Getting rid of old sails in Australia

[ChrisJHC]

Hi, I’ve recently bought an old boat that came with some very old, very tired sails.
These would be the third in line to use, after the racing set and the good condition cruising set.

I’ve read the threads that say there are organisations that collect and donate old sails in third world countries.
I haven’t found anyone doing that in Australia.
Any thoughts?

Alternatively, I suggested to my wife that we could repurpose them, only to be advised that wasn’t happening.

Finally, if the answer is to get rid of them, what have people found to be the best way to actually do that.

Any advice appreciated.

[MicHughV]

You can re-purpose them into awnings....if you are even remotely handy with a sewing machine..

[Rucksta]

Training sails.
Teach the crew to deploy, retrieve, flake and bag without stomping all over your new race sails.

Another step down the chain is learn about sail repair - you very quickly appreciate the skills and equipment of a sailmaker.

Repurposing as awnings , cushion covers gear bags etc becomes old as your skill level improves.
So hard to put the effort into a quality fabrication and stitch up when your materials are old stained and compromised.

Salvage any hardware and repurpose as landfill.

BTW a Kevlar sail does not go well at the waste transfer station.
The strings are long and hard to cut fouling the shredder.
I expect Dacron wouldn't be such an issue.

[GordMay]

Sail Recycling Artists (Australia) ➥ https://www.sailexchange.com.au/page...ycling-artists

Sail Exchange ➥ https://www.sailexchange.com.au/
Contact ➥ https://info.sailexchange.com.au/contact-sail-exchange

Recolab (Tasmania) ➥ https://www.recolab.com.au/
➥ mail info@recolab.com.au

Sail cycle (Victoria, Australia) ➥ https://www.sailcycle.shop/
Email: sailcyclebags@gmail.com

Sail Repair WA (O'Connor WA) ➥ Shade Sails Repairs Perth | Canvas | Sail Repair WA
➥ https://www.seabreeze.com.au/Members...%20Repair%20WA
Tel: 0439 978 708
Emaul: www.simmerstyle.com.au

Upcycling Your Sails
When our mainsail blew out, we skipped the dumpster and used a little creativity to sew new life into the old rags.
➥ https://www.cruisingworld.com/upcycling-your-sails/

[fxykty]

We have an old HydraNet jib that we want to get rid of. In New Zealand there is a used sail exchange but nothing similar in Australia AFAIK. Bummer. You can try putting it on Gumtree.

[Benz]

I use old sails as tarps to cover firewood, and have cut others down to make duffel bags for travelling. If you were close by, I'd take them off your hands. Too bad OZ is so far away...

[samui]

If you are planning on going overseas to the Islands, PNG or Vanuatu etc.
Those sails would be really appreciated by the local sailors. I offloaded my old sails before departing Oz and regretted it, I wish I'd carried them for the short journey.
Their sailing canoes are using old blue tarps or anything they can get hold of

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If you dont need to sell them someone on a yacht will be going that way.
Good luck, Hope attachment works

[JPA Cate]

Hi, Chris,

I think "samui" has a great idea here. If you know someone bound for the Louisiades, Vanuatu, or PNG, someone there can do something with your old sails, for sure, and feel fortunate to have them.

Ann

[seaskip]

Sail Exchange in Brookvale Sydney.

[ChrisJHC]

Thanks, all, some good tips.