I've got a set of x-Worrell sails (Key Sailing 1) that was probably from what? 1997 or 98? With the sailing the guy before me and that I've done I figure these sails have well over 2000 miles on them. I don't baby them either (because their shape is terrible). However, all the graphics on the mylar main and the dacron jib are still in fine shape. Since the jib advertises for another graphics company (other than mine!) I tried to remove it and it was such a pain in the butt that I left it. There's at least 5 years on these graphics and they're fine. Even my hull graphics (constructed of premium 9year outdoor vinyl) withstood my grinder/polisher and rubbing compound with no ill effects. The graphics were damaged when I got t-boned a couple of weeks ago by a H16 but he also took some gel-coat with him!

The vinyl used for both applications, hull or sail, should both be high quality (thinnest) vinyl. The rigidity and thickness of vinyl and respective durability and expense go hand in hand. On the sails you need the thinnest possible vinyl so it can accomodate the stitching and seams and the hulls need the thinnest possible so they will not trap water under a thick edge. Typically the higher quality vinyls with the highest quality adhesives are very, very thin (less than .05mm). Most banners, around here anyway, use cheaper thicker intermediate vinyl since the banner surface is very adhesive friendly and relatively smooth.