If you sail on the sea then at some time you will have to take your boat out of the water for maintenance. This laying up of the boat is a regular annual occurrence for many. Salt water can be corrosive to many of the fittings, spars and riggings on a boat so it is good practice to wash these all down with fresh water. Checks should be made to ensure these are all in good working order and show no signs of corrosion. When leaving over the winter then good air circulation should be encouraged through hatches and the boat fully supported so that air can circulate under the hull. If possible store the boat under cover but if not then a cover over the boat which drains water off should suffice. Any water that does get in the boat should be able to drain away. Any spars should be supported off and horizontal to the ground. Rigging should be inspected and any broken wires should be replaced. Time spent on this will pay dividends in the longer term