When you look back in time to when the sailboat was the best transportation possible
, sail covers were needed to protect them from the blistering sun and below freezing temperatures. Harsh weather was on the seas and when a storm came sailors could use their cover to protect it from tears and from flying debris or even human error of operating around it. Sail covers today have been fashioned as to fit the certain mast that your boat has exactly. Technology has changed the way just about everything is made and has definitely improved there efficiency overall.
The more that technology moves forward, so too does the making of the sail covers, including the materials that are used. There are lighter materials that they use for the covers along with the manufacturers of the masts who have coordinated together to make them the exact size to protect it even more. This protection is much more effective when the materials are formed around the mast to fit snugly. One of the reasons that this is a requirement is the fact there the sail itself takes a beating when hoisted, and when it is in the sail cover that same weather will be beating on it and the snugness reduces that from happening.
Not only have the materials gotten stronger but the craftsmanship has improved dramatically along with it. The innovative ways that manufacturers are making them is definitely attributed to the technology that drives the world we live in today. The manufacturers have gone to great lengths to make a product that works better than the next guy and that is good for consumers. The variety of styles and colors to suit your boats are plentiful too. Not that you are out to make a fashion statement of on the high seas but it will give uniform color to your vessel of choice.
Although your sail could survive if you did not have it covered, most people that own boats have one for the fact that it will keep your expensive sail safe from the elements, plain and simple. Weathermen try to predict the weather the best they can but the weather has a mind of its own and the skies can open up at any time and a quality sail cover over your mast can prevent any weather damage at any point while on. Just keep in mind that answers can be found online about the steps to take to get the best sail cover for your vessel of choice.