repairing sail rip new leech

[tikiavenger]

Hi all,

I was out sailing this weekend in 20-25 kt wind, didn't reef quick enough and ripped part of my aging main sail.

Can I safely repair this rip with some sail tape or does this require a proper sewing fix since it's a rip that's now exposing part of the leech line?

My mom purchased a Sailrite LSZ-1 to help sew cushions for the boat, so I'm tempted to try and DIY fix this. Or should this type of fix be taken on by a professional?

pictures of sail

[more]

this is an easy repair, but the sail is old. you can solo repair and buy 2-3 year

[tikiavenger]

Originally Posted by more

this is an easy repair, but the sail is old. you can solo repair and buy 2-3 year

Cool, any tips or resources on how to solo fix? Will sail tape work or should I take the sail down n properly sew a fix. I’m worried about adding too much material, as the sail is furled in the mast.

[Emmalina]

Fold a piece of fabric over the leach and into the sail. Glue in place with impact adhesive then stitch it. Don;t sew your leach line in the process !

[more]

Originally Posted by tikiavenger

Cool, any tips or resources on how to solo fix? Will sail tape work or should I take the sail down n properly sew a fix. I’m worried about adding too much material, as the sail is furled in the mast.

sail must go down. Also sail is rip on place where go in mast. furler is full and this part of sail go last in mast. You must add material,

[tikiavenger]

Originally Posted by Emmalina

Fold a piece of fabric over the leach and into the sail. Glue in place with impact adhesive then stitch it. Don;t sew your leach line in the process !

cool, will give this a try!

Is there anything I can do to temporarily patch the sail if I can't take it out of the mast for a few weeks? If I guard the leech like with some material, can I use some adhesive sail tape around it? Or would this create problems when I try to fix it for good when it's off the mast?