which is why the headboard should have its own runners or slugs in the mast track). In contrast, the luff of the sail will have no load on it. There will be plenty of slack shown by horizontal creases and bulges.

Stretch checks in harbour

The art of the sailmaker is to balance the stretch characteristics of each panel of cloth in a sail to work with each other with as little deformation as possible. This is complicated by the need to align multiple pieces of cloth across a triangular shape with three dimensional curves. If the loads in two pieces of cloth next to each are at different angles to the warp of the cloth, they may stretch at different rates, inducing bulges and wrinkles, whether it’s a radial or a cross-cut sail.

Taking a step back, Paul judged the overall shape of the old bi-radial genoa to be ‘not too bad’, even though on closer inspection, along some of the joins, where adjacent panels were on more bias than the one next to it, the sail bulged out against a straight cut panel next to it.

The wrinkles between panels indicate the deformation we saw under load. Photo: Richard Langdon

The main had a very full shape, and to test whether this was due to the state of the cloth, or the cut of the sail, we hoisted the main and sheeted it in to fill it with wind.

It had a smooth curve with few obvious bulges, tears or other signs of wear. However, when Paul pushed a finger into the sail, a large dent was made that took more than a few seconds to pull back into shape. This was purely down to the stretchiness of the cloth, and pointed to the issues we had found out on the water.

Having got the boat balanced with just a degree or two of weather helm. Photo: Richard Langdon

Weather helm

Having a heavy helm is not the same as weather helm itself, though they are easily confused. Weather helm is the angle of helm you have to apply to keep a boat sailing straight.

On some boats with well-balanced rudders, you could have a large amount of weather helm, up to 30º or more, and the tiller or wheel not feel that heavy, while on a boat with an unbalanced rudder, even just a few degrees of weather helm might feel very heavy. This would particularly be the case on old boats with keel-hung rudders, where the axis of the rudder is raked forward at an acute angle; with the boat heeled, pulling the helm to windward, and the rudder down to leeward is in effect trying to lift the aft end of the boat out of the water, pushing against the bow. It’s no surprise that it feels heavy.

Some weather helm is acceptable or even desirable (reckoned by designers to be between 2º-5º of rudder angle) but only in so far as the laminar water flow remains attached to the windward side of the rudder, which allows the rudder to create lift to windward, helping reduce leeway. Any less than this and you risk lee-helm, more than this and you are creating drag, and overloading steering components.

On large, overlapping headsails, a smaller sail can make the boat faster with less drag, less heel and more lift, as well as raising the clew for better visibility. Photo: Richard Langdon

It became obvious that there was more stretch in the sails than could be easily dealt with by judicious sail trim, particularly in windy conditions. The effect was exactly the opposite to what you would want.

In gusts, when a flatter shape is needed, the belly increases and creates more lift and heel. The cord of the sail’s aerofoil gets longer, coupled with a more uneven shape, creating more drag.

Sails can be recut to reduce the amount of belly in the sail, as flatter panels will help eliminate the static stretch, or ‘growth’. This will help to some extent.

What it can’t counteract is the stretch now intrinsic to the sails – they will deform under load; it’s just that they will be doing so from a better starting point. Recutting old cross-cut sails is a realistic prospect. Doing so for bi- or tri-radial cut sails will be difficult given the complexity of the panels that go into them, and while these sails should last longer thanks to the better alignment of the cloth with the loads in the sail, getting more life out of them by recutting is much harder.

The shape of the sail is created by the slight curve of each panel along its seams

Buying new sails

At what point is replacing your sails the right thing to do? Mechanically, they may not be worn out. Made from old and stretchy materials, and built in an old-fashioned way as they are, you can sail the boat with these sails.

Anyone even vaguely interested in performance for faster passages and more comfortable sailing would be amazed at the advances that have been made in sail construction over the last few decades. There are both speed and handling advantages with moving to a new suit of sails, as well as reducing weather helm, heel and leeway.

Paul recommended that the new genoa be cut to 135% overlap, which is 11% narrower than the old 146% overlap. ‘This has a number of advantages,’ he explained. ‘It is a smaller sail so it rolls away more easily when you need to reduce sail area. It’s a more efficient sail, giving more lift and less drag, so the boat will heel less, and probably point better too.

The other major advantage for the cruising sailor is better visibility, because the clew can be higher and further forward, and saves a lot of time down on the leeward side peering around the sail.’

Warp and fill make up the cloth. Either can be the primary load-bearing fibre

Stretch and sail cloth

Leaving laminate and moulded sails aside, Dacron (polyester) sails are made from woven cloth with a number of characteristics defined by how the cloth is constructed:

Weight – The weight of cloth depends on the size of the yarns used. The thicker they are, the heavier the cloth will be per square metre.

Warp and fill – Yarns go over and under each other to form the cloth. One of these will generally be straight, while the other will do the up-and-down of going over and under the straight yarn. This is called crimp, and the direction with crimp will have more stretch than the direction without. Cloth can have straight warp (in line with the bolt of cloth) or straight fill (across the cloth). Different cloths might be used in different parts of the sail, so that the straight yarns are as closely aligned with the load paths in the sail, depending on the cut of the sail.

Bias – Load applied on the bias, diagonally across the cloth – aligned with neither warp or fill – will induce far more stretch still. You can demonstrate this by taking a tea-towel, or any square of soft cloth, and testing the stretch along the cloth, across the cloth and diagonally across it, with surprising differences in stretch between the three directions.

Heat treatment – Once woven, the cloth is then heat-treated to compact the fibres together and along itself, shrinking the cloth.

Coating – A coating is applied to lock the fibres together. This is what gives sail cloth its satisfying crinkle.

Stretch – The coating wears away over time, and the fibres grow longer and more stretchy under load. Old sails may still be mechanically functional and hold their original shape when slack, but can stretch out of all recognition in a stiff blow.

A tri-radial sail is constructed with the panels aligned to each corner of the sail

Dacron sail construction

Cross Cut – The most common and least expensive sails are made of cloth used horizontally across the sail with roughly parallel seams, with the cloth running perpendicular to the greatest loads in the sail, which are from clew to head, following the leech. For this reason, the cloth used has a straight fill and a crimped warp to minimise vertical stretch in the sail.

The downside of these sails is that in other areas, such as across the foot or up the luff, the cloth is not optimally aligned with the loads, so that it stretches on the bias or along the warp. For this reason, cross cut sails will lose their shape faster than the alternatives.

Radial Cut – Sails can be cut radially, with cloth panels radiating out from either two or three corners of the sails. These use cloth in which the warp is straight and the fill is crimped. The use of multiple small panels means that the straight warp is aligned with the main loads in each area of the sail.

In practice, this is much harder to achieve, usually requiring computer-aided design and cutting to get a consistent sail shape. Any areas where panels are aligned with different cloth angles are likely to result in creases in the sail.

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Giving Old Sails New Life: Your Guide to Reusing and Recycling

The Original Recycling: How to Reuse Old Sails

Hoist the flag of sustainability: setting the course.

 Eco-conscious sailors, have you ever gazed at your worn-out sails and wondered what could be their fate beyond the landfill? Well, wonder no more! We're embarking on a journey of sustainability, exploring ingenious and creative ways to reuse old sails. After all, reusing and recycling are not just buzzwords—they are practical solutions to reduce waste and protect our beloved oceans. So grab your old sails, put on your thinking caps, and let's dive into the world of recycling the original way!

First Port of Call: Why Recycle Old Sails?

Before we set sail on our creative journey, let's drop anchor for a moment and consider why we should recycle old sails. First off, sails are made from durable materials designed to withstand harsh weather conditions. These materials, while excellent for sailing, do not decompose easily, making them a significant contributor to landfills and, consequently, environmental pollution. Furthermore, producing new sails involves intensive processes and materials that can have a substantial environmental impact. By reusing old sails, we reduce the demand for new ones, thereby minimizing our carbon footprint. In essence, recycling old sails is an excellent way to promote sustainability and contribute to the protection of our environment. And the best part? It can be fun, creative, and incredibly satisfying!

Practical Uses: Sails Beyond The Sea

Sails are designed to be tough, hard-wearing, and resistant to elements like sun and water—traits that make them perfect for numerous practical applications beyond sailing. Old sails can be transformed into protective covers for your outdoor furniture or BBQ grills, offering them the same resilience against the elements that they provided your boat. They can also be repurposed into tarps for your gardening needs or turned into durable bags for heavy-duty shopping or beach outings. And for the camping enthusiasts among you, why not turn an old sail into a unique tent or sunshade? Not only will it serve as a sturdy shelter, but it'll also carry the nostalgic charm of your sailing adventures. These practical uses are just the tip of the iceberg (or should we say, the top of the mast?).

Creative Endeavors: Unleashing Your Inner Artisan

Now, if you're feeling a bit crafty and adventurous, old sails provide a blank canvas (quite literally) for a variety of creative projects. Ever thought of sail cloth as wall art? Stretched over a frame, a piece of your old sail could serve as a unique and personal piece of art. The more weather-beaten and sea-touched, the better! Or how about a rugged, nautical-themed rug for your living room? Old sails can also be sewn into stylish cushions, chair hammocks, or even used as a unique wallpaper or room divider. For the fashion-forward, old sails can be transformed into clothing items. How about a chic windbreaker, a beach tote, or a quirky hat? With some basic sewing skills, the fashion world is your oyster!

Community Projects: Sailing Towards a Better Future

But the journey doesn't stop at individual use. Old sails can also make a significant impact on community projects. Schools or community centers may appreciate a donation of sail cloth for art and craft projects. Local theatres can use old sails as backdrops or in set designs. Nonprofit organizations often undertake creative recycling projects and can turn old sails into sellable products to raise funds. By donating your old sails, you contribute to a worthwhile cause and give the sails a new life. There's even a growing market for products made from recycled sails, with companies creating everything from accessories and bags to home décor. You could consider selling your old sails to these companies or, if you're entrepreneurially minded, even start your own!

Sailing Forward: The Future of Sail Recycling

As we sail into the future, the importance of recycling and reusing becomes increasingly clear. We're hopeful for a future where sail recycling is the norm, not the exception. The journey of recycling old sails is as vast and open as the sea itself. So whether you're crafting a personal memento, stitching a fashionable accessory, or contributing to your community, every step you take is a step towards a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly future. Remember, the sea that you sail on is a gift—one that deserves our respect and protection. And what better way to honor it than by reusing what once sailed its waves? Here's to smooth (and sustainable) sailing!

Sewing the Seeds: Getting Started with Old Sail Crafts

If you're keen to get hands-on with your old sails, here are a few tips to get started. First, remember that sail material is thick and can be tough to work with. A heavy-duty sewing machine or hand-sewing with a sturdy needle will be your best bet. Start by thoroughly cleaning your old sail and letting it dry. Then, cut out your desired size and shape based on your project. If sewing is involved, remember to leave a margin for seams. You may also want to consider waterproofing or treating your sail material, depending on its intended use. Lastly, don't be afraid to get creative. Sails often come with unique markings, patches, and weather-beaten features that can add character to your projects. Embrace these unique aspects, and let them tell a story in your new creation.

Set Sail: Project Ideas to Inspire You

Looking for some inspiration for your old sail project? Here are some ideas to spark your imagination:

• Beach Tote: A durable, water-resistant beach tote is the perfect accessory for your seaside adventures. And what better material to use than your trusty old sail?
• Sailcloth Wallet: Create a one-of-a-kind wallet or cardholder that carries a piece of your sailing memories with you everywhere you go.
• Sail Shade: Beat the heat in style by turning your old sail into a shade sail for your backyard or outdoor space.
• Nautical Christmas Decorations: Why not celebrate the holiday season with a nod to your favorite pastime? Old sails can be transformed into unique Christmas decorations like tree ornaments or wreath embellishments.
• Old Sail Kite: Combine the joy of sailing and flying by turning your old sail into a homemade kite. An excellent project for the young and the young-at-heart!

Final Port: Embracing Sustainability

As sailors, we have a special bond with the sea—a relationship based on respect, admiration, and stewardship. By reusing our old sails, we're not only minimizing waste and promoting sustainability; we're also reinforcing our commitment to preserve the environment that we so dearly love. The next time you look at an old sail, see it not as a retired tool, but as a treasure trove of potential. Each thread carries a story of past voyages, and with a little creativity, it can set sail on a new journey of purpose and impact. So let's hoist the flag of sustainability and chart our course towards a greener and cleaner future. After all, our love for the sea goes beyond sailing—it's about ensuring that the beauty and majesty of our oceans are preserved for generations to come. Happy recycling, sailors!

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Home » Blog » Gear » Buying used sails (a complete guide to buying second-hand sails)

Buying used sails (a complete guide to buying second-hand sails)

By Author Fiona McGlynn

Posted on Last updated: August 18, 2023

If you’re looking into buying a set of used sails, you’ve probably realized just how expensive brand-new sails can be.

Fortunately, you can buy used sails (that are still in good condition) for very affordable prices. Potentially saving yourself thousands of dollars.

Finding a good deal on a used sail that fits your boat is just a matter of knowing how and where to look.

In this guide we’ll cover:

• How much do used sails cost (and are they worth it)?
• How (and where) to find great deals on used sails.

Cost-saving tip: Did you know you can also save money by buying used boat parts ?

Table of contents

• 1.1 Do used sails save you money over the long run?
• 1.2 What about performance?
• 1.3 What about all those ugly stains?
• 2.1 Used sail types
• 2.2 Used sail features
• 2.3 Take your sail measurements
• 2.4 Where to buy second hand sails

How much do used sails cost?

While pricing varies by size, material, and condition, you can expect to spend a fraction of the price that you would on a set of new custom sails.

As an example, when we were preparing our Dufour 35 for bluewater cruising, we spent $5,000 on a brand-new main and genoa (a hefty chunk out of our cruising budget).

I recently priced out a similar set of used sails in good condition and came to a total of $1,200. That’s a 76% savings!

Do used sails save you money over the long run?

You might be wondering if a used sailboat sail will save you money over the long run. After all, used sails are “used” and presumably don’t have as much life left in them.

As sails age, they lose both their shape and structural integrity. They gradually stretch which makes them less efficient airfoils and impacts performance. They also become more prone to tearing as the material degrades.

Imagine paying $1,200 for used sails that only last one season. You would have been much better off spending $5,000 on new sails that last 10 or more seasons (i.e., $500 per season).

So, when you’re shopping for a used sailboat sail, it’s important to look closely at how the used sails are rated.

Most sail brokers have ranking systems that describe their sails as being anywhere from “Like new” to “Good” to “Useable”. These rankings can differ from broker to broker.

So, to find out if my $1,200 sail set ranked as “good” is still a good deal, let’s take a closer look.

We’ll use Atlantic Sail Trader’s used sail ranking system as an example:

• Fair – 45-50% of life left
• Good – 70-80% of life left
• Very Good – over 90% of life left

If my sails cost $5,000 new (with 100% life left), you’d think that a “good” set with 75% life left should cost should cost $3,750. Instead, I found them for $1,200.

So, in reality, you’re saving more like 68%, which still seems like a good deal.

What about performance?

It’s worth pointing out, that sails have two “lives”:

An ultimate life: how long it will stay in one piece. Never use a sail for so long that it risks breaking while underway.

A performance life: how long it will retain an aerodynamic shape, allowing you to point higher and sail faster.

A sail’s performance life is generally shorter than its ultimate life. How much shorter, depends on the type of sailcloth.

According to North Sails , woven polyester sailcloth has a performance life that is less than half of its ultimate life. For cruising laminates these figures look to be more in the 70-75% range.

These numbers might sound dismaying, but it’s worth investigating what “performance” means and how much it matters to you.

In our experience, new sails were nice to have but not life-changing. They did noticeably improve our boat’s sailing performance, allowing us to point a bit higher and eke out a fraction of a knot more boat speed.

Whether or not this matters to you will depend on the type of sailing you’re doing.

If you’re a competitive racer, new sails might be quite critical, giving you that winning edge.

If you’re weekend cruising, they probably won’t make much of a difference, maybe getting you to your destination 10-15 minutes earlier on a half-day sail.

If you’re planning on doing bluewater cruising you may want to buy new, as we did, because we didn’t want to be faced with replacing our sails halfway through our trip. Or budget may be the determining factor, and a 50-80% savings is nothing to sneeze at.

What about all those ugly stains?

Don’t let a few rust and mildew stains put you off buying a used sail. These stains are pretty common and aren’t necessarily indicative of a problem (though it might suggest the last owner didn’t clean their sails very often!).

With a few sail cleaning tricks you can greatly reduce the appearance of stains and brighten the overall appearance of your sail.

How to search for used sailboat sails

Before you start your search, you’ll want to have a clear idea of what you’re looking for. You’ll need to know:

• What type of sail and features you’re looking for?
• Your sailboat’s key rig measurements
• Where to search for used sails (e.g., online marketplaces, sail brokers)

Used sail types

You’ll find a wide variety of sail types on the second-hand market. Here are some commonly available used sails:

• Jib sails (triangular sail set forward of forwardmost mast)
• Staysails (the innermost headsail on a cutter-rigged sailboat)
• Genoas (a headsail that is large enough to overlap part of the mainsail)
• A ll-purpose asymmetrical spinnakers (for sailing 80-150 degrees off the wind)
• Symmetrical spinnakers (for sailing 110-180 degrees off the wind)
• Code Zero (for sailing 40-110 degrees off the wind)

Used sail features

There are many options and features that affect a sail’s performance and longevity.

While you may not get everything you want in a used sail, understanding sail characteristics will help you narrow down your search.

Mainsail battens are flexible inserts, often made from fiberglass or vinyl, that help support the roach and improve the airfoil shape.

A standard mainsail has short battens but you can also get full battens which help reduce the flogging of a luffing sail and make it easier to stack the sail on the boom.

Roller furling headsails are common on the water today and you’ll find plenty of used options. Furling mainsails are also available second-hand if you happen to have a boom or mast that accepts a furling sail.

Reef points allow you to reduce the size of your mainsail when the wind speed picks up. The more reef points you have, the more flexibility you have to adjust your sails to match the wind conditions.

Do you want a used mainsail with a single reef, deep reef, or even two or three reefs?

UV damages sailcloth, ultimately shortening the life of your sail. Sail covers are built-in and keep the headsail protected when it’s fully furled.

Some used sails come with a custom sail bag for storing your sail when it’s not in use.

Leech Lines and foot lines

Leech lines run along the leech, from the head of the sail to just above the clew.

Foot lines run from the tack to the clew along the foot of the sail.

Both lines are used to tension and reduce any fluttering in the edges of the sail.

Pro tip: Can’t find all the features you’re looking for? You can pay your local sail loft to make alterations or even do it yourself with a basic sail repair kit .

Used sail materials

Woven polyester.

Most of the used sail market consists of woven polyester, a material known for being affordable, durable, and reliable. It’s often called dacron, in reference to the DuPont trade name.

Charter companies expect to change out their dacron sails every two to three years or 1500 to 2500 hours . For the average weekend cruiser, this might amount to 10 years of serviceable life.

Laminated sails

Laminated sails are a step up from dacron. They tend to be lighter and hold their shape longer, though generally aren’t as long-lived ( expect 5-7 years ).

Laminated sails are made by combining a load-carrying fiber (e.g., polyester, aramid, Spectra/Dyneema, carbon, or a mix) with a laminate (e.g., Mylar film).

You may find a few used laminated sails on the second-hand market place but they’re not as common as dacron. They also tend to be pricier.

Nylon is a lightweight and low-cost fabric commonly used in spinnakers.

Cruising World has a good overview of sail materials if you’re looking to get into the nitty gritty.

Material weight

When choosing a sail, you’ll have to choose a material weight that’s appropriate for your boat’s size and displacement.

For instance, a 20-foot boat might use a 5 oz Dacron mainsail, but a 50-foot boat might use a 10 oz Dacron mainsail.

From there, you’ll be looking to balance how easily the sail fills in light winds with the sail’s longevity. Generally speaking, heavy sails will last longer while lighter sails are better for sailing in light air.

Take your sail measurements

The most important step in used sale shopping is getting accurate measurements.

At some point, you’ll need to hoist your sails and take detailed measurements of your rig. You can work with your sail broker or use this downloadable sail measuring guide from Sailrite.

However, to start your search, you only need to know four basic rig and sail dimensions.

Quick search tip

If you’re just looking to get a rough idea of used sail pricing and availability, you can look up rig measurements (I, J, P, E) for your boat on SailboatData.com and input these into the used sail websites listed at the bottom of this post.

Remember, it’s CRITICAL that you take hoisted measurements before ordering a used sail as your boat’s rig measurements may differ from those on SailboatData.com.

For example, your boat may have a tall rig, or a previous owner may have made alterations to the spars, stays, or added a roller furler. All of these may impact your rig measurements.

Mainsail measurements

Luff length (p).

Hook the end of your tape measure onto your main halyard (alongside your old sail) and hoist it right up to the top of the mast. Then measure to the top of the boom to get your maximum luff length.

Leech length

While you’ve got your tape measure hoisted, take the other end and measure to the end of the boom where you want your clew ring will be.

Lastly, measure from where the tack of the sail attaches at the front of the boom back to the farthest back point where you could attach the clew. This will be your maximum foot dimension.

Luff attachment

Depending on how your luff attaches to the mast (e.g., slides, slugs, rope luff) you’ll need to know the width of your existing track or slot. However, it’s fairly easy to add or change out slugs and slides if you can’t find a used sail that will fit your mast track.

Headsail measurements

Luff length.

Hoist the end of your tape measure up to the top of the mast with your jib halyard. Measure down the forestay to the deck. If you have a roller furling headsail, you’ll attach the tape measure to the top spindle and hoist it up. Measure down to the top of the furling drum.

I dimension

With the tape hoisted up the mast, measure straight down to the deck.

J dimension

Lastly, measure from where the forestay connects to the bow back to the base of the mast.

If you have a roller furling system, you’ll also need to measure the diameter of the luff tape, the small cord on the luff of the sail that serves as the attachment point to the roller furling system.

Luff Perpendicular (LP%)

Have you ever heard someone mention a percentage when talking about a headsail (e.g., 135% or 150%)? They’re referring to the sails LP% or Luff Perpendicular percentage , which describes a headsail’s size/overlap relative to a boat’s J dimension.

The LP is the shortest perpendicular line from the clew to the luff.

The LP% is the LP divided by the J dimension (measurement along the deck from forestay to mast)

LP / J * 100

Deciding what LP% you want, will depend on a few factors including:

• Where you sail. In an area like Vancouver Island, British Columbia, where summer winds are often light, you may want to opt for a higher LP% than if you were in San Francisco Bay, where the winds blow more consistently.
• Racing or cruising. If you race, your LP% will likely be determined by race regulations. Most cruisers and weekend sailors opt for an LP% in the 135% range which offers plenty of flexibility for moderate sailing conditions.
• Rig. It’s important to balance your headsail with your mainsail and ensure that your track position can accommodate the sail you’re interested in. If you’re buying a used sail that is considerably different from your existing one, you may want to contact one of the used sail brokers below for help with fine-tuning your setup.

Fine-tuning

Remember that these measurements are just a starting point to help you narrow down your search.

There may be other factors to consider:

• Do you have a masthead or fractionally rigged boat?
• Will a new headsail be balanced with your old mainsail?
• Will your new sail work with your existing track position, furling system, and clew heights?
• Will you need to make adaptations like installing a pennant or spacer?

Once you’ve narrowed down your search to a few sails, contact a sail broker (see below) and they can give you tailored advice for your particular situation.

Where to buy second hand sails

Online marketplaces.

eBay has a wide assortment of used boat sails. You may also have luck finding a good deal on a used sail on Craigslist or Kijiji.

One downside to these marketplaces is that you’re buying sails from the original owner, who may not provide precise measurements and likely won’t be an expert in sails.

Used sail brokers

Several stores specialize in selling used sails. They all vary in how they present their inventory. Some have retail locations, though you’ll find far more selection if you’re willing to shop online.

Some used sail websites offer better or more services than others.

• Most sail broker websites allow you to search by luff length, rig dimensions, or boat make and model (though user experience and ease of navigation vary!).
• Some companies will take your old sails on consignment and give you credit towards your new purchase.
• Some sail brokers will make alterations to your sail for a small fee before sending it to you.
• Many have return policies or satisfaction guarantees, though you may be required to pay for return shipping.

Minney’s Yacht Surplus in Costa Mesa, California is a must-visit for cruisers sailing down the coast. Not only do they have the largest new and used sail inventory on the West Coast, but they also offer a huge assortment of used boat parts. Their sail list is available on their website.

All sails are priced under $2,000 and sold on approval. So, if it’s shipped to you and you decide it isn’t suitable, you can return it within five days.

Second Wind Sails started out serving the sailing community in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and has since expanded internationally. You can search their site by sail type, luff dimension, and foot dimensions. If they don’t currently have a sail that fits your needs, you can sign up to be notified by email when future sails match your search. For every sail they sell, they offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Atlantic Sail Traders has been supplying sailors with new and used sails since 1985. They have thousands of new and used sails for sale including mains, jibs, genoas, spinnakers, mizzens, drifters, and storm sails. They’ll even take your old sails in on a trade towards a new or used sail or sell them outright for a 50% commission.

Bacon Sails has an extensive database of used sails and have been sail brokers since 1959. It’s very convenient to search their database because you only need to specify your boat’s make, model, and desired sail type. Though you’ll want to confirm your rig specs before finalizing your order.

Sail Exchange is based in Australia but ships worldwide for a flat rate of $99. They have a wide selection of used sails for sale and, unlike many other websites, each listing includes a photo of the sail in question. They also offer a 30-day 100% money-back guarantee. If you want to trade in your old sails, they’ll give you 15% off a new sail (of a similar size). They also sell used spars, sail bags, and other rigging.

Masthead Sailing Gear has a page where you can search for used sails by luff dimension.

Fiona McGlynn is an award-winning boating writer who created Waterborne as a place to learn about living aboard and traveling the world by sailboat. She has written for boating magazines including BoatUS, SAIL, Cruising World, and Good Old Boat. She’s also a contributing editor at Good Old Boat and BoatUS Magazine. In 2017, Fiona and her husband completed a 3-year, 13,000-mile voyage from Vancouver to Mexico to Australia on their 35-foot sailboat.

Douglas McQuilken

Sunday 1st of May 2022

Another comprehensive, informative article. When replacing your sails keep the older out of the landfill. Go green and trade them in at https://seabags.com/ . (I am not affiliated)

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Recycle Your Sail With Sea Bags

Every Sea Bag is handcrafted from recycled sail material. Without our network of devoted sail traders, Sea Bags could not have kept 1.5 million lbs of sail cloth from the landfill. Through our various Sail Acquisition channels, we make the process of trading a sail easy for you. Give new life to an old sail and recycle it with us.

Easy Ways to Recycle Your Old Sails

1. get in touch with our sail acquisition team.

The Sea Bags Sail Acquisition Team is a critical part of our supply chain and is led by Carrie Mack, one of our first employees and an expert in sail material and sail acquisition. All with sailing experience and well known in the industry, the Sea Bags Sail Acquisition crew travels throughout the US to obtain unusable sails in need of repurposing. There is no sail too small or too far away for our team to collect–we will pick them up from most anywhere. You’ll receive a Sea Bags product in return for your trade.

2. Stop into One of Our Retail Stores

You can trade a sail in person at any of our more than 40 store locations with one of our friendly and well-versed sales associates. They will assess the condition of your sail and take care of getting it to Portland, Maine where it will begin its Sea Bags journey. A sales associate team member will arrange your trade based on the size and quality of your sail, and we will offer you a Sea Bags product to take home as a thank you.

3. Visit Our Sea Bags Women’s Sailing Team at a Regatta

Bring your sails to any of the regattas our Sea Bags Women’s Sailing Team will be competing in, and they’ll take care of recycling it with us. In return, you’ll receive a Sea Bags Women’s Sailing Team recycled sail cloth tote. Or you can donate the value of your trade to support their race season as they strive to enhance women’s prominence in the competitive sport of sailing.

Other Creative ways to trade your sails with sea bags

• • Donate the value of your trade to SailMaine in support of children’s sailing scholarships
• • Host a sail drive as a fundraiser
• • Contact your local sail loft and see if they have a relationship with Sea Bags

What our sail trade customers are saying

We were looking for an opportunity to share the memory of our sailing adventures with our family. Sea Bags made this happen by allowing us to recycle our old sails and in return create memories for our family through their great products. Thank you so much!” – Charlie

Great product, great company. We were so very happy to find a place that would re-purpose our old sails. Sea Bags made the process a breeze from start to finish. We are extremely happy with the bags we received in trade for our sails. Sean was super to work with! Could not be happier!” – Erica

It's awesome and eco-friendly that a worn and well-loved sail can be donated to us and traded for merchandise that we can utilize to help raise funds for our sailing school. All the while, Sea Bags turns our old sails into beautiful, upcycled, and useful items that will last for many years.” – Diane

The Original Recycled-Sail Seabags

The Original Recycled Sail Seabag is made from 100% recycled sail cloth. We make limited runs of these bags and every one is totally unique,  no two are the same.  This bag comes in three sizes and is fully lined with a 210 denier oxford nylon which keeps out most moisture, complete with front and end zippered pockets.

One of our best sellers, TRAVERSA PACK now available in black

Can’t decide between a bag and a backpack? This is just the bag you have been searching for! It easily converts from one to another with the help of it’s adjustable/convertible straps.

Popular All-sail Accessories

Hand crafted out of recycled sail cloth and decorative water resistant nylon fabric.

RS Square Duffle with Sail Number

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Understanding and buying sailboat sails, sailboat sails & their connection to efficiency and speed.

Every sailor should understand just how important sails are. They act as the engine of your vessel and they are what keep you going while on the water. This is one of the most important parts of a vessel and it needs to be chosen carefully.

In as far as sailing is concerned, new or used sails are the main thing where efficiency, speed, and safety are concerned. When you have good ones, the boat does not heel much, and it reduces weather helm, this in a way makes it easier for you to steer and it can be pleasurable to being out on the water. Sails also help you move at a faster pace and makes sailing so much easier.

What are the main types of new & used sails?

They can be categorized into four.

The mainsails are the main force on a vessel. These can be fitted with reefs, which can be as little as one or as many as four.

These include staysails, genoas, and jibs. Most yachts have got different individual new & used sails or single roller kind of furling headsail. The size & shape of sails are optimized to suit different strengths of wind. In some cases, a number is used to denote from one to four. Larger numbers are an indication of sails that are progressively smaller and are used in stronger wind situations.

Downwind and reaching sails

These are code zeros, cruising chutes, and asymmetric and symmetric spinnakers.

Storm and heavy weather sails

The trysail and storm jib is very important for purposes of safety, especially on offshore yachts that could encounter challenging conditions. Just like the roller reefers have shapes that are inefficient when they are reefed in strong winds, small weather jibs are an important addition to the sails that you may already have.

When you have new & used sails, then you end up improving the different handling characteristics of the boat and also, you improve the reliability and speed.

Sailboat Sails material

A few decades ago, woven Dacron was the only available option the only reason why this material was chosen was that the cloth was very strong and was a resilient one, especially for racing. For cruising, the material could be softer, but more durable. Because of advancements in technology, today we have access to wider material varieties that are used for sailing.

Even today, woven polyester or Dacron is the most accessible option because they are not as expensive and last longer than many other options. However, they tend to lose shape very quickly. Because of tugs, they do not retain shape or design, even when the fabric is still strong and usable. What you should note is that not all materials are the same; Dacron’s are not the same. When it comes to racing, the cloth is usually coated using melamine finish to ensure that it does not scratch much. For cruising purposes, the finish is impregnated. This means that the cloth is bathed in glue to bind yarns. This offers a long-lasting and softer finish. When the fabric is still new it stretches when winds are strong.

There are yet other sailboat sails that make use of woven cloth and these incorporate strong fibers that make the boat sails resistant and durable. This kind of strong fiber is best for cases where the sails need to stay in the same shape.

Laminate sails

The fibers that are used to create these sails for boats are load-bearing and they are sandwiched between Mylar films. The common fibers, in this case, are aramids, carbon, and polyester. Polyester is the cheapest and carbon the most expensive. Also, the sails are able to retain shape as the price increases. The more material resistance increases, the flex deteriorates. This means that the carbon sails have a shorter life span than any other sail before the failure of the structure happens.

Sourcing new & used sails from experts

It is important to buy boat sails from experts in the field. It is not just about new sails and great designs, used sails need to be serviced and repaired as the need arises, storage and clearing are also critical and they determine how durable the sailboat sails are going to be at the end of the day. You should always look for people who are knowledgeable in the boating industries and those that are conversant with a different style of boats. They can offer very useful advice and assist you in making long-term plans. You can buy sails online easily.

New & Used Sails for Sale

Harbors Shoppers is one of the best places you can choose to buy sails. We have a team of experts who are knowledgeable in this field. Since we understand how critical sails are to safety and performance, we only stock the best boat sails for sale. We can help you stay within your replacement and maintenance program. We have a wide range of sails for yachts as well as for other boats.

We have all your needs catered for with the wide variety of sailboat sails online and other parts of a boat available to suit your boats like boat fenders, portable fuel tank , boat supplies , nautical items , deck hardware , sailboat rigging , boat maintenance tools , parts of a sailboat , boat propellers , boat bilge pumps , marine plumbing , etc.

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Tall Ships Are a Slow Travel Adventure—Here’s Where to Find Them in the U.S.

A historic experience yes, and lots of fun..

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Travel with a sense of adventure on tall ships like the Matthew Turner .

Photo by John Skoriak

White sails dot San Francisco Bay all year—thanks to its moderate climate. For those lucky enough to own or have access to a boat, it’s one of the most inviting and scenic urban playgrounds in the nation. I’m not a sailor and don’t know any sailors, but this past spring I went sailing one Saturday afternoon on the Matthew Turner , a tall ship that sails out of Sausalito. In addition to a history lesson, I gained a fresh perspective of the bay, after decades of living and working near it. The primary mission of the Matthew Turner is teaching sailing to young people, but it also offers passage to the general public.

Before I stepped on the ship’s deck, the closest I’d gotten to this form of slow travel was in books about seafaring explorations centuries earlier. And aside from short ferry rides to Angel and Alcatraz islands, my only previous sailing on SF Bay did not augur well. That was on the Oceanic Society’s 60-foot motorboat heading 25 nautical miles west to the Farallon Islands; half of the eight hours aboard were choppy. Although I didn’t get seasick, I also didn’t eat the apple I’d brought along. And several passengers looked as though death could not come soon enough.

In contrast, sailing via Call of the Sea on the larger MT was smooth—and among assorted small sailboats and gigantic cargo ships, it’s the classiest boat on the bay. With wind power, traveling at about five knots per hour, it’s genuine slow travel. That speed lets you take in the scenery, which includes dolphins, seals, birds, and wind surfers among the other vessels. It also lets you appreciate the vast size of the bay: Rocky Alcatraz, green Angel Island, and the Golden Gate Bridge were backdrops, not closeups. The winds determine the route. And the fresh air vanquished the theme from Gilligan’s Island (“a three-hour tour”) that had been stuck in my head for days.

Built in the 21st century, over seven years, the Matthew Turner is named for the designer and builder of the brigantine Galilee, which had an advanced design for its time, in the late 19th century. (The Galilee long held the passage record of 19 days from San Francisco to Tahiti.) The fir and oak 132-foot MT brigantine has 11 sails (including several that are square); the main mast rises 100 feet. Its few modern features include an electric hybrid motor used for leaving the harbor. Otherwise, it’s strictly wind powered. That means no smell and no noise—aside from the crew leader calling out instructions about modifying sails—on an eco-friendly trip.

The brigantine sails on select Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays throughout the year, ranging from 90 minutes to several hours . When I booked in May, I skipped the Mother’s Day special, figuring it would be crowded (it sold out) and got lucky: The amiable, enthusiastic young crew outnumbered the passengers. I chatted with nearly everyone aboard, including Alan Olson, the force behind the original project to build the ship. Highlights included watching the crew, which included a few volunteers and several women, set the sails. At the end of the too-short, two-hour trip, they scampered up the rigging to the top of the masts to roll up and tie the sails closed. So many ropes and sails: It’s not easy to travel this old-school way.

Among the passengers was a couple who had sailed on the ship before. I didn’t need to ask why.

Oftentimes, tall ships offer sailing classes.

Photos by Pat Tompkins

How to find your own tall ship adventure

Opportunities to participate in a day sail in the USA are more widely available than you might think. That’s partly because “tall ship” includes topsail and two- and three-masted schooners, barques, and other sailboats smaller and less grand than the Matthew Turner . Many tall ships with trips open to the public also operate as hands-on “classrooms” with programs to teach young people how to sail. For example, the Los Angeles Maritime Institute has tall ships for families or groups to charter; these private charters help support the educational programs.

You’ll find more possibilities through Tall Ships America, an organization based in Newport, Rhode Island, that promotes learning to sail and learning from sailing.

Where to sail on a tall ship in the United States

• Book now: Seattle’s Tall Ship ; Tall Ship Lady Washington

See the city from a tall ship on the gaff-rigged schooner Bay Lady , an 85-footer. A two-hour sail from Seattle’s Tall Ship starts at $45 for adults; $35 for kids 2–12; there are several sailings daily on Puget Sound from late April through the end of October.

Another nearby option: the Lady Washington brig, the official tall ship of the state of Washington, has day sails of two hours or more during July from Anacortes, Port Ludlow, Everett, and other cities. It’s a replica of the original Lady Washington , the first U.S. ship to sail the West Coast. For a two-hour sail: $70 for adults, $50 kids 4–12; four-hour voyages are also available.

• Book now: Pride of Baltimore II

Besides public two-hour sails, the Pride of Baltimore II , a topsail schooner, provides several guest crew opportunities for hands-on experience during the summer. While it visits New York in July, evening two-hour trips are available from Greenpoint on Long Island on the 19th and 20th (adults $55, $35 kids).

• Book now: Tall Ship Adventure

Enjoy a tall ship trip on the Californian through the Maritime Museum of San Diego. In addition to four-hour sails on Sundays (through October) at $119 for adults, $69 for children 3–12, this summer, for the first time since 2020, the Maritime Museum offers two chances for families to spend the night aboard the 1863 Star of India. (The boat stays docked but staff will teach the night’s “crew” about life for sailors long ago.) Overnights are Friday July 26 and August 9, 2 p.m. to 9 a.m., with two meals, $125 per person.

• Book now: Tall Ship Windy

Aboard the 148-foot schooner Windy , offerings include a daily Chicago Skyline tour from Lake Michigan (75 minutes; $49 adults, $39 kids) and an educational 90-minutes hands-on sail (Saturday–Monday, $35 adults, $25 kids). Summer features two-hour blues concert trips on Monday nights, $59 adults, $49 kids.

Gloucester, Massachusetts

• Book now: Schooner Adventure

During a 2.5-hour jaunt from the nation’s oldest fishing port, Gloucester Harbor, passengers can participate—helping raise the sails—or not, as they wish. You’ll be on the restored 1926 Adventure , a dory-fishing schooner and a National Historic Landmark. Those age 18 and under can enjoy the experience for free; tickets for adults are a modest $52. The Adventure offers public trips June through September on Sunday afternoons and Friday evenings.

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Bodies of 2 children found near location of capsized sailboat in bay of Green Bay

The bodies of two children were recovered from the bay of Green Bay on Monday morning, according to the Oconto County Sheriff's Office.

A 32-year-old Little Suamico man and his two children were reported missing after they went sailing Saturday afternoon on the bay of Green Bay.

The bodies of two children were found at 11:21 a.m. Monday, one mile south of where the boat was recovered, south of Chambers Island, according to the Oconto County Sheriff's Office.

Land, water and air searches will continue into Monday night for the missing man, with additional searches resuming in the morning as necessary, according to the Door County Sheriff's Office.

According to the U.S. Coast Guard and Oconto Sheriff's Office:

• The father and two children left Green Island in the bay at about 4 p.m. Saturday on an 18-foot sailboat.
• The three were reported missing at 12:42 p.m. Sunday after they did not arrive at their planned destination in Oconto. The Coast Guard was notified at 4:27 p.m. Sunday.
• Sunday afternoon, the father's truck and trailer were still at the boat ramp, and calls to his phone went straight to voicemail.
• A capsized "sailing vessel" was located at 6:22 a.m. Monday south of Chambers Island and was towed to Fish Creek.
• Neither the father nor the two children were found on or underneath the vessel.

Neither the Coast Guard nor the Oconto County Sheriff's Office has identified the victims.

Brown County Emergency Management identified the missing man as Bill Salnik and his two children, 3 and 5 years old.

Rashad Alexander can be contacted at [email protected].

Sell Your Sails

List your sails for sale.

• List Your Sails On SailTrader.com (FREE)
• Easily Manage Multiple Sail Listings
• Get $$$ For Your Used Sails

Sell Your Sails Online

There is no other online marketplace to trade-in or sell your sails quite like SailTrader. That’s because SailTrader is the only online marketplace that is specifically designed for sailors by sailors. We were tired of the old way of searching for used sails through Craigslist or Facebook marketplace.

SailTrader is the solution to this problem. SailTrader is the world’s largest online marketplace for used sails. Our team has worked tirelessly to create an easy-to-navigate marketplace that allows for customers to quickly find what they are looking for. And for sellers, to list their own sails and get a little extra money in your pocket. 

Sell Your Sailboat Sails Fast

Because our marketplace is specifically designed for sailors, anyone who comes to our site will already have a good working knowledge of sails. Now you don’t have to worry about answering unnecessary questions or fielding leads that don’t work out. When a customer wants to sell their sails and comes to our site, they already know what they are looking for and they can quickly find it—thanks to our many filtering options.

Create A Sail Listing

SailTrader is open to anyone who wants to sell or trade in their used mainsail , headsail , code sail or spinnaker  for cash. That means that once you have created an account , you can list your sails for sale on your own. You can put in all the necessary information, find a buyer, and sell it all on your own. With our fully customizable listings, you can easily input the information. 

Sell Your Sails from Anywhere in the Nation

Sell your sails on sailtrader.

When you choose to sell your sail on SailTrader you are sure to find a buyer and sell your sail quickly. Between our large online marketplace, sailor-specific site, and customizable listing service, you can’t go wrong selling your sail on SailTrader. Plus, our marketplace design makes it possible to sell your sails quickly and for more money. Browse the online marketplace, or create a listing for your used sail today!

How Much Are Used Sails Worth?

Determining the dollar value of a used sail requires a nuanced understanding of several factors, as the worth of such an item isn’t simply based

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Bodies of two children recovered after sailboat capsizes, search continues for missing man

by Emily Matesic, FOX 11 News

UPDATE: The children's names have been released .

FISH CREEK (WLUK) -- The bodies of two young children were found after their sailboat was found capsized in the waters of Door County.

"My heart is in my stomach. As a boater, we've been boating 50 years and to see a boat pull in and not know where the captain or two small children are, that's a boater's worst nightmare," said Kathy Hinkfuss of Green Bay, a recreational boater.

A search began over the weekend for the two children, ages 3 and 5, and their father, 32-year-old Bill Salnik of Little Suamico, after they went sailing Saturday.

Officials say the three left Oconto Harbor after 10 a.m.

Around noon Sunday, the Oconto County Sheriff's Office received a report of an overdue boat and began a search with the U.S. Coast Guard and the Wisconsin DNR.

"The Oconto County Sheriff's Office began a search along with the USCG and the WI DNR. The search expanded last night into the jurisdictional waters of Door County. Emergency personnel from the DCSO, DC emergency services and local fire departments joined the search," said Chief Deputy Patrick McCarty with the Door County Sheriff's Office.

The family's intended route was to go from Green Island in the bay to a marina just south of Oconto but they never made it to their destination.

Salnik's truck and trailer was still at the boat ramp and his phone calls went straight to voicemail.

At 6:22 a.m. Monday, the capsized sailboat was found just south of Chambers Island, without Salnik and his children. The vessel was was towed to Fish Creek.

After 11 a.m. Monday, searchers found the bodies of the two young children about a mile south of where the sailboat was found. "The bodies of two young children were recovered in the water about one mile south of where the boat was located. Their names are not being released at this time pending positive identification and notification of next of kin," added McCarty.

The Door County Sheriff's Office says they will continue their land and sea search efforts to find Salnik.

Due to warmer water and air temperatures, officials say it is still possible to find Salnik alive.

Officials are asking those out on the water to keep an eye out for anything that may be related to the search for Salnik.

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Bodies of Children, 3 and 5 Years Old, Recovered, Dad Still Missing After Sailboat Capsizes in Wisconsin

The children's bodies were found more than 48 hours after their boat set sail

The bodies of a 5-year-old daughter and a 3-year-old son were recovered on Monday, July 15, following a search and rescue mission for a missing sailboat near Chambers Island, Wis., according to the Door County Sheriff’s Office . The search for their father continues. 

Bill Salnick, 32, and his children, 5 and 3, went missing around 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 13. Although police withheld the names of the children in their initial statement, they were identified as Charlotte and Josh by a GoFundMe created by Salnick's mother, Tina.

The 18-foot Gulf Coast sailboat, My Lady Blue, they were sailing in was found around 6:20 a.m., just south of Chambers Island in Gibraltar, Wis., the sheriff's office said. The children's bodies were discovered at around 11:20 a.m., "one mile south of where the boat had been found."

Oconto County Sheriff's Offic

The family left the Oconto boat launch on My Lady Blue around 10 a.m. Saturday. The search for Salnick and his children began after the Oconto County Sheriff’s Office was notified that an overdue boater had left the Oconto Harbor, per the OCSO’s Facebook statement . Oconto County is west of Door County and across from Green Bay.

The United States Coast Guard (USCG), Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, City of Oconto Police Department, Oconto County Emergency Management, Marinette County Sheriff’s Office and Dispatch Center and Oconto Fire & Rescue assisted with OCSO’s search. 

Beginning Sunday, the USCG searched the Bay of Green Bay and expanded into Door County's jurisdictional waters. The Door County Sheriff’s Office, Door County Emergency Services and Town of Gibraltar Fire Department then joined the search.

The search for Salnick will continue on land, water and air on Tuesday morning.

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Representatives for Door County Sheriff’s Office and the Oconto County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for more information.

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The Maverick broke a 22-year record in the 115th Chicago Yacht Club Race To Mackinac Presented By Wintrust. Chicago Yacht Club Race To Mackinac

• Tanda Gmiter | [email protected]

MACKINAC ISLAND, MI - Before the first boats ever left Navy Pier this weekend, Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac organizers knew the weather forecast would make this 115th competition one of the faster courses in the race’s history - if the sailing crews could avoid the storms forecast to sweep across Lake Michigan.

And while the storms did send at least three damaged boats limping out of the race and caused a man overboard situation, southerly wind conditions were a boon to the frontrunners, creating a downwind drag race and leading to a record-breaking win that smashed the old Race to Mackinac record by more than an hour.

The Maverick’s crew beat Roy P. Disney’s 22-year-old record with a time of 22 hours, 24 minutes, 23 seconds. This bested the Disney heir’s record set in 2002 with Pyewacket by an hour, six minutes and 11 seconds.

The Maverick team was led by Sanford Burris and William and Ward Kinney. The boat also claimed the race’s Royono Trophy for the first racing monohull to finish the 115th edition.

“I will tell you from my perspective, I wish the record had lasted longer, but these things are inevitable,” said Disney, a well-known figure in the sailing world who is the grand-nephew of Walt Disney. “Given how long it took to break that record shows how difficult a course it is, and what a classic sailboat race it is! Many congratulations to the owner, the crew and the boat, Maverick.”

The Katana and the Natalie near the finish line of the 115th Chicago Yacht Club Race To Mackinac Presented By Wintrust. Chicago Yacht Club Race To Mackinac

Nearly 250 boats joined the 333-mile race from Chicago’s Navy Pier to the finish line near Mackinac Island. Known as America’s Offshore Challenge, it’s the world’s longest annual freshwater sailing race. The race is divided into the Cruising Division, which left Chicago on Friday, and the sleeker Racing Division, which began racing on Saturday.

What was the secret to this weekend’s fast times?

“Most important is a southerly wind direction and strength, combined with advancements in boats and sails,” said Winn Soldani, chair for the 115th Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac presented by Wintrust. “Plus you add in last night’s storms that brought increased breeze and it’s literally the perfect setup for a record-breaking year.”

Some of the boats are still finishing the course today. You can see them there on the race tracker.

Maverick’s Sanford Burris is from Kirtland, Ohio. “He sails with his sons and many longtime friends on the carbon fiber Andrews 80 they have spent the past three years upgrading. Joining the 20 crew onboard was Evolution Sails founder Rodney Keenan,” race staff said.

“The team celebrated briefly as the Maverick team crossed the Race to Mackinac finish line between Mackinac Island and the Round Island lighthouse … and then kept on sailing.”

The Maverick is one of a couple dozen sailboats competing in this year’s “Super Mac” race - which means it keeps going instead of stopping at Mackinac Island for the big afterparty. It races south down Lake Huron to reach Port Huron - a race of 495 nautical miles. The Bayview Mackinac Race - which is next week - starts near the Blue Water Bridge and competing sailboats will race north to Mackinac Island. Those boats running the “Super Mac” can also do the Bayview and it’s like running three races in a week’s span.

The Racing Division of the 115th Chicago Yacht Club to Mackinac race got underway Saturday. Photo provided by Barry Butler, Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac presented by Wintrust. Barry Butler, Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac presented by Wintrust.

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Luxurious river cruises in russia.

Explore authentic Russian cities. Enjoy premium service and engaging activities as you sail the Volga River.

2022 Cruise Season

Join our signature small group journeys and cruise in luxury along the Russian Volga river!

The Russian Odyssey

An extended 'South to North' view of Russia from Astrakhan to St. Petersburg through Moscow.

Explore Moscow, St. Petersburg and Russia’s Golden Ring in greater depth. Stay at gorgeous Four Seasons hotels. Enjoy special access to iconic cultural sites.

Lower Volga

Treat yourself to an unforgettable experience cruising the Volga river from Moscow to Astrakhan. The tour includes 2 nights in Moscow.

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A Volga river cruise is more than a geographical voyage; it’s also a journey through Russia’s rich and captivating history. No other experience takes you so completely to another place and time. The Volga is Europe’s longest and largest river; it meanders through the stories of Ivan the Terrible and his rise to power, the two historic ‘Greats’ Peter and Catherine, and then on into today. It’s a unique opportunity to see modern Russia in the context of its intriguing history, ably assisted by friendly and professional academics and tour guides. A Volga Dream Russian river tour promises to leave you with an unforgettable afterglow of fond memories.

Moscow to St. Petersburg River Cruise

Moscow and St. Petersburg are Russia’s best-known cities, but the towns of Russia’s historic Golden Ring are delightful too. The luxurious Volga Dream offers a unique opportunity to visit these Russian gems by sailing gently along the Volga River on an unforgettable cruising experience. In small, exclusive groups you’ll enjoy preferential access to some of Russia’s most significant cultural sites.

Moscow to Astrakhan River Cruise

Your River Cruise on the luxurious MS Volga Dream takes you from Moscow along Russia’s grand Volga River to the legend that is Volgograd (formerly Stalingrad) and Astrakhan on the Caspian Sea. Along the way, you’ll discover the treasures of Yaroslavl, the oldest city on the Volga, medieval Nizhniy Novgorod and beautiful Kazan, the ancient Tatar capital. We plan our tour carefully to combine the very best of Moscow with a world-class Volga River cruise.

Discover Russia with MS Volga Dream - Click-through map

We love hearing from guests about their time in Russia and one comment often hear is how surprised people are by the Russian capital. We can’t say for certain what people expected but we do know that it’s always far removed from what they imagined! It’s been called a modern metropolis, a cosmopolitan city, an historic gem, an architectural treasure and a cultural powerhouse, among other descriptions. Majestic Moscow has always surprised our guests and left them with lasting and fond memories.

Russia’s famous Golden Ring is an archipelago of historic towns surrounding Moscow. Uglich is one of the oldest and was founded under Igor, the last Varangian prince. It once resisted the Mongol invasion and its ancient walls saw the grisly murder of young Dmitri, son of Ivan the Terrible. The impressive Church of St. Dmitri on the Blood, with its classic onion domes and blood red walls, is a fine example of classic Russian architecture. The tour ends with an enchanting choral concert.

This, the oldest city on the Volga River, and now a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts a wealth of ancient orthodox treasures. The impressive Transfiguration of the Savior, adorned with murals depicting St. John’s apocalyptic visions can be seen in the Spassky Monastery. The Church of St. Elijah the Prophet is decorated with an awe-inspiring selection of rich frescoes. For a real taste of pre-revolutionary Russia, visitors are entertained by a costumed reception at the Governor’s House.

Close to the shores of White Lake once were the ‘tsar’s fishing grounds’. It lies in a place so serene that ancient monks chose to build no fewer than three holy sites here, including the Ferapontov Monastery. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, its chapels boast magnificent frescoes by Dionysius, one of Russia’s most renowned icon painters. The Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery was a refuge for many nobles during tumultuous times and later a fortress that successfully repelled invading armies.

The Karelia region is a vast and naturally beautiful wilderness that spreads all the way from St. Petersburg to the Arctic Circle. The glorious island village of Kizhi consists almost entirely of the traditionally styled wooden buildings of ‘Old Russia’. Among them is the famous Transfiguration Church built in 1714. Remarkably, and in testament to the craftsmen of the time, not a single nail was used in its construction! Kizhi is one of the favorite stops on the river cruise to St. Petersburg.

A typical rural hamlet brought to life by warm and welcoming villagers. Volga Dream guests are invited into local homes to enjoy classic Russian fare, tea with jam and ‘pirozhki’ (pies). Enthusiastic hosts share Russian traditions and the appeal of village life while proudly showing off their scrupulously kept homes and kitchen gardens. The tour continues with a brief bus ride to see a unique World War II memorial and then, for a real glimpse of Russian life, a visit to a local primary school.

Nizhny Novgorod

This was once a wealthy city thanks to its proximity to rich eastern trading routes. During the Soviet era, the city was closed to outsiders because of its military importance. It’s also where many political prisoners were sent to live out their days in exile. The 16th-century Kremlin ramparts offer spectacular views and the city is known for its elaborately decorated churches. For Volga Dream cruise guests, the highlight of the day is an evening folk concert performed by local children.

Sailing along the Volga river, the riverbank gradually ceases to be dominated by Orthodox churches. Instead, beautiful mosques appear as the river crosses into Tatarstan where the first stop is scenic Kazan, the region’s capital. Inside the white walls of the citadel, the famous Kul Sharif mosque and the old Cathedral of Peter and Paul stand side-by-side symbolizing the two faiths’ long and peaceful coexistence in the region. A concert of traditional Tatar music ends the Volga Dream tour in Kazan.

Passing the Zhigulevskie Mountains offers wonderful views from the sundeck before touring the city. One of the key attractions is the fascinating Space Museum, which offers a revealing glimpse of how the Soviet Union pursued its ambitious journey to the cosmos. The town is also noted for its beautiful esplanade, perfect for a relaxed stroll beside the Volga river. This in turn leads to the Samara State Art Museum. Founded in 1897, it is home to a collection of more than 16,000 works of art.

This city is best known for its close associations with cosmonaut, Yuri Gagarin. The Russian hero who achieved worldwide fame as the first man in space lived and studied here. Saratov used to be home to a large German community, a heritage that can still be seen in the local architecture. The Volga Dream tour visits the Radishchev State Art Museum, the first picture gallery in Russia outside Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Originally called Tsaritsyn, the city was renamed Stalingrad from 1925 to 1961 in honor of the USSR’s leader. During World War II, the city’s residents put up a heroic defense, repelling an advancing Nazi invasion. The battle for Stalingrad has gone down in history as a pivotal moment in the bloody conflict on the eastern front. The most ferocious and deadly fighting took place on Mamayev Hill, where an imposing memorial now stands close to the excellent Battle of Stalingrad Panorama Museum.

Saint Petersburg

If Moscow surprises, then St Petersburg delights. Peter the Great founded the city to showcase Russia’s newfound enlightenment. He wanted to show the modern world a cultured and advanced society. In short, he built the city to impress and in that he succeeded splendidly! The striking buildings were designed by some of the finest architects Europe had to offer and even now, the ‘Venice of the North’ never fails to enchant with its spectacular buildings and impressive canal network. It is a city of true grandeur.

Cocktails with the Captain

Commanding any ship is a complex role that calls for a long list of skills. Captains know their vessels inside out as well as well as the routes they sail and when things don’t go to plan, they have to make instant decisions. Above all though, the most important part of the job, underpinning everything they do, is to keep the ship and everyone aboard safe. The Captain’s cocktail party is a great and a wonderful opportunity for passengers and crew to get acquainted as the gets underway.

Matryoshka doll painting

There is nothing more typically Russian than a Matryoshka. It embodies the fact that there’s always something deeper to be found in every aspect of Russian life. Learning the traditional designs and techniques used to decorate these iconic dolls offers a pleasant diversion and some cathartic creativity!

Superb Service & Dining

Our restaurant serves the highest standard of international cuisine, freshly made by our Cordon Bleu Chef. Choose either a sumptuous buffet or set menu for lunch while dinner is always four or five courses with full service. High praise for the exquisite quality of meals is yet another constantly recurring feature in feedback from our guests.

Meet the Professor

From the Mongol hordes to Soviet times, Russia’s history is, like all of Europe’s, a complex web of political intrigue, war and peace, trade and treaties, as well as heroes and villains. Academics devote whole lifetimes to studying Russia’s long past and one of them presents a series of lectures shedding light on everything from Gorbachev to Chekhov, Khrushchev to Ivan the Terrible and of course, contemporary Russia. Our Professor is on board throughout the river cruise for informal conversation.

Beginner’s Russian

The Russian language can be rather beautiful and poetic and we know that many seasoned travelers enjoy trying their hand at different languages. Our onboard teachers provide an introduction to the riches of Russian, so guests can try out a few useful words and phrases on real Russians during the exciting river tours from Moscow to St. Petersburg or from Moscow to Volgograd!

Russian tea tasting

The drink we tend to associate with Russia is vodka, but tea, in fact, is the much more universal beverage of choice throughout the country. Guests will get acquainted with the Russian tea etiquette, a fundamental component of the country's social culture, and enjoy the traditional tea ceremony while cruising from St. Petersburg to Moscow or taking a Grand Volga river tour.

Russian Dinner & Vodka Tasting

All our dining is international but for Russian Dining night, the Chef includes a selection of traditional Russian dishes: Chicken Kiev, Kulebyaka and no Russian table is complete without Borsch. To add to the ‘Taste of Russia’ optional Russian dress, or at least a touch of Russian style, is provided along with enthusiastic help from our staff!

Russian Cooking Class

A plate of pelmeni might not look like much to the untrained eye, but it forms the heart of Russian cuisine and culture. Basically, it's a type of dumpling: small portions of meat and onion wrapped in a thin sheet of unleavened dough and boiled, a little like ravioli. Guests can join a Russian cooking class onboard the MS Volga Dream to learn how to cook this delicious Russian dish.

Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov Piano Recital

Some of the greatest classical music ever written comes from Russia. It’s hard to imagine a more fitting stage for a virtuoso solo recital by our resident concert pianist than the mighty Volga or a better backdrop than the heart of Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov’s own serene homeland.

Russian River Cruise Aboard Volga Dream

Moscow to St. Petersburg

Why Volga Dream

Family Owned & Operated

MS Volga Dream is Russia’s only family-owned river cruise ship. She can accommodate up to 100 guests, far fewer than most other cruise ships on the river making for a uniquely friendly and intimate atmosphere aboard.

Five-Star Central Hotels

We at Volga Dream are completely convinced that, our guests should stay in great 5-star hotels in Moscow and St. Petersburg within comfortable walking distance of all the major attractions, theaters and restaurants, rather than having to waste time in traffic.

Luxurious Accommodation

The MS Volga Dream is the most intimate and elegant 5-star cruise vessel in Russia. She boasts 56 cabins, all river facing, ranging from comfortable Standard Cabins to spacious Junior Suites and the luxurious forward facing Owner's Suite.

Russian Cultural Experience

Explore Russia's past with the help of professional tour guides. Our on-board program includes fascinating talks on Russian history and politics, Russian language lessons, a festival of Russian cuisine (including vodka tasting!), and much more.

Gourmet Dining

Our on board restaurant serves international cuisine to the highest standard, all freshly made by our Cordon Bleu Chef. For Russian Dining night, he prepares a selection of traditional Russian dishes: Chicken Kiev, Kulebyaka and Borsch.

Tailored Service

All our service crew members are native Russians who are fluent in English and handpicked by the Owner. Proudly, the Volga Dream is famous for her hard working and very hospitable personnel who take care of every aspect of your life aboard.

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It's never been easier to plan your next holiday in Russia. Download our free brochure to learn more about authentic Russian river cruises.

Escape the hassle and bustle and add a satisfyingly informative element to your trip and bring together a colorful mosaic of people, history, traditions,  religion, music and art. These are the many strands that time has woven into what is known today as Russia.

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