This boat is an '88 and seen its share of outdoor exposure. UV from the sun breaks down the comp tip material in the same way it does fiber glass over time. Notice older boats that have weathered/dull looking comp tips and you'll notice that when the main is downhauled the tip bend A LOT more than a new boat.

I don't know how the rules folks would feel about painting the tip to protect it. Some paints conduct electricity and the that would defeat the purpose of having the tip to begin with. I have a tip cover made of Sunbrella material that I slip over the tip when not in use.