Assessing UV-strip replacement options
Discuss furling-sail UV-cover condition, underlying cloth, material options, coverage and handover checks with your sailmaker.
Read the guideTHE YACHT OWNER’S READING ROOM
Yacht owner guides.
Practical guidance for the decisions behind a well-looked-after yacht. Explore the options before speaking with a specialist.
SAILY’S HERE TO HELPPREPARE FOR YOUR NEXT PROJECT
Find your next useful read.
Choose a subject or search for a decision you are working through. Each guide includes a comparison table, checklist and sources.
37 guides
Checking lift capacity with the boatyard
Give the boatyard the vessel information it needs to assess lift suitability, including weight uncertainty, geometry, modifications and access.
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Checking marina facilities before booking
Check shore power, water, access, amenities and service arrangements against the way your crew will actually use a marina.
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Choosing a furling headsail for your cruising yacht
Choose a cruising furling headsail around the actual furler, sheeting geometry, UV protection and sailing programme.
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Choosing a marina for a refit project
Match your refit scope to suitable workspace, trade access, facilities and a realistic sequence of work before booking.
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Choosing a marina for your yacht
Compare actual berth fit, water and land access, everyday facilities and booking conditions before choosing a marina.
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Choosing a marine surveyor
Match a surveyor’s experience, independence and inspection scope to your yacht and the decision you need to make.
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Choosing a yacht rigger
Find a rigger whose experience, inspection scope, communication and handover suit your yacht and planned work.
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Choosing indoor storage for a trailer boat
Assess indoor trailer-boat storage using the complete boat-and-trailer dimensions, doorway access, retrieval rules, care permissions and total cost.
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Comparing afloat and ashore boat storage
Compare marina berths, hardstand, indoor storage and dry-stack services using vessel suitability, access, care responsibilities and complete costs.
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Comparing boatyard lift-out quotes
Compare complete haul-out costs, inclusions, timing and variation rules rather than choosing a boatyard from its headline lift fee.
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Comparing marina berth quotes
Turn different marina prices into a fair comparison of the same dates, yacht, services and booking conditions.
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Comparing marine survey quotations
Compare survey scope, access assumptions, specialist checks and total appointment costs before choosing a quotation.
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Comparing rigging quotations
Compare scope, retained components, site costs and completion evidence before choosing a rigging proposal.
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Coordinating survey and haul-out appointments
Coordinate survey scope, vessel access, lift timing, cleaning, permissions and follow-up so the yard appointment supports a useful inspection.
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Dacron, laminates and membranes: choosing cruising sailcloth
Understand sailcloth construction, handling and ownership trade-offs before choosing the material for your next cruising sail.
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Discussing seam and stitching wear
Describe sail seam and stitching concerns clearly, prepare inspection evidence and compare a defined repair scope with wider sail-condition questions.
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How to choose a sailmaker for your yacht
A practical Australian buyer’s guide to finding a loft, assessing advice, checking service and choosing a sailmaker who understands your boat.
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How to compare sail quotes without missing the important details
Compare sail quotations by specification, measurement, fittings, delivery and support—not a misleading headline price.
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Measuring for new sails: preparing for a reliable fit
Organise boat details, hardware records, photographs and professional measurement responsibilities before ordering sails.
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Ordering new sails: from the first brief to handover
Plan a new sail order with a clear brief, measurement responsibilities, approval milestones, fitting checks and useful handover records.
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Planning a cruising sail inventory around your boat and crew
Build a practical sail inventory by matching real trips, crew capability, handling systems and service needs.
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Planning a mast-out project
Coordinate the yard, rigger, other trades and completion checks for a professionally managed mast-out project.
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Planning an efficient hardstand work period
Plan a productive hardstand stay with clear work packages, parts readiness, trade handoffs, inspection points and a realistic relaunch sequence.
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Planning batten-pocket repairs
Prepare a batten-pocket repair enquiry with sail identification, component records, wear evidence, a defined scope and fitting questions.
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Preparing a damaged sail for loft assessment
Prepare useful photographs, sail history, transport and inspection questions before sending a damaged yacht sail to a repair loft.
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Preparing a standing-rigging replacement enquiry
Build a clear enquiry with rig identity, history, intended use and responsibilities before requesting replacement proposals.
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Preparing a yacht for a booked haul-out
Prepare vessel information, access, work scope and handover arrangements before a booked yacht haul-out in Australia.
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Preparing a yacht for extended storage
Plan an extended yacht lay-up with a vessel-specific systems brief, sail and equipment storage, documented care visits and a staged return to use.
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Preparing for a first marina arrival
Organise booking confirmation, local information, crew preparation and shore access before arriving at an unfamiliar marina.
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Preparing for a pre-purchase yacht survey
Prepare records, permissions, access and appointments so a pre-purchase yacht survey can answer the questions that matter.
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Repair or replace your sails? A practical owner’s decision guide
Compare sail repairs, alterations and replacement using condition, handling, intended use and a clear loft assessment.
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Replacing a cruising mainsail: shape, battens, hardware and reefing
Prepare a complete mainsail replacement brief that connects sail design, existing hardware, reefing and the way your crew sails.
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Sail care, cleaning and storage for Australian yacht owners
Build a material-specific care routine that protects sails through regular sailing, wet returns and longer storage.
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Understanding a long-term berth agreement
Understand the documents, charges, permitted use, absence arrangements and exit questions to resolve before a long-term berth commitment.
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Understanding a rigger’s inspection report
Read inspection scope, findings, limitations and recommendations as a practical plan for your yacht’s next decisions.
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Understanding a sail-repair quotation
Compare sail-repair scopes, exclusions, assessment fees, materials, variations and collection checks before approving a loft quotation.
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