Wet sails--need to air dry?

[SSouris]

I have a CP23 that's just a couple years old.  It was delivered to me with Mack sails, including a furling foresail.  I was out in the rain the other day.  After sailing  I furled my foresail and put the mainsail cover on.  So the two sails were put away wet and they've been that way for a couple days now.    Is that OK or do I need to get back to the boat ASAP to hoist the sails and let them dry out?  I have the sails that came with the boat--nothing super fancy.

[brackish]

Water itself won't hurt your dacron sails, it does not penetrate the sail material  The covers are there to protect it from UV which will shorten the life of the sails.  If the boat is in an area where the sails will dry out on there own from sun load it is not imperative that you dry them.  That said, if they don't dry naturally in a reasonable time because of temp and humidity you might get some mildew that will be difficult to get off. Mine stay on the boat year round and have been put up wet a few times with no ill effects.

[Gerry]

Mildew and spiders are the problems.  If you live in a dry climate, you are okay.  If you live in a high humidity climate...dry those sails.

[SSouris]

Thanks to those of you who replied.  Very helpful!   I went out again 5 days later and to my surprise the mainsail was dry--no dripping water as I hoisted the main.  The furled foresail did show patches of moisture, however, as I pulled it out.  All dry now.  ~ SSouris