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Date Published: 16/03/2023

Mar Menor sailing groups share masterclass in boat cleaning ahead of spring race season

Washing and preparing a boat from the Mar Menor presents particular problems that other areas don’t have as the water is so warm

With the Sailing Mar Menor (SAMM) race season starting this weekend, on Sunday March 19, members of the Balaton boat share group have been working hard to get their three 6-metre Sailfish 18 boats race ready.

The project was led by group chairman Julian, helped by various members, Bob, Jurgen, Paddy, David, Jez, Willie and Rona, over the course of a week.

Starting with the boat ‘Sirocco’, they sailed her to Los Urrutias marina to be worked on. The first task was to lift her from the water and remove the weed and barnacle growth from the bottom of the hull.

“This is excessive in the Mar Menor,” says the Sailing Mar Menor group, “probably due to the higher water temperature, and it greatly reduces the hulls efficiency and boat speed.”

They went on to explain for all boat and sailing enthusiasts in the area the best way to fix such an issue.

“The easiest way to remove it is by a hot water jet wash as soon as the boat is lifted and before the encrustations dry out. Then, after being allowed to dry, a quick rub down and a fresh coat of anti-foul paint can be applied.”

In the case of the Sirocco, the upper hull and deck were then lightly sanded and repainted with epoxy marine paint and new decals applied. Finally, a check was made off all the rigging and ropes before she was returned to the water.

This was followed by similar work on both the ‘Vision’ before the first race day and ‘Ginetta’ soon afterwards.

“They should now all sail well and give the smaller dinghies a run for their money,” concluded the group.

Images: SAMM