Tips & tricksRigging sails without creases & folds

Manuel Vogel

 · 25.09.2025

After you have removed the boom, turn the sail top to windward (upwind)
Photo: Manuel Vogel
Wrinkles and creases in the mono film almost always only happen when rigging and de-rigging. In this life hack, we show you how to dismantle your sail without creases!

Flawlessly smooth mono film, if you want to enjoy the sight of your virgin sail, then you have to be quick, because the sail usually doesn't look so smart after the first session. Unsightly creases quickly appear in the mono film, especially when rigging, when you pull the mast out of the sail and it starts to flap in the wind.

But there is a trick you can use to at least minimise the problem. Here are the most important steps:

  1. Dismantling the boom
  2. Lay your board down with the tail to windward. Now turn the sail top to windward and push it under the nose of the board
  3. Remove the extension
  4. Pull the mast out of the mast sleeve with slight twisting movements
  5. Go to the sailsail stop and furl the sail from windward to leeward

Incidentally, this technique also works really well in strong winds and prevents the sail from flapping and flapping heavily when rigged. The result is significantly fewer creases and folds. In the picture gallery at the beginning of the article, we show you the most important key points of this life hack step by step.


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Manuel Vogel

Manuel Vogel

Editor surf

Manuel Vogel, born in 1981, lives in Kiel and learned to windsurf at the age of six at his father's surf school. In 1997, he completed his training as a windsurfing instructor and worked for over 15 years as a windsurfing instructor in various centers, at Kiel University sports and in the coaching team of the “Young Guns” freestyle camps. He has been part of the surf test team since 2003. After completing his teaching degree in 2013, he followed his heart and started as editor of surf magazine for the test and riding technique sections. Since 2021, he has also been active in wingfoiling - mainly at his home spots on the Baltic Sea or in the waves of Denmark.

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