![repurposed sailboat sails Close](https://www.quantumsails.com/css/img/collapse_close.png)
![](http://gu.isilkul.online/777/templates/cheerup/res/banner1.jpg)
What To Do With Old Sails
June 24, 2024
![repurposed sailboat sails repurposed sailboat sails](https://www.quantumsails.com/QuantumSails/media/Articles/Header%20Images/OldSails-header.jpg?ext=.jpg)
Despite their exceptional durability and UV protection, every sail reaches the end of its life cycle at some point. When this happens, consider your options to reuse, repurpose, and recycle your sails instead of simply throwing them away. These three terms, "reuse," "repurpose," and "recycle," all represent a different approach for how you may bring new life to a well-used product. Our Director of Sustainability , Lara Poljsak, explains the differences below:
- Reusing - using the product again in its originally intended use.
- Repurposing - using the product in a way that is different from its originally intended use.
- Recycling involves processing the product to extract some—or all—of the original materials and fibers, which can be used again to create something new.
There are many options available to give your old sails new life. Below are a few avenues you can explore to determine what best fits your sails in their current condition and what is available to you in your area. You may also consider contacting the nearest Quantum Sails loft to enquire about dropping your sails off so our team can determine the best next step.
Reusing a sail means using it again as it was originally intended—a sail! This can mean that the sail is used again on the same boat with some maintenance to improve durability, on the same type of boat but at a lower competitive level, or on a different type of boat with a recut of the sail.
If you are ready to get a new sail, but your old one is still usable, you may sell or donate it to a local yacht club, marina, or another sailor. You may also reach out to your local Quantum loft , where we can check our own contacts and connections for someone who may be interested.
Repurposing
Repurposing a sail means using the sail again in a different way, with a different purpose. They are often remade into bags, shoes, and other accessories but can also be used as shade sails, shelter, etc. When choosing to donate your sail for a new purpose, we ask that you please consider how this new use will affect the environment in the long term. Sails are made from a combination of organic and synthetic fibers, which will eventually break down if left to the elements. Choosing an organization with experience working with sails and plans to use them responsibly is best.
Bags and fashion accessories:
There is a large industry surrounding the repurposing of sails into fashion accessories. This space consists of large, well-known brands and small, local businesses that would appreciate receiving an old sail. Many companies provide specific instructions on their website for sail donation. If you have found one that does not, reach out to see your options!
Old sails can also be repurposed as part of new furniture and decor, such as cushions, pillows, outdoor furniture, and lampshades.
Shade sails:
Repurposed sails can be used to create temporary shade sails in common spaces. Contact your local yacht clubs and marinas to see if they can use your sails.
Sometimes, old sails are donated to be used as shelter. While the humanitarian aspect of this action is great, the environmental effects can be less positive. Despite our sails' durability and UV protection, it is normal for old sails to lose those qualities and begin to disintegrate after years of sun, water, and wind exposure. Using it as shelter would create constant exposure to those elements, and the sail would start to release small pieces of plastic, films, adhesives, and other fibers into the environment. Contact them to understand their processes if you want to donate through a foundation.
Recycling the sail means processing the sails under high temperatures and/or high pressure to extract the original fibers and materials and separate them from resins and adhesives. The original materials and fibers could potentially be reused to create a new sail.
Historically, there has not been a reliable method for recycling old sails. However, a promising recycling process is currently in development, and we hope for more options in the future. You can expect more details about this in a future Quantum Sustainability article.
If you are ready to get a new set of sails and would like to dispose of the old ones or need some guidance on your options, reach out to your local Quantum Sails lof t .
![repurposed sailboat sails Share on X](https://www.quantumsails.com/QuantumSails/media/PNG/icon-x.png)
The Discussion
This website uses cookies and collects usage statistics. Privacy Policy
Us, too. We pour that passion into each of our newsletters to help you enjoy sailing even more.
Just added to your cart
![repurposed sailboat sails ReSail by Clean Sailors](https://resailbycleansailors.com/cdn/shop/files/rs-logo-web_{width}x.png?v=1644407490)
Upcycling sails
Sails are strong and durable, made to withstand earth's toughest environments. their complex structures of a variety of materials means they aren't formally recycled or reused., what are sails made of.
Sails are made from a variety of materials, which vary across class of boat and type of sailing. From main sheets to jibs, genoa's, Code Zeros and kites, to racing sails and traditional canvas, sails have become highly engineered over the years to suit a range of boat designs as well as wind/weather conditions.
Examples of materials used to make sails are:
Carbon Fibre
Whilst made of incredibly strong, light, flexible and durable materials, sails are not formally reused or recycled.
What can we do with old sails?
But sails can be given a second life.
Old and second hand sails can be recycled, as can a whole range of sail-related materials and products including sail bags and sailcloth.
In many cases, old sails can be repurposed into 'new' sails for smaller boats, and can also be turned into everyday items such as bags, jackets, canvas and other lifestyle goods.
But there’s so much more. Research into sailmaking is continually showing us that sails can be upcycled on a more industrial scale and repurposed into industries such as manufacturing, construction and automotive.
This is where our platform starts. ReSail encourages all sailors to view used sails as a new resource, not as old waste, and we do this by providing a platform and locations for sailors to donate and drop-off old, used sails.
We’re working with a range of partners across the world to help us do just this.
How and where do you recycle old sails?
Our ReSail platform shows you drop-off points around the world, where your old sails will be used to create new products.
Many of our partners create lifestyle goods from old sails, from bags and deck chairs to interior pieces, whilst others make affordable, repurposed sailing parts. One of our latest partners is even exploring old sail fibres in new boat hulls!
If you’d like more information or simply to chat to us in more depth about how to recycle your old sails or any project that you have then we’d love to hear from you. Just drop us a note via our contact form
If you need old sails for your project, then come join our ReSail platform. Just see our Application form
- Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
- Press the space key then arrow keys to make a selection.
![repurposed sailboat sails Resails](https://resails.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/cropped-resails2020_logo-300x99.png)
Specialized Water Sports Apparel and Accessories
The Original Recycled-Sail Seabags
The Original Recycled Sail Seabag is made from 100% recycled sail cloth. We make limited runs of these bags and every one is totally unique, no two are the same. This bag comes in three sizes and is fully lined with a 210 denier oxford nylon which keeps out most moisture, complete with front and end zippered pockets.
![title= repurposed sailboat sails](https://resails.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/DUFFEL-e1582574715870-960x540.jpg)
One of our best sellers, TRAVERSA PACK now available in black
Can’t decide between a bag and a backpack? This is just the bag you have been searching for! It easily converts from one to another with the help of it’s adjustable/convertible straps.
Popular All-sail Accessories
Hand crafted out of recycled sail cloth and decorative water resistant nylon fabric.
![repurposed sailboat sails Jewelry Roll](https://resails.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/allsail_wristlet_front-1024x769.jpg)
RS Square Duffle with Sail Number
![repurposed sailboat sails The Original Recycled-Sail Seabags](https://resails.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/aa11a.jpg)
13 Summer Essentials Made from Recycled Sails
- @remodelista?utm source=remodelista&utm medium=follow&utm campaign=tools 100
- Remodelista 101
- Remodelista 102
- Remodelista 103
- Remodelista 104
- Newsletters 105
Start typing to search...
Suddenly everywhere: products made from recycled sails. Here are 13 current favorites.
![repurposed sailboat sails among dvelas\2\17;s many offerings made from recycled sail canvas i 17](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/devlas-fortuna-folding-sunbed-733x567.jpg)
N.B. This post is an update; the original story ran on June 27, 2014.
More ideas? Have a look at our Nautical Style posts, including:
- Beach House Chic: 9 Inspired Nautical Notes
- Netscapes: 9 Stairwells with Nautical Enclosures and Rails
- Object of Desire: Diamonds and Rust Buoy Bags
Frequently asked questions
What is this article about.
This article is about designs made from recycled sails such as lights, pillows, and other home decor.
What is the inspiration behind the designs?
The designs are inspired by the nautical theme and the eco-friendly trend of upcycling.
Where can I find the products mentioned in the article?
The products are available for purchase through the brands mentioned in the article or their respective websites.
Are the products in the article expensive?
The article does not mention specific prices for the products, but each brand has its own pricing strategy. However, upcycled products generally tend to be more expensive due to their unique and eco-friendly nature.
Are the designs featured in the article practical for everyday use?
Yes, the designs are functional and can be used for everyday purposes such as lighting, seating, and decoration.
Are the recycled sails used in the designs durable?
Yes, recycled sails are made from sturdy materials and have already withstood the wear and tear of sailing. Additionally, the designs are made by professional designers and craftsmen who ensure their durability.
Can I recycle the designs made from recycled sails?
Yes, the designs are made from already recycled materials and can be recycled again once they have reached the end of their usable life cycle.
Are there any environmental benefits to using designs made from recycled sails?
Yes, using designs made from recycled sails helps to reduce waste and conserve natural resources by reusing existing materials.
Product summary Item 6 168 Item 7 169
![repurposed sailboat sails spinnaker shower curtain 2](https://www.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/img/sub/spinnaker-shower-curtain-2-376x282.jpg)
Spinnaker Sail Shower Curtain
![repurposed sailboat sails 700 save the sea double bag](https://www.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/img/sub/700_save-the-sea-double-bag-376x282.jpg)
Do Laptop Bag
![repurposed sailboat sails 13 Summer Essentials Made from Recycled Sails portrait 5](https://www.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/fields/curtain15-376x282.jpg)
Recycled Sailcloth Shower Curtain with Graphics
![repurposed sailboat sails reefer tan sailcloth double deckchair 2013 2](https://www.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/fields/reefer-tan-sailcloth-double-deckchair-2013-2-376x282.jpg)
Personalised Double Deckchair, Tan Sailcloth Sling
![repurposed sailboat sails 13 Summer Essentials Made from Recycled Sails portrait 7](https://www.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/fields/pinterest-sail-beanbag-chair-remodelista-376x282.jpg)
Genois Mini Limited Beanbag
![repurposed sailboat sails 13 Summer Essentials Made from Recycled Sails portrait 8](https://www.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/fields/ab99ca38-5231-4b04-8ed7-fa5906e1a8242013-12-09T14-58-10_0-323x282.jpg)
Darcron Canvas Laundry Basket
![repurposed sailboat sails reiter 8 sail cloth pillow etsy](https://www.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/reiter-8-sail-cloth-pillow-etsy-376x282.jpg)
Sail Cloth Pillow Handmade With A Black Number 6
![repurposed sailboat sails 13 Summer Essentials Made from Recycled Sails portrait 10](https://www.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/fields/il_570xN.259395534-376x282.jpg)
The Nancy Recycled Sailcloth Bag
![repurposed sailboat sails B7 (4a).wm](https://www.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/fields/B7-(4a).wm_-376x282.jpg)
Pendant – B7 – Sail Cloth Lamp with White Leather Lacing
![repurposed sailboat sails devlas fortuna folding sunbed](https://www.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/devlas-fortuna-folding-sunbed-376x282.jpg)
Fortuna Beach Sunbed
![repurposed sailboat sails midiune fauteuil aa vent d ouest](https://www.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/midiune-fauteuil-aa-vent-d-ouest-376x282.jpg)
AA Armchair West Wind
![repurposed sailboat sails the old salt loft etsy recycled sailcloth bag](https://www.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/the-old-salt-loft-etsy-recycled-sailcloth-bag-376x282.jpg)
Recycled Sailcloth Large Holdall
![repurposed sailboat sails trimm copenhagen custom garden sail](https://www.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/trimm-copenhagen-custom-garden-sail-376x282.jpg)
Trimm Garden Sails
Explore deeper into these areas.
- Trend Alert
- Accessories
- Indoor/Outdoor Living
- Pendant Lights
- Pillows & Cushions
Woven Indigo Soft Goods from Lane and London Cloth Company
Kitchen of the week: the upper east side kitchen of a "girls" director, have a question or comment about this post, related stories.
![repurposed sailboat sails nordiska kok minimalist kitchen week stockholm 7](https://www.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/nordiska-kok-minimalist-kitchen-week-stockholm-7-800x800.jpg)
The Style Forecast: 9 Design Trends for Autumn 2024
![repurposed sailboat sails 13 Summer Essentials Made from Recycled Sails portrait 17](https://www.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/frederikbillebrahe-carolinebrasch-kitchen-copenhagen-reform-match-cabinets-7-800x800.jpg)
Now Trending: Seashells in Interiors, 12 Ways
![repurposed sailboat sails liv enqvist in love banner felt shop](https://www.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/liv-enqvist-in-love-banner-felt-shop-800x800.png)
Red and White All Over: 12 Favorite Finds for Summer
Error: No connected account.
Please go to the Instagram Feed settings page to connect an account.
Join the Remodelista Family of Websites
Become a member at no charge.
When you register as a free Member of the Remodelista family of websites (Remodelista, Gardenista, and The Organized Home), you gain access to all current posts plus 10 archived posts per month, our internal bookmarking tool, and the community bulletin board.
Member benefits include:
- Access to all posts published in the past year
- Access 10 archived posts (older than one year) per month on each site
- Use of our internal bookmark tool, so you can save products, posts, and other pages for quick reference
- Access to our community bulletin board so you can ask and answer design-related questions
- Unlimited access to the Product Catalogs, Design Travel sources, and Architect & Designer Directory listings
- Choose from our ten newsletters to keep up with the latest on the sites
Or Subscribe for Maximum Value!
For $5/month ($59.99 paid annually) you'll enjoy unlimited, ad-free access to Remodelista, Gardenista, and The Organized Home and all the benefits of Membership.
Subscriber benefits include:
- Unlimited access to all three sites
- Weekly access to subscriber-only content
- Ad-free browsing environment
- Unrestricted access to 30,000+ archived posts
- Receive the full-text daily newsletters
- All features that Members have access to
- Annual subscribers pay 50% off the monthly subscription price of $9.99
Subscribe to the Remodelista family of websites
Sorry as a registered member you get 10 free posts from our archive (posts more than a year old) every 30 days. you have reached your limit for this 30-day period. if you would like to access unlimited posts from the archive (ad free, too), become a subscriber today, and keep reading as many articles as you want., full access individual subscription.
Benefits include:
- Unlimited access to Remodelista, Gardenista, and The Organized Home sites
- Annual subscribers pay just 50% off the monthly subscription price of $9.99
Sorry! You have reached your limit of three (3) free posts from our archive every 30 days. You can increase this to 10 posts by joining as a free Member, or read unlimited posts with no ads by becoming a paid Subscriber.
Login to your account, lost your password.
![](http://gu.isilkul.online/777/templates/cheerup/res/banner1.jpg)
Create your account
Already have an account?
No worries, we will email you reset instructions!
Already have password reset code?
Reset your password?
You should receive an email with your password reset code - please enter it below, along with your new password. The email will be from [email protected] - please check your spam or junk folders if you don’t see it.
- Change Password
Manage Newsletters
Stay current with the latest posts from Remodelista each day – in their entirety.
Stay current with the latest posts from Gardenista each day – in their entirety.
Get excerpts of the latest content delivered each morning.
Get excerpts of the latest Gardenista content delivered each morning.
Twice-a-week notices of our latest tips and inspiration to improve your home organization and storage strategies.
Our Monday digest of helpful ideas and inspiration to improve your dream kitchen or bath.
Ideas to update and improve your outdoor space with hardscaping elements. Delivered Mondays.
A Wednesday round-up of our favorite new products for the home
Never miss a fabulous garden or ideas on how to design your own. Delivered Wednesdays.
Remodeling and renovation tips and ideas for projects big and small. Delivered Fridays.
Our Friday guides to making each plant look its best in your garden.
Shops, hotels, restaurants and points of interest for the home and garden obsessed on the go. Delivered Saturdays.
Congratulations on becoming a Subscriber to Remodelista, Gardenista and The Organized Home! You now have access to many great features across the sites:
- Receive any of the newsletters, including the the full-text daily Remodelista and Gardenista newsletters
Congratulations on joining as a free Member of Remodelista, Gardenista and The Organized Home! You now have access to many great features across the sites:
If at any time you want to become a Subscriber and enjoy unlimited, ad-free access to all our content, just go to the My Account link and choose Subscribe.
- Edit Email Edit Email
- Manage Subscription Manage Subscription
- Subscribe Subscribe
- Change Plan Change Plan
- Edit Email Manage Newsletters
- Bookmark Bookmarks
- Log Out Logout
- BOAT OF THE YEAR
- Newsletters
- Sailboat Reviews
- Boating Safety
- Sails and Rigging
- Maintenance
- Sailing Totem
- Sailor & Galley
- Living Aboard
- Destinations
- Gear & Electronics
- Charter Resources
- Ultimate Boating Giveaway
![repurposed sailboat sails Cruising World Logo](https://www.cruisingworld.com/uploads/2022/02/100-cruisingworld-logo-2022.jpg)
Upcycling Your Sails
- By Heather Francis
- Updated: March 14, 2016
![repurposed sailboat sails recycling sails](https://www.cruisingworld.com/uploads/2021/09/sun_shades_3-1024x768.jpg)
Upcycling is a bit of a buzzword these days, but the concept is nothing new to the cruising sailor. While traditional recycling involves breaking down used products to create new raw materials (think old water bottles made into a new fleece vest), upcycling refers to the creative reuse of an item without so much processing (more along the lines of a table made from an old door). To make it on the open ocean, you have to be creative and frugal. When time, space and resources are all under limitations, it is the “waste not, want not” attitude that often wins. We put the theory into practice after blowing out our mainsail, and before all was said and done, we had plenty of nifty new items — a boom tent, bug screen and tote bags — to show for it.
We ripped our main one dark and rainy night while heaved to off the Pacific island of Niue, waiting for enough light to make a safe approach. We jibed and I heard a soft tearing sound, like someone pulling apart well-worn Velcro. When I looked up, I found a small piece of the main hanging from the headboard, attached to the rest of the sail by only the leech line. It had ripped from leech to luff above the third reef point, and there was nothing to do but stow it until we were safely in port the next day. After we checked in, cleaned up and had a hot meal, I dug out my sewing machine and tackled the repair. I was able to fashion a patch out of Sunbrella, and our deeply scarred sail carried us another four months and 1,500 nautical miles until we stopped in Fiji for the season. Although my Band-Aid solution worked, it was obvious that it wasn’t a permanent fix; a new mainsail was definitely on the Christmas list.
After we trialed our new main to make sure it fit properly, I looked for a spot to store the old one, planning to keep the damaged sail as an emergency backup. All I found was the settee in the main saloon. Keeping it as a spare was not an option. The majority of the sail was in good condition; in fact, besides the patch job, there was very little wear. As I sat looking at the great heap of sail that threatened to take over the cabin, it occurred to me that it had already been upcycled; a sailmaker had cut down and customized a much larger sail for the previous owner. It seemed like a waste to throw away all that sailcloth just because we didn’t have space to store it. My mind began to churn with possibilities. If it was no longer a sail, what could it be turned into?
At the time we were on the hard for the cyclone season, and I was living aboard. The season is full of glaringly sunny days punctuated with heavy rainfall. Without the cooling insulation of water surrounding the keel, the cabin was hot and humid. When it rained, I spent my days cooped up inside, all the hatches dogged and the air fetid and still. Enough material sat in front of me to sew a boom tent and an awning for the foredeck. I would have shade from the sun, and only during the heaviest rainfall would I have to close the hatches. Life on the hard was starting to look a little easier.
Sails, like all equipment, eventually need to be replaced, but major damage doesn’t have to take the wind out of your sails forever. With a little imagination, not only can you get a return on your investment, but, more important, you can save most of the material from ending up in the landfill. Next time you’re ready to change out your old sails, consider giving them a second chance by sewing new life into them.
Made for the Shade
A boom tent is a basic rectangle, an easy project to start with. Here’s how I went about it:
- To determine the width of the boom tent, I measured the distance between the center of the boom and the bottom wire on the lifelines and multiplied by two. The length was simply the length of the boom itself. We have an aluminum toerail that I planned to use to tie and tension the tent once I laid it over the boom, but I needed strong points in the boom tent to attach the tie-downs.
- Starting from the tack, I measured the needed length along the luff of the sail. By incorporating the grommets that were at regular intervals along the luff (and removing the slugs), I already had strong points on one side of the boom tent to use for tie-downs.
- I measured the width of the tent out from the luff and marked a dot every foot or so. By connecting the dots with a straight edge, I had a cut mark for the other side of the tent.
- After double-checking my measurements, I made the cut and hemmed the raw edge. This particular sail had a fairly flat cut, so I simply used the foot of the sail as the other short end, with the added bonus that the large grommet at the tack worked as a strong tie-down point.
- I now had three edges of my big rectangle complete. The clew had too much reinforcement to do much with (quite heavy and near impossible to sew), so I cut it off, effectively squaring off the fourth side.
- Instead of installing new grommets for tie-downs along this newly cut side, I simply cut off another length of luff from higher up on the sail, making sure the strip was wide enough that it would overlap by a few inches, and sewed it right along the edge, running three lines of stitches for strength and durability.
Playing the Angles
The awning for the foredeck was more of a triangle than a rectangle, but the theory was all the same. I planned to use the spinnaker pole as the support, and I needed tie-downs at the two outboard edges, as well as one fore and one aft on the centerline.
- Instead of working from a straight edge, this time I measured out from the center, drawing a capital I that was as tall as I wanted my awning long. This would be the centerline that ran along the pole.
- I measured and drew the top and bottom lines to the correct lengths, and then connected the four corners to create the outline of the awning.
- Since this was a much smaller piece of material, the tie-down attachments didn’t need to be quite as robust; a loop of strong webbing, well sewn at the corners, would be good enough.
![repurposed sailboat sails recycling sails](https://www.cruisingworld.com/uploads/2021/09/shopping_bags-1024x768.jpg)
We had been sleeping with a standard off-the-shelf mosquito net draped over the V-berth, but it wasn’t quite the right size. No matter how much tape I used to stick it up, the net came falling down after a few nights of tossing and turning. Instead of surrounding us with netting, I wanted to build a wall that enclosed the whole V-berth. It would have screen windows for airflow and a zipped door like a tent for easy access. Patterning and cutting the sailcloth was no problem, as I already had experience with dinghy chaps and the dodger/ bimini, but fitting the windows and zipper door so they fit tightly enough was a bit more challenging.
So I did what we all seem to do these days: I went online and watched a couple of how-to videos. I discovered the secret to sewing flawless windows in any project, and it made the whole endeavor much easier. The trick is to mark, tack and sew the screen and zipper on before making the cutout for the opening. It took a lot of double-sided tape; the sailcloth was just too heavy for pins, and tape kept everything in place as I moved it between my work surface and the sewing machine. After everything was sewn in place, I carefully cut the opening, being sure not to cut or tear the screen. The zipper door went in the same way, just with the extra layer of the two-way zipper between the screen and the facing. The result was neat and professional. To hang my new screen-and-sailcloth wall, I screwed awning track to the cabin top and attached two lines to the hatch above. The screen takes less than five minutes to put up, rolls away for storage when not needed, and makes for a comfortable night’s sleep in even the buggiest anchorages.
While the sewing machine was hot, I whipped up a storage bag for the dinghy, both for the offseason and to protect it when we store it on passage, rolled up and strapped down with ratchet straps.
Tools For the Job
Most industrial-strength sewing machines with a walking foot can handle sailcloth and other heavy fabrics. Sailrite, Juki and Adler machines are popular options, as are older Pfaff and Singer models. The sewing machine you choose will depend on your budget, the projects you have in mind, and your available storage space. According to Sailrite’s Matt Grant, a straight stitch is strong enough for sailcovers and boom tents, but a zigzag stitch is important if you also plan to mend sails, as it distributes the stress better across overlapping seams.
Sun exposure for a given project will inform your choice of thread. “We use a 200-denier PTFE or Teflon thread because it’s impervious to UV or any chemicals, and lasts the life of the fabric or even longer,” says Mark Hood of Hood Marine Canvas and Training. V-92 polyester thread is also a good option, adds Grant. Jeff Serrie of Island Marine Canvas notes that nylon thread is less expensive, but should be reserved for interior upholstery projects that won’t have any UV exposure.
You’ll need a sharp-point needle in the 20- to 23-gauge range to punch through sailcloth. Increase the gauge if you’re planning to sew through more than a few layers. Serrie says you should use a heavier thread and increase the tension on your sewing machine when switching to a larger needle.
Sailcloth is tough stuff, so you’ll need a large, sharp pair of scissors to cut patterns. To get through multiple layers and reinforced panels, try a razor blade.
For over a decade Heather Francis traveled the world working on boats. She and her partner, Steve, have been sailing their Newport 41, Kate, full time since 2008. They are currently in the Solomon Islands. To follow their adventures, visit yachtkate.com.
- More: DIY , DIY Sailboat Projects , How To , sails , sails and rigging
- More How To
![repurposed sailboat sails NLGI No. 2](https://www.cruisingworld.com/uploads/2024/08/090622_005-300x225.jpg)
Grease the Wheels of Your Boat: A Guide to Proper Lubrication
![repurposed sailboat sails Chris Neely](https://www.cruisingworld.com/uploads/2024/08/CRW1222_HOS1_01_edit-300x225.jpg)
A Bowsprit Reborn: A DIY Renovation Story
![repurposed sailboat sails Insulator inspection](https://www.cruisingworld.com/uploads/2024/08/insulator-inspection-Nov-23-300x225.jpg)
Rigging Redo: Our Switch to Synthetic
![repurposed sailboat sails Wire stripper](https://www.cruisingworld.com/uploads/2024/08/070324_003_edit-300x225.jpg)
Top Tools for Sailboat Cruising: Must-Have Gear for 2024
![repurposed sailboat sails marine iguana](https://www.cruisingworld.com/uploads/2024/08/CRW1222_FEA4_04_edit-768x576.jpg)
Galápagos: A Paradise Worth the Paperwork
![repurposed sailboat sails Frenchman Philippe Jeantot](https://www.cruisingworld.com/uploads/2024/08/OffWatch-768x576.jpg)
Around Alone
![repurposed sailboat sails NLGI No. 2](https://www.cruisingworld.com/uploads/2024/08/090622_005-768x576.jpg)
- Digital Edition
- Customer Service
- Privacy Policy
- Terms of Use
- Email Newsletters
- Cruising World
- Sailing World
- Salt Water Sportsman
- Sport Fishing
- Wakeboarding
![repurposed sailboat sails](https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CMAF_Scuttlebutt_Banner_v3.jpg)
Published on June 27th, 2024 | by Assoc Editor
Reuse, repurpose, recycle old sails
Published on June 27th, 2024 by Assoc Editor -->
Despite their exceptional durability and UV protection, every sail reaches the end of its life cycle at some point. When this happens, consider your options to reuse, repurpose, and recycle your sails instead of simply throwing them away. These three terms, “reuse,” “repurpose,” and “recycle,” all represent a different approach for how you may bring new life to a well-used product. Quantum Sails Director of Sustainability, Lara Poljsak, explains the differences.
Recycling involves processing the product to extract some, or all, of the original materials and fibers, which can be used again to create something new. There are many options available to give your old sails new life. Below are a few avenues you can explore to determine what best fits your sails in their current condition and what is available to you in your area.
Reusing a sail means using it again as it was originally intended, a sail! This can mean that the sail is used again on the same boat with some maintenance to improve durability, on the same type of boat but at a lower competitive level, or on a different type of boat with a recut of the sail. If you are ready to get a new sail, but your old one is still usable, you may sell or donate it to a local yacht club, marina, or another sailor. – Full story
![repurposed sailboat sails](https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Scuttlebutt-Banner-Ad-TC.png)
Tags: Quantum Sails , recycling , sustainability
Related Posts
![repurposed sailboat sails](https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2024-08-02_08-31-33-290x166.jpg)
Sailmaker Merger: We are family →
![repurposed sailboat sails](https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024-07-31_11-01-16-290x166.jpg)
Giving second life to sailing waste →
![repurposed sailboat sails](https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2024-06-10_07-19-14-290x166.jpg)
World Sailing gets sustainability review →
![repurposed sailboat sails](https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2023-08-01_9-58-37-290x166.jpg)
Inside the tactical Mind →
© 2024 Scuttlebutt Sailing News. Inbox Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved. made by VSSL Agency .
- Privacy Statement
- Advertise With Us
Get Your Sailing News Fix!
Your download by email.
- Your Name...
- Your Email... *
- Phone This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
![repurposed sailboat sails repurposed sailboat sails](https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/wp-content/plugins/arscode-ninja-popups/themes/newtheme1/img/lock.png)
Our officially licensed NFL Collection has bags for all of life's adventures. Shop all 5 shapes, made from sustainable recycled sail cloth.
Shop All 32 Teams
Popular Destinations
- Customer Favorites
- New Arrivals
- Popular Pets
- Work & School
Curated for You
Sustainable sunflowers for fall, make a bold statement with sunflowers.
"It is stunning! The yellow sunflower set against the blue is a reminder of summer. It is the perfect size when flying; It holds everything I need & fits nicely under the seat." ~ Veronica N.
Shop Sunflower Collection
Your New Favorite Beach Bag
A tote with pockets to haul it all.
"Best beach bag ever! The bag has all of the pockets you could need and is really sturdy. It is my favorite bag that I'm sure will last for a long time." ~ Meredith K.
Shop Ogunquit Collection
New Crossbody Designs Released Weekly!
Bold designs that once sailed the seas.
"I wanted a Vintage Bag for so long and I would look and look and look. Then one day I saw this one online and my breath caught. I knew it was the one." ~ Marcy M.
Shop Vintage Collection
Vhagar Dragon Tote
Own a Piece of History
Sophisticated Style
Available in 5 colors, durable, sustainable, and lightweight. The Chebeague Crossbody Bag offers the perfect upscale on the go look for errands, nights out, travel, and everyday use.
Shop Chebeague Crossbody Bags
Sustainably Simple
We took the best parts of our fan-favorite handbags and distilled them into this pleasingly minimalistic design. Featuring shoulder-length handles, 6 interior pockets, and a magnetic closure, the Essential Handbag is perfect for "around town" or packing in your carry-on when you travel.
Shop Essential Handbags
Trending Now
At sea bags, recycled & sustainable are not afterthoughts—they are the cornerstones of our brand..
Made in the USA. Our materials are sourced as close to home as possible: Maine first, New England next, and USA—stopping there. We cut, assemble, and hand stitch our products right here on the coast of Maine, so you can be confident any purchase you make supports keeping manufacturing jobs in the USA.
Recycled Materials. All totes and accessories are made from 100% recycled content from recovered sails and sail cloth material. Since 1999, we have diverted over 1.5 million pounds of unusable or retired sail cloth from landfills.
Grounded in Community. A mainstay of the Sea Bags mission has been supporting causes that align with our sustainable, community-centric values. It's an honor to have partnered with and supported so many fantastic organizations making an impact in our local communities both in Maine and in the home ports of our 50 retail stores.
Q: Got Unwanted Stuff? If “Yes”, We Can Help!
Send details on contact form below>> or call us @ 720-615-0281 .
Register for Monthly Flyer on Inventory Deals
Upload pics, inventory lists, etc about your stuff:
“repurposing” Sailboat Sails VS Throwing them in the Landfill
In our quest for a more sustainable future, finding ways to “repurpose” Sailboat Sails and reuse materials that are typically thrown away is crucial. Sailboat Sails, are one such product that often ends up in landfills. However, with a bit of creativity and commitment to environmentally friendly practices, Sailboat Sails can be given a new lease on life. By “repurposing” Sailboat Sails you will keep the planet just a little bit cleaner.
If you have Sailboat Sails that would be a candidate for “repurposing”, we can help! Please send us details through the contact form on this page.
![repurposed sailboat sails](https://www.repurposedmaterialsinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/F216229E-BACE-41C8-9E94-2A9D021396E2-300x199.png)
Sailboat sails are typically made from materials such as Dacron, nylon, or polyester, which are not biodegradable. When these sails are discarded in landfills, they contribute to long-term environmental pollution, occupying valuable landfill space and potentially releasing harmful chemicals into the soil and water. Additionally, the production of new sails consumes significant energy and resources, further exacerbating environmental issues.
The Benefits of “repurposing” Sailboat Sails
- Environmentally Friendly : “repurposing” sailboat sails helps reduce the environmental impact associated with landfill waste. By finding new uses for these materials, we minimize waste and conserve resources, making it an environmentally friendly choice.
- Efficient Reuse : “repurposing” promotes the efficient reuse of existing materials, extending their lifecycle and reducing the need for new production. This approach aligns with sustainable practices by conserving resources and minimizing the demand for new materials.
- Cost-Effective : “repurposing” sailboat sails can save money by reducing disposal costs and providing inexpensive or free materials for new projects. This cost-effective approach benefits both individuals and businesses.
Creative Ways to “repurpose” Sailboat Sails
The durability and versatility of sailboat sails make them excellent candidates for “repurposing” in various innovative ways:
- Outdoor Shelters and Awnings : Sailboat sails can be repurposed into outdoor shelters, awnings, or canopies. Their strong, weather-resistant fabric provides excellent protection from the elements, making them ideal for camping, picnics, or backyard gatherings.
- Bags and Accessories : Sailboat sails can be transformed into durable and stylish bags, backpacks, or other accessories. Their unique material and history add a nautical touch to these items, making them both functional and fashionable.
- Furniture Covers and Cushions : The strong fabric of sailboat sails can be repurposed into furniture covers or cushions, perfect for outdoor furniture. Their durability ensures they will last through many seasons of use.
- Home Decor : Sailboat sails can be creatively used to make home decor items such as curtains, room dividers, or wall art. Their unique texture and patterns can add a coastal or nautical theme to any room.
Shipping & Terms of Service
Policy / Terms & Condition
877.282.USED(8733)
OR TEXT: 720.472.1874
![rpm-WEBSITE-logo2 ' title=](https://www.repurposedmaterialsinc.com/wp-content/uploads/rpm-WEBSITE-logo2-1.png)
1005 S 120th St, Lafayette, Colorado, US
QUICK LINKS
- Fort Mojave, AZ
- Lafayette, CO
- Newton Falls, OH
- Maquoketa, IA
- Waco, TX – Coming Soon
- Williston, SC
- 877.282.8733 (English)
- 720.856.0511 (Español)
- Text 720.472.1874
- Join Our Newsletter
- gotSTUFF? We Buy/Sell/Trade
© 2024 repurposedMATERIALS | Terms of Service & Privacy Policy
- user Sign in
![repurposed sailboat sails](https://www.727sailbags.com/img/l/1.jpg)
10% OFF your first order | CODE: Welcome10
![repurposed sailboat sails Recycled Sailbags | 727 Sailbags](https://www.727sailbags.com/us/c/147-category_header/bags.jpg)
Are you dreaming of a bag that combines style, durability, and sustainability? Embark on a unique journey with 727 Sailbags' bag collections, crafted from recycled boat sails and exquisite craftsmanship. Each sail tells a story, and 727 Sailbags invites you to explore this narrative through their chic, minimalist pieces made exclusively from 100% recycled boat sails.
Sailbags: Eco-Friendly Elegance Crafted from Recycled Boat Sails
Renowned for their resistance to the elements, recycled boat sails seamlessly blend with noble materials like leather and linen. From totes to clutches, handbags to travel bags and backpacks, our sailbags cater to every occasion. Whether you're carrying everything you need or just the essentials, our range of small, medium, or large sailbags accompanies you everywhere, making a statement at every event.
A Personalized Touch to Sustainable Fashion
Our eco-friendly recycled sailbag make the perfect gift! For a loved one, newly weds, a graduation or a birthday, a sailbag is sure to make a statement and be a gift that be cherished for years to come. Browse our large collection of bags to find the perfect fit: including the Legend handbag for quick errans, the Wally backpack for weekend adventures and the Carla travel bag for weekend getaways.
Recycled Sailbags: Inspired by the Sea, Crafted in France
Feel the wind from Brittany in our collection of recycled sail bags! From our creative workshop in Lorient (Brittany, France) we collect and repurpose sails from skippers, sailboats, and boaters, giving them a new life beyond the sea spray. Sailors are our first customers: they love exchanging their favorite sails to receive in return beautiful handbags and backpacks made from their sails, filled with meaningfull memories.
More than just a bag, 727 Sailbags offers you a story: unique pieces born from a desire for challenges, sustainability, great travels and cherishing memories.
Free shipping on all orders over $75
![repurposed sailboat sails casco-totes-logo](https://cascototes.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/casco-totes-logo.png)
207.869.5282
![repurposed sailboat sails repurposed sailboat sails](https://cascototes.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/pine-tree-casco-totes-bg-img.png)
Helping to Heal Lewiston-Auburn one bag at a time.
All proceeds will be donated to the lewiston auburn area response fund, explore our casco totes collections.
- Cutter Tote
- Crew Duffel
What Our Clients Say!
Recycle your sail with us.
Each Casco Tote is built from a recycled sail, so every bag is a one of a kind creation. We add a water resistant bottom, ample shoulder straps, and a matching zippered top.
Our sail loft in South Freeport, Maine is where all our bags are produced. We use the same machines, thread and hardware as we would on new sails.
Our Recycled Sail Totes & Bags Blog
10 versatile ways to use your reusable tote bags, 5 most fall favorite recycled sail cloth bags for 2023, 2022 holiday gift ideas for everyone on your list, learn about the coolest casco totes collection in your inbox.
A weekly newsletter telling you about the coolest Casco Totes products
31 Main St South Freeport, ME 04078
- Bags & Totes
- Accessories
- Privacy Policy
How Can We Help you?
NASA spacecraft captures 1st photo of its giant solar sail while tumbling in space
Don't worry, it's doing fine.
![repurposed sailboat sails A view of the Advanced Composite Solar Sail System](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/z3EhU8PjrqAD3wGshnVwBe-320-80.jpg)
On April 23, NASA launched a solar sail protype to orbit around our planet — a piece of technology that could very well revolutionize the way we think about spacecraft propulsion. Then, on Aug. 29, the agency confirmed this sail successfully unfurled itself in outer space. Yet, we still didn't have official photographic evidence of this for some time.
Now, as of Sept. 5, we indeed do. NASA has released the first image of the open solar sail , formally called the Advanced Composite Solar Sail System, and stated that the spacecraft from which the sail was released will continue to send back more footage and data as time goes on.
The image itself may seem a little confusing to make heads or tails of, and that's due in part to the fact that the spacecraft has been slowly tumbling in space. The tumble is happening because, as NASA explains in a statement , the spacecraft didn't undergo any attitude control post-deployment. This behavior is therefore expected, the team says. Operators will implement attitude control and stabilize the spacecraft after collecting enough data to paint a picture of how the sail and the composite booms holding it together are doing. Hopefully, we'll get some easier-to-decode images after stability is achieved. But, in the meantime, let's talk about what we can actually see in this image.
As NASA says in the statement, it's important to first remember there are four wide-angle cameras in the center of the spacecraft anchoring the sail.
Near the bottom of the image, one camera view shows the "reflective sail quadrants supported by composite booms" while at the top of the photo, we can see the back surface of one of the craft's solar panels. Most spacecraft are lined with solar panels because that's how they power themselves up: with sunlight.
"The five sets of markings on the booms close to the spacecraft are reference markers to indicate full extension of the sail," the statement says. "The booms are mounted at right angles, and the solar panel is rectangular, but appear distorted because of the wide-angle camera field of view."
Related: NASA's solar sail successfully spreads its wings in space
Get the Space.com Newsletter
Breaking space news, the latest updates on rocket launches, skywatching events and more!
![repurposed sailboat sails a square sail-like spacecraft above earth, with the sun distantly visible](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/8aHhTe4MGPJU9F9Gxnpom9-320-80.jpg)
The success so far of this mission is pretty awesome because solar sail technology is an incredibly impressive concept both in practice and in theory. Basically, it takes advantage of how photons, which are light particles, have the ability to impart pressure on an object despite being massless.
A solar sail looks like a flat sheet of material (not unlike a normal sail) and it can get quite large. In the case of NASA's Advanced Composite Solar Sail System, the sail is pretty much a square half the size of a tennis court at approximately 860 square feet (80 square meters). Most importantly, these sails can hypothetically be attached to spacecraft of any sort while sunlight particles beat down on their material.
Thus, like a sailboat on Earth is a vehicle propelled by the pressure of wind hitting its sail, a solar-sail-craft in space is one propelled by the pressure of sunlight hitting its sail. Not only would this mean a solar-sailing spacecraft can cut down on fuel necessities, but, theoretically, it should be able to reach very high speeds because it can attain fuel-less acceleration on an indefinite timescale.
— Watch NASA unfurl basketball-court-sized solar sail for deep space propulsion (video)
— Rocket Lab launches new NASA solar sail tech to orbit (video, photos)
— We finally know why Astrobotic's private Peregrine moon lander failed
However, the story can't reach such an epic finale without chapter one — and that's sort of where we are. Well, maybe chapter two or three because this new solar sail system isn't the first to be launched. The Japanese spacecraft Ikaros is responsible for the first successful solar sail deployment in 2010, and there have been a handful of other solar-sailing adventure attempts since then.
Still, the Advanced Composite Solar Sail System will make its mark in propulsion history. The next step for the team (after stabilizing the spacecraft and analyzing its flight dynamics) is to begin maneuvering the spacecraft in orbit. Meanwhile, you can try spotting the sail for yourself, in a fun turn of events. Ironically, the spacecraft's unstable trajectory right now makes it nice and shiny for anyone hoping to catch a glimpse it zooming across the night sky.
Join our Space Forums to keep talking space on the latest missions, night sky and more! And if you have a news tip, correction or comment, let us know at: [email protected].
Monisha Ravisetti is Space.com's Astronomy Editor. She covers black holes, star explosions, gravitational waves, exoplanet discoveries and other enigmas hidden across the fabric of space and time. Previously, she was a science writer at CNET, and before that, reported for The Academic Times. Prior to becoming a writer, she was an immunology researcher at Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York. She graduated from New York University in 2018 with a B.A. in philosophy, physics and chemistry. She spends too much time playing online chess. Her favorite planet is Earth.
'Unbreakable' quantum communication closer to reality thanks to new, exceptionally bright photons
Boom Supersonic's XB-1 prototype aces 2nd test flight (photos)
'No Man's Sky' receives fishing, diving, and exo-skiffs via 'Aquarius' update (video)
Most Popular
- 2 NASA astronauts can't wear Boeing Starliner spacesuits in SpaceX's Dragon. Here's why
- 3 Used SpaceX rocket launches 7,001st Starlink satellites (and 20 others), lands at sea (video)
- 4 Meet Phaethon, a weird asteroid that thinks it's a comet – our new research may explain what's going on
- 5 The Andromeda Galaxy glows rosy red in gorgeous new Hubble Telescope image
- Cocktail of the Week
- Artist of the Week
- Movers & Shakers
- Fashion & Beauty
- Bachelor Nation
- Elevated Experiences
- Work With Us
- Advertise With Us
![repurposed sailboat sails (Image: Megan Murnane / Seattle Refined)](https://seattlerefined.com/resources/media2/16x9/3388/986/20x0/90/19d2546b-a61f-4d2f-ab20-6026edcd08c5-Screenshot20240830at10.37.25AM.png)
Learning to sail is a breeze with Sail Sand Point on Lake Washington
![repurposed sailboat sails (Image: Megan Murnane / Seattle Refined)](https://seattlerefined.com/resources/media2/16x9/3409/648/7x0/90/fc532321-d0ca-4e4b-b32e-9dce588d441c-Screenshot20240830at10.37.12AM.png)
It's hard not to smile when you step aboard a boat. The water, the breeze — it inspires a sense of joy.
And just about anyone can experience the magic of sailing at Sail Sand Point .
"Sail Sand Point is a 501c3 non-profit community sailing center. We have a mission of making sailing and small boats accessible to people of all ages, background and abilities," said Seth Muir, executive director of Sail Sand Point.
Located in Magnuson Park, on the north end of Lake Washington, Sail Sand Point offers a myriad of different programs, from youth camps to racing teams, rentals to boat storage. They also work with 25 different community partners to get as many folks as possible out on the water.
"All of this is done at the lowest cost in Seattle," said Muir. "There's an opportunity to trade volunteer hours for any of our services. We give away $50,000 in scholarships every year. So, there's no reason why anyone who wants to learn how to sail and get involved in what I believe is the best game in town can't do it here."
One of Sail Sand Point's most popular offerings is its Adult 101 class. It's designed for nautical newbies, like me, to learn the basics.
"Usually, in two days, somebody can learn how to sail, and in as little as two hours, if they're experienced and have some water skills. The concepts you're going to learn are pretty simple. With good equipment, some patience and some balance, anyone can learn how to sail," said Muir.
During my visit, I headed out on the water with Nora Gallogly, the sailing director at Sail Sand Point. A native of Rhode Island, Gallogly has worked on boats on both the east and west coast. She tells me the stretch of water where Sail Sand Point is located is perfectly suited for new sailors.
"The water gets warmer in the summer. It's a 70-degree water in the summer. The breeze likes to fill in during the afternoon from the north. So, it's a really consistent place, and it's just a really great community. We've got kids hanging out on the pier and lots of renters coming through. People like to come back," said Gallogly.
On our voyage, Gallogly did most of the heavy lifting, but I did help with steering a pair of maneuvers called tacks and jibes, where the sail switches sides, allowing the boat to move in a different direction. More than anything, though, what I noticed was just how peaceful it was on the water. The wind kicked up just in time to push us along the water at a steady clip.
Sailing is a sensory experience. It's relaxing and requires focus, and though I would certainly need to take some actual classes before feeling comfortable on my own, it wasn't hard to see why people fall in love with this sport.
"Sailing is empowering because you're operating a machine. Kids as young as eight years old will be sailing across the lake here. They're not going to be able to drive anything else for a very long time. So, there's that empowering sense of I can control this thing, but there's also so many dynamic factors that are out of your control," said Muir. "You need to be able to adjust and those soft skills, that adaptability, that flexibility, that problem solving, there's no other laboratory like a boat for developing those skills. And it's fun."
Click on the video above for more on my sailing experience and Sail Sand Point.
![repurposed sailboat sails site logo](https://seattlerefined.com/resources/assets/refsea/images/SRLogo_WebsiteFooter_V3_341x50.png)
- Do Not Sell or Share
- Cookie Preferences
NASA's newly unfurled solar sail has started 'tumbling' end-over-end in orbit, surprising observations show
A NASA spacecraft erected a large, foil solar sail in orbit around Earth last week, after a failed attempt days earlier. However, subsequent observations of the spacecraft show it is "tumbling or wobbling" through space, which may have also impacted its trajectory around our planet.
![repurposed sailboat sails An artist's interpretation of a shiny silver solar sail in space above Earth](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/CpZETagijuR7CuXdGjVKmh-320-80.jpg)
A NASA spacecraft that recently unfurled a state-of-the-art solar sail in Earth orbit is "tumbling or wobbling" through space as it circles our planet, new observations show. NASA representatives told Live Science that the unusual motion was expected but did not explain exactly what is happening.
The Advanced Composite Solar Sail System (ACS3) mission aims to test the efficacy of a new type of solar sail — a device potentially capable of propelling spaceships to faster-than-currently-available speeds using radiation pressure exerted by sunlight. Researchers hope that this type of technology could one day help propel humans to the edge of the solar system and beyond.
The ACS3 spacecraft consists of a roughly 860-square-foot (80 square meters) foil sail that, until recently, was tightly folded up within a microwave oven-size satellite, known as a CubeSat. The sail deploys from the small box using a novel series of folding booms, which are made from a new composite material that is 75% lighter and more resistant to solar radiation than the frames used in previous solar sails deployed by Russia, Japan, NASA and other private companies.
ACS3 was successfully launched into space on April 23 on board a Rocket Labs Electron Rocket that lifted off from the private company's launch pad in New Zealand. The CubeSat was positioned in a low-Earth orbit around 600 miles (965 kilometers) above our planet's surface, where it remained until scientists carried out the necessary preparations for the sail to be deployed.
The ACS3 team first attempted to unfurl the sail on Aug. 26 but abandoned the roughly 25-minute-long procedure after an "onboard power monitor detected higher-than-expected motor currents," Gizmodo previously reported . After addressing the issue, the sail was fully unfurled on Aug. 29, according to a statement from mission scientists at NASA's Ames Research Center in Silicon Valley, California.
Related: 'Catastrophic' SpaceX Starship explosion tore a hole in the atmosphere last year in 1st-of-its-kind event, Russian scientists reveal
![repurposed sailboat sails A photo of the night sky with a streak of light circled](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/T7RE3tsjUFErE7RLzLk7kh-320-80.jpg)
Initial photos of the spacecraft from Earth — including a timelapse image of the sail streaking across the night sky above the Netherlands, taken by multidisciplinary scientist Marco Langbroek — confirmed that the sail had properly deployed. But soon after, observers began to notice something unusual.
Sign up for the Live Science daily newsletter now
Get the world’s most fascinating discoveries delivered straight to your inbox.
On Sunday (Sept. 1), Langbroek, who is currently a lecturer in space situational awareness at the Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, shared video footage of ACS3 repeatedly dimming and brightening as it passed over a satellite tracking station near Leiden. In an associated blog post , the researcher explained that the object went from being as bright as some of the brightest stars in the sky to being barely visible.
A video of the solar sail dramatically brightening over a 30-second period on Sept. 1 was also posted on X by user "mickeywzk."
The changes in brightness "indicates [the spacecraft] is now slowly tumbling or wobbling, on a timespan of minutes," Langbroek told Live Science in an email on Monday (Sept. 2). The spacecraft's orbital eccentricity, or path around our planet, has also shifted slightly since Aug. 30, which could potentially be linked to the tumbling motion, he added.
Staff at satellite-tracking company s2a systems also noticed an inconsistency in a light curve of ACS3 captured from a telescope at the company's base in Switzerland on Aug. 29, which showed the spacecraft performing a possible "slow rotation." However, at this early stage, there was not enough evidence to fully support the wobbling hypothesis.
"We cannot directly confirm Dr. Langbroek's observations, but consider his conclusion to be quite plausible," s2a systems managing director Roger Spinner told Live Science in an email on Tuesday (Sept. 3).
On Wednesday (Sept. 4), NASA representatives confirmed to Live Science that the spacecraft is indeed spinning. "The spacecraft is currently tumbling as part of a planned sail deployment sequence," Jasmine Hopkins, a public affairs specialist for NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate, told Live Science via email.
NASA representatives didn't reveal any additional information about the tumbling motion or deployment sequence. However, Hopkins did note that the spacecraft's attitude control system (ACS) — a device controlling the orientation of a spacecraft relative to an inertial frame of reference — is currently offline.
— SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket grounded for 2nd time in 2 months following explosive landing failure
— Chinese rocket breaks apart after megaconstellation launch, creating cloud of space junk
— 20 satellites fall from sky after catastrophic SpaceX rocket failure
The ACS will be reengaged when the mission team is "satisfied with the tensioning of the sail," Hopkins added. But there was no indication of when this could be.
The solar sail could be visible to the naked eye as it passes across the night sky over the next few weeks — depending on how bright it is at the time.
If you want to try and see it for yourself, you can find a full list of potentially visible passes over the next 10 days on heavens-above.com (click the "all" button to see the list).
Harry is a U.K.-based senior staff writer at Live Science. He studied marine biology at the University of Exeter before training to become a journalist. He covers a wide range of topics including space exploration, planetary science, space weather, climate change, animal behavior, evolution and paleontology. His feature on the upcoming solar maximum was shortlisted in the "top scoop" category at the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) Awards for Excellence in 2023.
'Catastrophic' SpaceX Starship explosion tore a hole in the atmosphere last year in 1st-of-its-kind event, Russian scientists reveal
Scientists confirm that most of the universe is 'darkness and nothing more'
Over 40% of pet cats play fetch — but scientists aren't quite sure why
Most Popular
- 2 Massive helium reservoir in Minnesota could solve US shortage
- 3 Boat-ramming orcas may be using yachts as target practice toys, scientists suggest
- 4 Mysterious 'mustached' burial mounds in Kazakhstan date to the Middle Ages
- 5 Specialist 'carbon nanotube' AI chip built by Chinese scientists is 1st of its kind and '1,700 times more efficient' than Google's
![NASA NASA](https://futurism.com/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwordpress-assets.futurism.com%2F2024%2F09%2Fnasas-experimental-solar-sail-tumbling-orbit.jpg&w=2048&q=75)
NASA's Experimental Solar Sail Is Tumbling in Orbit
The agency claims it's all part of the plan..
A solar sail is designed to capture the tiny amounts of radiation pressure exerted by sunlight to propel a spacecraft to incredible speeds. The advantages are numerous: by acting like a sailing ship in space, a solar sail-powered spacecraft would be relatively simple in its construction and wouldn't rely on heavy and costly propellants.
That's why it was so exciting when NASA's Advanced Composite Solar Sail System (ACS3) mission was deployed to put the concept to the test. The microwave-sized CubeSa unfurled its 860-square-foot sail in a low-Earth orbit on August 29 after launching into space on April 23.
Whether it's working properly in the week since is an open question, though. As a NASA spokesperson conceded to Live Science , the diminutive spacecraft has subsequently begun "tumbling or wobbling" in orbit. Its fate remains unknown, as the motion was reportedly expected.
In a recent blog post , Delft University of Technology space situational awareness lecturer Marco Lanbroek detailed how he observed ACS3 repeatedly dimming and brightening from a satellite tracking station, suggesting it was "tumbling or gyrating."
"The brightness variation could be suggestive of a slow tumble or wobble (a gyration around an axis) that must have been initiated after August 29, when it appeared more steady," he wrote. "There might be other explanations though."
"It will be interesting to see whether it stabilizes again over the next days," Langbroek wrote.
Satellite tracker s2a systems corroborated Lanbroek's findings, noticing a possible "slow rotation."
"We cannot directly confirm Dr. Langbroek's observations, but consider his conclusion to be quite plausible," the Swiss company's managing director Roger Spinner — yes, that's really his name — told Live Science in an email.
NASA engineers, though, say it's all part of the plan.
"The spacecraft is currently tumbling as part of a planned sail deployment sequence," NASA public affairs specialist Jasmine Hopkins told Live Science .
Before it successfully unfurled its massive sail, ACS3 already encountered some difficulties. During an initial attempt, the sail paused after "onboard power monitor detected higher than expected motor currents," according to an August 26 NASA update . "Communications, power, and attitude control for the spacecraft all remain normal while mission managers work to understand and resolve the cause of the interruption by analyzing data from the spacecraft."
While ACS3 isn't from the first solar sail to be deployed in Earth's orbit, NASA is hoping to test an extremely light composite material that makes up the solar sail's folding booms.
By lowering the spacecraft's mass and making it more resistant to solar radiation, the agency is hoping to bring the concept of low-cost solar sail missions into deep space closer to reality.
More on solar sails: NASA Prepares to Unfurl Large Solar Sail From Spacecraft in Orbit
Share This Article
![repurposed sailboat sails repurposed sailboat sails](https://www.theregister.com/design_picker/ae01b183a707a7db8cd5f2c947715ed56d335138/graphics/std/user_icon_white_extents_16x16.png)
Special Features
Vendor voice.
NASA's solar sailing spacecraft is tumbling – but that's part of the plan
Who needs fuel – or even engines – when you could use the sun to push a spacecraft along.
NASA has announced its experimental ACS3 solar-sailing spacecraft is working as expected, after it was spotted tumbling in the night sky.
The 80 m 2 (860 sq ft) Advanced Composite Solar Sail System (ACS3) successfully spread its sails last week. The spacecraft uses pressure produced by solar radiation to move – doing away with conventional rocket propellant. NASA is testing the sail in the hope that its design, and the materials used, are viable for future vessels.
As the boffins put it:
NASA's Advanced Composite Solar Sail System, or ACS3, technology demonstration uses composite materials – or a combination of materials with different properties – in its novel, lightweight booms that deploy from a CubeSat. Data obtained from ACS3 will guide the design of future larger-scale composite solar sail systems that could be used for space weather early warning satellites, near-Earth asteroid reconnaissance missions, or communications relays for crewed exploration missions.
Questions were raised this week after the instrument – which launched in April and is now in Earth's orbit – was observed to be slowly tumbling, gyrating, or wobbling.
NASA's Langley Research Center assured the public that's neither unusual nor worrying.
"Our Solar Sail System is sailing around Earth, slowly tumbling as expected while the mission team characterizes its boom and sails," the agency explained Thursday.
You can, we're told, track the craft from NASA's app .
![Engineers at NASA's Langley Research Center test deployment of the Advanced Composite Solar Sail System's solar sail. The unfurled solar sail is approximately 30 feet (about 9 meters) on a side. Since solar radiation pressure is small, the solar sail must be large to efficiently generate thrust. Engineers at NASA's Langley Research Center test deployment of the Advanced Composite Solar Sail System's solar sail. The unfurled solar sail is approximately 30 feet (about 9 meters) on a side. Since solar radiation pressure is small, the solar sail must be large to efficiently generate thrust](https://regmedia.co.uk/2024/09/06/nasa_acs3_factory.jpg?x=648&y=486&infer_y=1)
Engineers at NASA's Langley Research Center work on an unfurled Advanced Composite Solar Sail System's solar sail – Click to enlarge. Source: NASA
The first probe to use solar radiation pressure as a major means for orientation during flight was NASA's 1970s-era Mariner 10 , which caught sunlight on its solar panels and high-gain antenna. ACS3 is using vastly larger composite sails to do this – and hopefully far more efficiently.
- Bill Nye's bonkers LightSail spaceship unfurls solar sails at last
- I've seen things you people wouldn't believe. Spacecraft with graphene sails powered by starlight and lasers
- To infinity and beyond, with a swarm of tiny computers costing under $1K each
NASA is not alone in pursuing solar sails. Japan's JAXA managed a Venus flyby in 2010 using solar sails. And the Planetary Society executed an unfurling in 2019.
It's not ACS3's sails that are of most interest: the booms on which they hang are said to be "made from a polymer material that is flexible and reinforced with carbon fiber."
"This composite material can be rolled for compact stowage, but remains strong and lightweight when unrolled. It is also very stiff and resistant to bending and warping due to changes in temperature," according to NASA.
"The ACS3 technology demonstration will also test an innovative tape-spool boom extraction system designed to minimize jamming of the coiled booms during deployment."
Coiled components matter, because they mean items with large surface area can be packed into the small volume of spacecraft, making them easier to launch. ®
Narrower topics
- Hubble Space Telescope
- James Webb Space Telescope
- Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory
- Perseverance
- Solar System
- Square Kilometre Array
Broader topics
- Federal government of the United States
Send us news
Other stories you might like
Starliner's not-so-grand finale is a thump in the desert next week, to crew, or not to crew – that is the question facing boeing's stricken starliner, nasa pushes decision on bringing crew back in starliner to the end of august, the ultimate dual-use tool for cybersecurity.
NASA will fly Boeing Starliner crew home with SpaceX, Calamity Capsule deemed too risky
Nasa confirms who is flying and who is not on spacex crew dragon, before we put half a million broadband satellites in orbit, anyone want to consider environmental effects, do look up nasa unfurls massive shiny solar sail in orbit, nasa's billion-dollar launcher is behind schedule and burning cash, india delays planned space station and moon base by five years, in celebration of curiosity's successful landing on mars, report slams boeing and nasa over shoddy quality that's delayed sls blastoff.
![repurposed sailboat sails icon](https://www.theregister.com/design_picker/d518b499f8a6e2c65d4d8c49aca8299d54b03012/graphics/icon/vulture_white.png)
- Advertise with us
Our Websites
- The Next Platform
- Blocks and Files
Your Privacy
- Cookies Policy
- Privacy Policy
- Ts & Cs
![repurposed sailboat sails Situation Publishing](https://www.theregister.com/design_picker/d2e337b97204af4aa34dda04c4e5d56d954b216f/graphics/std/sitpublogo_2022.png)
Copyright. All rights reserved © 1998–2024
![repurposed sailboat sails no-js](https://www.theregister.com/Design/graphics/std/transparent_pixel.png)
![](http://gu.isilkul.online/777/templates/cheerup/res/banner1.jpg)
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
What To Do With Old Sails. June 24, 2024. Despite their exceptional durability and UV protection, every sail reaches the end of its life cycle at some point. When this happens, consider your options to reuse, repurpose, and recycle your sails instead of simply throwing them away. These three terms, "reuse," "repurpose," and "recycle," all ...
Many of our partners create lifestyle goods from old sails, from bags and deck chairs to interior pieces, whilst others make affordable, repurposed sailing parts. One of our latest partners is even exploring old sail fibres in new boat hulls!
Buy best-handcrafted Sail Bags in Annapolis at resails.com. We provide the best collection of sailing bags and more at the best prices.
Suddenly everywhere: products made from recycled sails. Here are 13 current favorites. Above: Among Dvelas's many offerings made from recycled sail canvas is the smartly deconstructed Fortuna Beach Chair, made from a strip of recovered sail. Above: The B7 Sail Cloth Lamp with White Leather Lacing is €334.27 from Birgit Øestergaard.
Check out our repurposed sail selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our totes shops.
Recycled Sailcloth Wine Tote bag made of repurposed sail, gift for sailor, nautical boat, velvet lined, liquor bottles, eco friendly, unique (41) $30.75
Upcycling is a bit of a buzzword these days, but the concept is nothing new to the cruising sailor. While traditional recycling involves breaking down used products to create new raw materials (think old water bottles made into a new fleece vest), upcycling refers to the creative reuse of an item without so much processing (more along the ...
Reuse, repurpose, recycle old sails. Published on June 27th, 2024. Despite their exceptional durability and UV protection, every sail reaches the end of its life cycle at some point. When this ...
Upcycled sail bags. Distinctive, durable bags handmade from repurposed sails in Sausalito, California. Shop elegant, utilitarian handbags, totes and accessories in leather and sailcloth.
Sea Bags® Totes & Accessories are handcrafted in Portland, Maine. Shop our designs made from recycled sail cloth. Our nautically-inspired bags are sustainably made in the USA.
The Benefits of "repurposing" Sailboat Sails Environmentally Friendly: "repurposing" sailboat sails helps reduce the environmental impact associated with landfill waste. By finding new uses for these materials, we minimize waste and conserve resources, making it an environmentally friendly choice.
Recycled Sailbags: Inspired by the Sea, Crafted in France Feel the wind from Brittany in our collection of recycled sail bags! From our creative workshop in Lorient (Brittany, France) we collect and repurpose sails from skippers, sailboats, and boaters, giving them a new life beyond the sea spray.
SAIL BAGS Truly the best beach/boat/travel bag on the market. Our durable kevlar bottom is unsurpassed in quality and functionality and will keep your things dry and clean. Browse our one of a kind handcrafted sail bags made from repurposed sailcloth to take on your next adventure! Proudly Made in Massachusetts.
Apr 2, 2023 - Explore Christine Yuhl Spaulding's board "Sail cloth recycled", followed by 162 people on Pinterest. See more ideas about sailing outfit, sail bag, recycled sailcloth.
Shop the exclusive Casco Totes collection to find a wide variety of Recycled Sail bags with unique designs. We have different Sailcloth bags collections including Daytote, Handbags, Crossbody, Duffel Bags, Weekenders and Wristlets.
Our mission in starting this business was to bring quality, functionality, and style to the recycled sail-bag market. Second Wind Sails' bags are made from repurposed Dacron and Kevlar sailcloth that are designed to be versatile, water resistant, and durable, and can be custom made to your specifications. We assemble each bag with the highest quality materials along with strict attention to ...
In the case of NASA's Advanced Composite Solar Sail System, the sail is pretty much a square half the size of a tennis court at approximately 860 square feet (80 square meters). Most importantly ...
We have a mission of making sailing and small boats accessible to people of all ages, background and abilities," said Seth Muir, executive director of Sail Sand Point. Located in Magnuson Park, on the north end of Lake Washington, Sail Sand Point offers a myriad of different programs, from youth camps to racing teams, rentals to boat storage.
Check out our recycled sail bags selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our totes shops.
A video of the solar sail dramatically brightening over a 30-second period on Sept. 1 was also posted on X by user "mickeywzk." This sped-up 30-second video clip taken on Sept. 1 shows ACS3 ...
Галерея "Sail", Moscow, Russia. 488 likes. Галерея-аукцион «SAIL»- проект, цель которого, это продажа современной живописи, где вырученные средства будут...
Nautical club "Under Sail", Moscow, Russia. 16,295 likes · 7 talking about this. Nautical club "UNDER SAIL" — путешествия на больших парусниках и яхтах.
Check out our repurposed sails selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our totes shops.
NASA has successfully extended into orbit an 80 m 2 (860 square foot) sail that is designed to catch emissions from the Sun and convert them into propulsion for space exploration.. The Advanced Composite Solar Sail System (ACS3) was launched on April 23 from New Zealand aboard Rocket Lab's Electron hardware and - after months of careful checking - was successfully unfurled at 1333 EDT ...
A solar sail is designed to capture the tiny amounts of radiation pressure exerted by sunlight to propel a spacecraft to incredible speeds. The advantages are numerous: by acting like a sailing ...
NASA has announced its experimental ACS3 solar-sailing spacecraft is working as expected, after it was spotted tumbling in the night sky. The 80 m 2 (860 sq ft) Advanced Composite Solar Sail System (ACS3) successfully spread its sails last week. The spacecraft uses pressure produced by solar radiation to move - doing away with conventional rocket propellant.
2.5M subscribers in the whatisthisthing community. For the identification of mysterious objects
Check out our recycled sail bag selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our totes shops.
In Photos: Scarlet Ships Sail Through St. Petersburg. Jun 25, 2023 - 07:48 pm. Residents of Russia's second-largest city St. Petersburg flocked to the banks of the Neva River on Saturday for the ...
Black and Sail. $100.00. This retro running shoe is ready for its revival. In 1977, Nike started what would become one of the most prominent running clubs in the country—Athletics West. The LD-1000 was released the same year, then recalled shortly after due to safety concerns with its dramatically flared heel. Phil Knight expected backlash ...