I have asked this question of a few experienced sailors and never get a definitive answer.
I would prefer to roll my main, a laminated light weight racing sail, No.3 a heavier laminated sail, storm jib a dacron sail, and flake No.1 a racing genoa same make as the main, as it is easier to do on the mooring.
Does it depend on the material?
Or is it the same as the folder v scruncher toilet paper debate?
Can anyone enlighten me please
Rolling's better for the longevity of the sail, flaking is better if you want to be able to get the sail up in a hurry, or have an easier time getting it up.
Take your pick.
Rolling (around a PVC Tube if practical) if you can, for best preservation of modern materials is what sailmakers have always advised me.... Flaking an acceptable second place if done well.
Flaking is acceptable for dacron especially if not to heavy cloth. Only
Roll exotic materials.
We roll all our racing sails as they are "composite", carbons, technora etc and flake/fold the few dacron ones we have.
They are also rolled "loose" (maybe better described as not tight) ..... and that is the way the sailmaker says .... ohhh that is youngest son.
Thanks.
Common sense tells me rolling would be better. But every one I see seems to flake.
But rolling my No.1 on board single handed would almost be impossible. So flaking it is for that one.
and worst of all is folding said composite sail at a batten and rolling from there. No, no, no...
