🔍 Key Concepts

• Behavior of synthetic sail materials (Dacron) when exposed to moisture and lack of ventilation • Effects of UV (sunlight) on synthetic fibers vs. traditional cotton canvas • Proper sail stowage practices for cruising and racing vessels

💭 Think About

• Think about which condition creates the best environment for mildew, rot, or hidden damage in any sail material. • Ask yourself: which of these choices would a careful skipper be MOST warned about in basic seamanship and boat care books? • Consider how often sailors actually do each of these things in normal practice—would good sailors routinely do something that seriously harms Dacron?

✅ Before You Answer

• Compare how water + lack of drying vs. sunlight exposure affects synthetic fibers over time. • Recall standard advice: "Never put sails away when they are _____"—what word fills that blank? • Verify which practice is routinely accepted (and even recommended) with Dacron sails, versus which is always cautioned against in seamanship guides.