Leaving Sails in Tension

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I also leave my sail rigged all summer. Based on my experience I will side with those who de-tension the rig. However permanent mast bend may be partially dependent on the mast brand. I use mostly Fiberspar standard diameter masts. When I used to leave them fully tensioned the masts especially at the ferrules took on a permanent bend. In the worst case the bend was about 1 1/2 inches over the length of a 430 mast. I now release the downhaul and outhaul about 4 to 6 inches and the masts no longer become bent. If you are going to ease the downhaul and outhaul don't over do it so that the sail becomes creased or the battens push so far past the front of the mast that the luff sock becomes damaged.

I do leave them fully tensioned for a few days at a time and they are stored in a garage that stays relatively cool.