
Sail further and for longer by gaining the skills to keep your sail inventory going.
Self-sufficiency aboard is one of the hallmarks of a valuable crew member. Keeping your sail inventory in working order is critical to both inshore and offshore cruising. With a basic understanding of sail design and construction methods—and the ability to use a few simple tools—you can extend the life of your sails and maintain the safety of your vessel. These skills not only save you money but also keep your cruising kitty intact by avoiding premature sail replacements.



ONLINE CLASS OVERVIEW
This online class provides sailors with the essential knowledge and hands-on skills to evaluate and maintain their sails.
Who is this online class for?
This online class is for sailors of all levels who want to keep their sail inventory in top condition. Whether you’re a weekend racer, a long-term cruiser, a beginner, or an experienced sailor, this seminar will give you the confidence and skills to care for your sails and stay sailing longer.
What Will I Learn?
By the end of this online class, you’ll know how to assess your sail inventory and estimate its remaining lifespan, identify small issues before they grow into costly problems, repair damaged corners, panels, and fittings, protect your sails from UV exposure and chafe, and keep a practical ditty kit aboard with tools and materials for ongoing maintenance.
List of Topics:
- Basic cruising sail design
- Sail construction and theory
- How to survey your sails
- Practical repair skills, including tape repair, cover repair, slide replacement, UV protection, and chafe prevention
- Essential tools and materials (the “ditty kit”)
Strengthen Your Sails, Strengthen Your Sailing
From Wear to Repair
Every sailor knows: when sails fail, the journey stalls. A torn seam, UV damage, or worn fittings can turn a perfect passage into an expensive setback if you don’t know how to maintain your sail inventory. This online class takes the mystery out of sail care by giving you the knowledge, skills, and confidence to keep your sails in shape. With step-by-step guidance, you’ll learn to survey, repair, and extend the life of your sails, ensuring both safety and savings every time you head out.
Practical Sail Care
This isn’t abstract theory, it’s hands-on, practical instruction designed for real cruising life. You’ll discover the basics of sail design and construction, learn how to evaluate your own sails, and practice repairs you can handle onboard. From patching panels and corners to replacing slides, adding UV protection, and preventing chafe, you’ll gain the tools to take charge of your sail inventory. Whether you’re racing, cruising, or simply want to avoid costly replacements, this seminar shows you how to keep your sails working longer.
Sail Maintenance Made Simple
Perfect for weekend sailors, long-term cruisers, or anyone who wants to be more self-sufficient at sea, this online class is your shortcut to mastering sail survey and repair. By the end, you’ll know how to assess your sails’ lifespan, catch small issues early, perform practical fixes, and keep a well-stocked ditty kit for ongoing maintenance. If you’ve ever worried about a rip offshore or wondered how long your sails will last, this is your chance to gain the confidence to sail farther and safer.
YOUR HOSTs
ERICA GEORGAKLIS
Port Townsend Sails
Erica Georgaklis grew up sailing in New England and later settled in the Pacific Northwest, where she now manages Port Townsend Sails. With extensive cruising experience on both coasts, and offshore miles in Mexico and Scotland, Erica brings a rich background in sailmaking and seamanship. After working under legendary sailmaker Carol Hasse, Erica continues to share her deep knowledge of sail construction and trim with passionate cruisers around the world.

ONLINE CLASS REGISTRATION
@ 4:30 PM PT / 7:30 PM ET (90 min)
$39
ASA Member Price
$29
ON-DEMAND ACCESS
ASA MEMBER DISCOUNT
American Sailing Members can claim their discount in the Member Portal. If you're not a current member then for only $59/year you can join or renew today!