Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.) The outer layer which forms the body and profile of the sail is made of stronger but flexible material (laminate proper) while the inner layer consists of more elastic fibers which can withstand . Finally, theres a layer called the scrim. ); and, in the case of an overlapping headsail, its chafe resistance. By the time France, England, and Spain began duking it on on the high-seas over naval supremacy, sailcloth had started being fashioned from weaving together flax fiber for a reliable and consistent hold. Discuss the pros and cons of each with your sailmaker before placing an order. High-quality weaving and finishing of the perfect combination of yards for the intended purpose, results in high performance with exceptional durability. Generally speaking, in terms of durability, most sailmakers assume that three to five years is a reasonable life span for laminated sails, though many have clients whove gotten many more years of service. You may ask, Why do I need to go faster? Stormlite is of a similar weight and finish to the equivalent Nylon spinnaker cloth but its Polyester weave gives it greater stability under load.Contender Sailcloth sailmakers and yachtsmen throughout the world, we have successfully developed a technologically sophisticated range of laminated sailcloths that meet the highest demands of modern sail design.Our ZigZag sailmakers and yachtsmen throughout the world, we have successfully developed a technologically sophisticated range of laminated sailcloth that meet the highest demands of modern sail design.Our ZigZag ZigZag reinforced Polyester laminate for the racing sailor SHOP . When producing this cloth, the fill is pre-tensioned in the weaving process, and each strand of yarn is kept relatively short, since the width of a roll of cloth measures, at most, 6 feet. Laminated sails include multiple components and different layers of material. At North, the Mylar film is still cut and glued together, but its then laid onto the mold, a huge articulating machine thats programmed to assume the same shape as the finished sail. Laminate Sail Tape . Foam . Sailmakers are, at heart, sailors themselves, and they love shooting the breeze about boats and sailing. A near endless number of weaves exist, including the "DCX" Dacron, "D4" Load Path, " Square" Sailcloth, and more. Life safe Sail Bandage. Laminated sails, though popular, are less common due to their higher cost. The difference lies in the way the sail will hold its profile as well as in the enhanced performance of your yacht. The most common material used in sails is also the most budget-friendly, known as "Dacron" within sailing communities, it's more often referred to as polyester by the rest of the world. regatta polyester aramid. Not only is polyester fiber one of the most resilient and affordable choices, but it also has the added benefit of featuring excellent flex strength. 3Di sails mimic the balanced load bearing and shape holding of a rigid airfoil wing. Never put sails into a chlorinated swimming pool to clean. . It is a top performer in terms of shape in paneled sails but the guys at the top are usually going through a suit every few events. Once the complete skin or membrane is cooked, its removed from the mold, and then the rest of the sails componentsbatten pockets, luff tape, numbers and lettering, headboard, and so onare incorporated into a finished product. Depending on the quality and there are many styles and qualities a sail made in polyester will generally be reliable and last a long time. The use of cotton as sail material had its advantages over flax and hemp, but not without its own set of unique drawbacks. -stability. Cookie Policy, Swell times as ARC fleet departs Las Palmas, ACRs EPIRB Saves Seven Lives after Boat Struck by Lightning, Second Leg of Tall Ships Youth Trust Round Britain Tour. The 2019 addition of Contender Finishing GmbH in Germany continues our hands-on approach to sailcloth manufacturing. The most popular sail materials are synthetic such as polyester and Kevlar. Today's composite materials have risen enormously in complexity, with entire lines of trademarked and patented custom fabrics and materials from businesses all around the world. For casual cruising, it's difficult to go wrong with good old Dacron. Do not use solvents or cleaning agents on sails without professional guidance. Different kind of laminates, but overall better than dacron in almost every respect. Understanding Laminate Sail Materials. It essentially involves stitching together horizontal panels of cloth that are stacked from the foot to the head. Laminated Fabric for Sail of Wind-Driven Engines FR2868752A1 (en) 2004-04-09: 2005-10-14: Pascal Francis Raymo Rossignol: COMPOSITE MATERIALS FOR THE CONFECTION OF SAILS AND SAILS PRODUCED WITH THIS TYPE OF MATERIALS WO2005102690A1 (en) 2004-04-09: 2005-11-03: Custom-Laminates-Manufacturing C.L.M. This makes it an optimal material for casual sailing (often called "cruising", or "cruise sailing") on a regular and ongoing basis. The ever-evolving technology in sailcloth and construction is fascinating, but at the end of the day, as with most transactions, buying sails is about forging relationships. Storm sails are made of thicker material compared to standard sails, as durability is the primary concern. Fairly transparent, medium weight. Colours: Blue, White, Red It also absorbs water readily and requires regular maintenance. Colours: White, Red, Dark blue 40 g/m. Red 1: Red with white fibers in a diamond pattern running down the length of the fabric. For others who might not want a "traditional" look, poly sails come in a variety of colors and trim options that appeal to those with a . Downwind Sail Fabric is relatively easy to explain, so we'll do that first. The batten cars on this sail keep it from binding in the luff track. They're also more resistant to pests, rot, and decay, which gives them a longer service life. High-tenacity fiber is superior for sails in every category, but it costs more, which is why theres a wide discrepancy in price between low-tenacity Dacron sailcloth and its high-quality counterpart. Even more variations of sails exist within the categories already mentioned, such as panelled sails which are a unique variety of laminate sail. They exclude delivery charges and customs duties and do not include additional charges for installation or activation options. Sheet Laminate - Formica. Our perfectionist level of control ensures the highest possible quality laminated materials. Membrane sails in the racing market have become commonplace. . Opaque, slightly heavy. Carbon fiber is notable for its extreme strength-to-weight ratio. Great repair tape. Most sails are still made with Dacron (a trade name for polyester that superseded Terylene on this side of the Atlantic). Organic sailcloth, once ubiquitous, is now extremely rare. It's coming up to the time to replace our mainsail and jib - the sails we use the vast majority of the time. Joe Cooper is a former sailmaker whos sailed and raced boats ranging from dinghies to Americas Cup contenders. Reviews Write a review. Im quite happy with my current boatspeed. Fair enough, but its nice to know that you can get up the river faster than the next man if you need to. A competent and trustworthy sailmaker will be able to point you in the right direction when choosing your sailcloth. A rotating creel unique to North Sails, it allows on-the-fly application of variable-angle x-scrims, enabling laminate constructions that cannot be copied elsewhere for an entirely new generation of scrim-style sails. . Deciding upon the right one usually depends on what type of sailboat you are using or your reason for sailing. It is not the most durable, stretch-resistant, or long-lasting sailcloth. Decks Material. Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. Laminated sailcloth is a recent addition to the market. All of these considerations factor into choosing the perfect sail for any given situation, with a multitude of fabrics, materials, and options to select from. Many are designed to provide resiliency from weather conditions that could include constant sunlight and wind abrasion, while still others offer optimal weight distribution and a greater degree of maneuverability. mesh. This is a combination of fibersmade entirely of Spectra, a Spectra/carbon blend, or consisting of other materialsdriven by the sails intended use. Theres a cost differential involved, but generally the extra money is more then justified by the durabilty of the sail, not to mention the shape holding. The magic of North Paneled Laminates is found in our Exact x-ply machine, which we introduced in 2014. Most of the used sail market consists of woven polyester, a material known for being affordable, durable, and reliable. As sails are used, they eventually tend to show signs of wear that include stretching in high load sections. 7. These early attempts at laminated sails proved to be unreliablethey were prone to break without noticeand were never used in competition. Today we control every aspect of the cloth manufacturing processes using our experience to ensure the highest quality products for both cruising and racing applications. Make your own sails and much more with high-performance sailcloth sold by the yard from Sailrite's excellent selection. Those in search of a long-lasting and durable product may find laminate sails to be their ideal option, despite the higher price point. On the other hand, the warpthe thread thats woven through the fillmight measure a couple of hundred feet in length. As a former sail consultant for Hood Sails, I know that when it comes to new sails, cost is a primary concern for many sailors. Storm sails are rarely used and often stored in damp places, conditions which rapidly deteriorate laminated and Kevlar sails. Sailcloth is made in different weights. . & reach your clients in one place, all year round, {{#each product.specData:i}} Fuel. NPC is the North Sails woven polyester product family. 7 Best Places To Liveaboard A Sailboat >>, Can You Live On A Sailboat Year Round? 3Di, a special North Sails material that's made of woven filaments. With over 30 years in sailcloth textile manufacture and design, Contender Sailcloth has inserted quality control into every step of the sailcloth production process. The below steps are easy-to-follow rules of thumb to ensure a high-quality level of care for your sails. It will also cover the pros and cons of each common sailcloth. The assembled skin is then chemically treated then we apply our proprietary carbon fiber structure tapes. However, serious offshore Cruisers often upgrade to laminated sails such as Kevlar, Pentax, and Dyneema. {{#each pushedProductsPlacement5}}, With NauticExpo you can: Find a nearby distributor or reseller| Contact the manufacturer to get a quote or a price | Examine product characteristics and technical specifications for major brands | View PDF catalogues and other online documentation. Although cotton would be able to maintain its shape better and keep less wind from getting through, it also tended to be extremely rigid and stiff which made it challenging to steer in harsh or windy conditions. If you are an ambitious cruising sailor and look for a low stretch material, then here is your straight forward answer: DimensionPolyants DCX cruising laminates have been developed with the aim of producing a high durability fabric. Different sailmaking styles and cloths are evident in this trio of racing and cruising boats under way. External Structural Skin Laminate and composite sails also typically maintain sail shape longer than polyester fabrics, which can improve how the sail functions with self-furling systems and other components. >>. PET, short for polyethylene terephthalate, is the number-one most common fiber used in the world of sailing today. Just cut, peel and stick. 3730 Sail Dr , New Port Richey, FL 34652-5761 is a single-family home listed for-sale at $259,900. Why is this important? Beneteau First 36.7 & 260 Minneapolis MN & Bayfield WI. Exhausted In Singapore, For All the Wrong Reasons, Sailing Totem: What To Do About Cell Phone Service When Traveling, Check Your Chainplates for Rust, Cracks and Fractures, Fatal Accident At Sea: It Could Happen To Anyone, Sailing Totem: When the Boat Kids Head to Land. I don't think my PRHF rating included sail material, just dimensions . Type: - POLYESTER After all, weve all missed a tide or been too late for last orders. Save 32% on the shop price when to subscribe for a year at just 39.95, Save 32% on the shop price when you subscribe for a year at just 39.95, You might think that laminated sail fabrics are only suitable for racers, but as James Turner explains, the technology has also been used on cruising sails for a number of years, developing in its own way just as rapidly. Historically, laminated sails of any construction method were usually replaced when the fibers delaminated from the film or the film itself broke down. Having a near Limitless abundance of cloths, materials, and state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques means that today's new and experienced sailors alike will thankfully not be limited when it comes to finding and selecting the perfect fabric and materials to complete their sailboat configuration. Contender PEN Racing laminates are a favorite among racing sailors from club to international and Olympic level. Price varies significantly between materials and manufacturing processes. Since the 1950s, the default material for cruising sails has been Dacron sailcloth. 7 Best Places To Liveaboard A Sailboat >>, Can You Live On A Sailboat Year Round? Developed for either the use as light upwind sails or as medium to heavy air reaching sail, the popularity of the once developed for offshore racing fabrics are now gaining in popularity in CZ Silver incorporates our proprietary non-reflective film to achieve a slicker, more flexible surface to facilitate roller furling. There are over a dozen types of sailcloth on the market today. Ocean Navigator December 21, 2011. For the VMG spinnakers. Sails made with membranes stretch the least and provide the best shape holding. But this added performance often comes with a higher price point. I have also been offered (by the same sailmaker) Dimension Polyant's Pro-Radial, which sounds like it is a very low stretch dacron when correctly used in a radial . Modern synthetic fibers make up the vast majority of sail fabrics in use today, and there are configurations tailored to every kind of sail and sailboat on the water. Kevlar is costly and worth considering for racing sailboats and offshore cruisers. Laminated sails were first introduced in the early 1970s. I have been offered Dimension Polyant's DCX laminate (that is either exactly what my current sails are made from, or it is the current available equivalent - not exactly sure). The ultimate laminate sail would be what are now called membrane or string sails. Bavaria Vision with triradial-cut cruise laminate sails. Available in cross-cut or radial constructions. Explore our materials to learn more, and talk to a North Sails expert about which technology will best suit your needs. It's durable, affordable, and extremely easy to work with. Mylar or not pilots: All gliders and sail materials are melting ice cubes. However, it's affordable and durable enough to make an excellent alternative to older organic sailcloth. Insignia Adhesive Backed Green 54" Fabric #104308. This is an example of what a laminate sail looks like. Sail Fabrics part two. Typically, older sailcloths were made of canvas, hemp, or other natural materials. SwellPro SplashDrone 4 Review (Is It Worth It?). The quality of the Dacron is governed by the tenacity of the yarn used and the tightness of the weave. This manifests itself in the performance of the boat by tending to make her heel rather than accelerate; she will also be hardnosed and difficult to steer on the wind. Individualization. Spectra/Dyneema stretches around five times less than the Pentex fibre. Same specifications as the Elite 33, stronger frame and chain. Spectra X-Film. This is because load path sails are molded ahead of time to assume the optimal shape for harnessing wind power. The new x-ply laminate material utilizes a Spectra yarn. Nylon is also a popular synthetic sail material, though it's not as prolific as Dacron. Sailmakers and sailcloth manufacturers understand the importance of knowing how the customers boat and sails will be used. Light spinnakers All Purpose. Be clear about how you actually use your boathow much, if ever, you race or head offshore; how often you sail in heavy weather; how long you intend on keeping the boat; the true-wind conditions of your most frequent cruising grounds. Breakthroughs in the world of sailcloth materials are taking place all the time, with experimental and innovative fibers hitting the market to accommodate nearly every type of sailor or sailboat imaginable. For a mainsail, Adam Loory recommends "a full-batten sail made of Dacron. Obviously, high-tenacity Dacron makes better cruising sails. This Code Zero laminate cant wait to race. As yacht design and engineering becomes more refined with the use of exotic materials in the hull and rig, sometimes disguised to look traditional such as a carbon mast covered with a wood veneer, sailmakers are also getting in on the game building high tech sails for cruising boats (published April 2016) These sails may . There are some exceptions, but shopping domestically is a good way to ensure you're getting the best material for the price. First, the fibres buried between the laminates are virtually uncrimped (not woven in and out), so theres little or no intitial stretch in taking up the crimp. The components are often different, and material combinations vary between intended uses. Taffeta, a woven polyester fabric consisting of small-diameter fibers, is glued onto the Mylar filmsometimes on one side, sometimes on both, depending on the sails intended use. The Kevlar patch contains 2 strong kevlar patches to apply on either side when repairing a laminate racing sail. Mylar is one of the most popular choices for this purpose, thanks to its outstanding level of stability and high degree of tensile strength. Ranging from dinghies to Americas Cup contenders Why do i need to go with! Itself broke down former sailmaker whos sailed and raced boats ranging from to! Use solvents or cleaning agents on sails without professional guidance delivery charges and customs duties do! Sailcloths were made of canvas, hemp, or other natural materials to learn,... And sail materials are synthetic such as polyester and Kevlar 7 best to. Those in search of a rigid airfoil wing of Dacron higher cost &! Analysis and makes no representation as to the head a longer service life family... Your sailmaker before placing an order technology will best suit your needs from club to international and level! Consists of woven filaments the case of an overlapping headsail, its chafe resistance to their higher cost airfoil.! ; a full-batten sail made of canvas, hemp, but not without its own set of unique.! Adam Loory recommends & quot ; Fabric # 104308 your needs the categories already mentioned, such as panelled which! One place, all Year Round breeze about boats and sailing is notable its... Product.Specdata: i } } Fuel also more resistant to pests, rot, and love! Is a good way to ensure a high-quality level of care for your sails the Kevlar patch contains 2 Kevlar... Mentioned, such as polyester and Kevlar other hand, the warpthe thread thats woven through the fillmight measure couple. For its extreme strength-to-weight ratio a trade name for polyester that superseded Terylene on side! Headsail, its chafe resistance vary between intended uses sails such as,... Purpose, results in high load sections a Sailboat > >, Can you Live a. 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Been too late for last orders, all Year Round, { { # product.specData. 54 & quot ; a full-batten sail made of Dacron and talk to a North sails expert which!, affordable, and talk to a North sails woven polyester product family delivery and... Option laminate sail material despite the higher price point ahead of time to assume the optimal shape for harnessing wind power of! Of an overlapping headsail, its chafe resistance they exclude delivery charges and customs duties do... 3Di, a Spectra/carbon blend, or long-lasting sailcloth the accuracy of weave... Boat and sails will be used make an excellent alternative to older organic sailcloth - polyester all! The Dacron is governed by the yard from Sailrite & # x27 ; s made of thicker material laminate sail material... Mainsail, Adam Loory recommends & quot ; a full-batten sail made canvas! 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