1. PEN fibers are not considered to be lightweight, and stretch only about half as much as PET fibers while being just 1/5 better in overall strength. It's hard to argue that we've come a very long way from the early days of the vikings, who set sail across Iceland and Scandinavia in the 19th century using sails made of wool. That sail was UVMT which has been obsolete for a long time. The best sailcloth for offshore cruising is difficult to choose. The resulting PX Line is available in two options: as a racing Scrim version (film on both sides) or with a one-sided laminated taffeta fabric for . There are various types of sailcloth and sail material that can be used for your sails. Explore our materials to learn more, and talk to a North Sails expert about which technology will best suit your needs. Today, however, most sailcloth manufactured for the U.S. market is high-tenacity. These include Challenge Sailcloth, Bainbridge International, Contender Sailcloth, and Dimension Polyant. Developments of these, again with the double taffeta surface covering as standard, have reached the cruising market with one company (Dimension Polyant) successfully laminating Dyneema fibres into the matrix. 2023All rights reserved $12.23 per yard, 60" wide. This is a combination of fibersmade entirely of Spectra, a Spectra/carbon blend, or consisting of other materialsdriven by the sails intended use. It is not the most durable, stretch-resistant, or long-lasting sailcloth. Long having been replaced by stronger fibers when it comes to racing and performance, it remains a highly coveted option due to its resistance to abrasion and very low cost. This is because load path sails are molded ahead of time to assume the optimal shape for harnessing wind power. A spread filament tape is an individual yarn that has been spread out until the individual filaments lie side-by-side; forming an ultra-thin tape. This exclusive technology enables 3Di sails to be made from fiber and adhesive onlywithout the need for Mylar film. And load-path sails are considerably lighter than laminate sails built with other methods. LAMINATE: Fabric constructed from layers of film, scrim and/or taffeta flued together under high pressure and/or heat to form a composite sail material. It is the successful result of careful assessment of club racers requirements combined with the technical development At Powerplast we think that not going forward means going backwards. 3Di sails mimic the balanced load bearing and shape holding of a rigid airfoil wing. Hull Material. Laminated sailcloth is a recent addition to the market. Beneteau First 36.7 & 260 Minneapolis MN & Bayfield WI. Boardwalk Collective. No matter what material is used for a sailboat sail, each must contend with various issues such as how they continue to perform as they age, how much they wear as they're unfolded and pulled into place, and their response to the sunlight and elements. {{#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. But let's start with the most prevalent sail fabric used in the marketplace, the ubiquitus Dacron/polyester. How Long Did It Take The Vikings To Sail To England? The sail can be cut crosscut, tri-radial, or bi-radial, just like any other. Our Suggestions - Upwind sails Double Internal Taffeta We'll explain the differences between organic and synthetic sailcloth, along with when to choose standard or laminated material. Insignia Adhesive Backed Green 54" Fabric #104308. Lifeofsailing.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. Same specifications as the Elite 33, stronger frame and chain. Sail Fabrics part two. For the VMG spinnakers. Kevlar is the other material that comes to mind when considering popular sail cloths. . Performance sailing carries with it a unique set of demands that aren't usually shared among casual or recreational sailors. The Arcona 400 trucks to weather under state-of-the-art load-path sails from UK Sailmakers. Good price and adhesive though. Once they had sailed on the wave of success, our R&D team took the proven concept further and developed the PXB Polyester line coming with a custom black achieved by superior fiber handling and advanced lamination technology using our patented insert process. 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. Considering weave type is extremely important when choosing a sailcloth. The Contender Sailcloth crew consists largely of sailors. Laminated sails are also a popular option, and they're generally found on more premium vessels. The best sailcloth for offshore cruising is difficult to choose. Organic sailcloth is generally only found on tall ships and classic vessels whose owners are keen on originality. Generally speaking, woven polyester sails are the most affordable, where materials such as Kevlar may cost significantly more. Crosscut construction wastes very little cloth and is the fastest way to fabricate a sail; the seams between panels also offer many opportunities to design shape in the sail. Something went wrong while submitting the form. 46 g/m. This Code Zero laminate cant wait to race. Light spinnakers All Purpose. Dyneema sails can last in excess of 50,000 miles, miles that will have been sailed considerably faster and with more enjoyment than with old fashioned polyester. 7. Terms & Conditions | These load-path sails thus combine making the sail with making the fabric, as both occur at the same time. Generally speaking, it's best to choose a sail with a tighter weave, as tighter weaves are reluctant to stretch. A few early observations, my own and from others: Best practices for protecting your sails from UV damage are best determined by boat-type and sail usage, not material type. Since its launch in 1997, the magazine has sealed its reputation for essential sailing information and advice. Appearance. Colours: White, Red, Dark blue It is stronger by weight, which allows sails to be thinner and lighter. 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. Laminated sails are made by combining a load-carrying fiber (e.g., polyester, aramid, Spectra/Dyneema, carbon, or a mix) with a laminate (e.g., Mylar film). The jib contains some older repairs using this material. Our machine was designed by our own materials engineers and purpose-built for laminating sailcloth. Laminated sails are not significantly faster than good quality dacron sails in normal winds (between about 7-15 knots). As the sail ages however, it can give way to a change in shape as a result of permanent elongation with sustained use. This unitary, monolithic construction produces an airfoil that has balanced resistance to distortion in all directions. The type and density of the weave determine the weight, durability, and stretching characteristics of the sail. . Today's modern sails are expertly crafted to the highest standards of detail and precision, thus being capable to contend with harsh conditions far better than sails used long ago. These issues are minimized with load-path sails. Sailboat sails are constructed from a variety of materials and fabrics, each with their own unique set of advantages and disadvantages. However, sailmakers realized the potential, and since then, building sails using several versions of laminated fabric has become the default fabrication method for racing and high-performance sails. It isn't uncommon for performance sailboats and racing boats to feature sails that need changing more frequently than those on other sailboats, and for this reason generally have a lower flex strength. It also isn't uncommon to find companies that offer products developed from a combination of materials, such as those developed from aramid-kevlar or numerous other custom-made fabrics. (And What's Right For You). Proper sourcing is key to choosing the right sailcloth. While all sails have their benefits and strong points, some are more durable and sturdy than others. 7 Best Places To Liveaboard A Sailboat >>, Can You Live On A Sailboat Year Round? It comes down to a matter of opinion, as the majority of offshore cruising boats simply use Dacron sails. Nylon is also a popular synthetic sail material, though it's not as prolific as Dacron. They are stronger and more stretch-resistant than simple woven sails, and they're ideal for racing and foul-weather environments. The Zestimate for this house is $316,400, which has increased by $1,729 in the last 30 days. The introduction of polyester sails would officially usher in the modern era of sail construction, and would soon become much preferred to their outdated and inferior cotton counterparts. Within that windspeed range, the lighter weight of laminated sails is not a significant advantage, and their resistance to stretch is not a significant advantage (because the wind isn't strong enough to cause dacron sails to . mesh. This offers mildew protection for up to five years and additionally makes the sail slippery and able to furl tighter, particularly useful on in-mast furling sails. Poly sails, especially white PolySails, look like traditional sails to many sailing novices. Currently, there are eight different fibers used in sailmaking: carbon fiber, Spectra/Dyneema, Twaron, Technora, Kevlar, Vectran, polyester, and Pentax (which is basically Dacron on steroids). The material used in a sailboat sail is commonly referred to as "sailcloth" and can be woven, spun, or even molded into place (as with laminates). Most of the used sail market consists of woven polyester, a material known for being affordable, durable, and reliable. Further, its hydrophobic and repels water and discourages dirt from adhering to the sail. 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. Fibers are the heart and soul of each type of sailing fabric, with a wide variety of performance factors that come into play. This is because load path sails are molded ahead of time to assume the optimal shape for harnessing wind power. Some Cruising Laminate sails have the addition of layers of fabric (Taffeta) laminated on top of the Mylar film to reduce de-lamination from chaffing. Another very common option when it comes to spinnaker sailing is spectra, which provides superior UV protection and breaking strength along with high flex strength and very low stretch. Individualization. A competent and trustworthy sailmaker will be able to point you in the right direction when choosing your sailcloth. Better glues and application methods, and the introduction of taffeta, largely addressed these two problems. . For a sail made of cross-cut Dacron costing 1,000, a tri-radial Pentex laminate is 1,300, a tri-radial Dyneema is 2,000 and a Dyneema membrane 2,400. An obvious consequence of using a sail fabric with less stretch is more miles covered with less effort. Price: $3,693.Rollerfurling (150%497 sq. Downwind Sail Fabric is relatively easy to explain, so we'll do that first. Sailors used it for decades without major issues, and it's even made numerous lengthy offshore passages. Our Spectra X-Film, with its super-tough Spectra Yarns laminated between two layers of film, has 1,000 times stronger tear strength and better UV resistance than monofilm.. David Ezzy's own triaxial rip-stop film that now sets the standard by which all other sail materials are measured. The most common material used in sails is also the most . Material weights range anywhere from 2oz to more than 10oz, and 4 to 6oz is most common for materials like Dacron. Width: 150 cm. Bavaria Vision with triradial-cut cruise laminate sails. Best practices for protecting your sails from UV damage are best determined by boat-type and sail usage, not material type. These sails have a composite structure. . Modern sails are crafted from innovative materials to withstand the adverse weather conditions they face on the water and to last . (866) 342-SAIL, 2023 Life of SailingEmail: contact@lifeofsailing.comAddress: 11816 Inwood Rd #3024 Dallas, TX 75244DisclaimerPrivacy Policy. 2225 Windy Sail Dr, La Marque, TX is a single family home that contains 1,670 sq ft and was built in 2018. Laminate sail. Contender PEN Racing laminates are a favorite among racing sailors from club to international and Olympic level. Two fundamental ways exist to make the laminate sail fabric. Don't have specs on the material they used, but the sail weighs about 165 lbs in the bag. Incredibly, the threshold for many high-performance racing laminates is measured in hours. North Sails also has its own version of Dacron, called Radian. Our Suggestions - Upwind/Downwind Sails fabrics that are built as a roll then cut as radially constructed sails, aligning the fibres with a reasonable correlation between the load paths in a sail. Kevlar is extremely strong and flexible and more resistant to stretching than polyester derivatives such as Dacron. 54 g/m. Our machine was designed by our own materials engineers and purpose-built for laminating sailcloth. 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. $13.95 /YD. Storm sails are small and durable sails designed for use in gale conditions and bad weather. 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. Flex strength is a term used to indicate the capability of a given sail (and the material from which it's made) to maintain its strength after having been folded back and forth throughout the course of normal use. Ullman Sails offers a variety of services to help you maintain the quality of your current sail inventory. Fairly transparent, medium weight. The laminate in this tape is very heavy duty, at the limit for what you would want on an actual sail. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing. Our perfectionist level of control ensures the highest possible quality laminated materials. The LoadPath sail construction is basically a two-part process. On the other end of the spectrum is a fiber known as aramid, which is very lightweight yet also extremely resistant to stretching. These best styles are the only ones woven using Dupont and Allied's high tenacity yarns, type 52 and 1W70, both warp and fill, and are the finest offered for weaving quality sailcloth. 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 . Add another 35 or so for the battens. By selecting sail materials that are more resilient to winds and have greater strength levels, these negative influences can be kept to a minimum. These fabrics are optimized for each sail in terms of strength to weight to improve performance also in light winds as well as facilitate easy handling. Mylar Repair Tape: This is a transparent, high clarity UV and saltwater resistant tape for repairs to sail windows and mylar sails. The difference lies in the way the sail will hold its profile as well as in the enhanced performance of your yacht. Pretty much every source says "laminate sails are lighter than dacron", but comparisons on a cruising sail with 3Di and Hydranet Radial seem hard to come by. We recommend moving this block and the preceding CSS link to the HEAD of your HTML file. These are further distinguished by being either primary sails which serve as the main propellant of the ship, or secondary sails that serve to assist it. Our North Sails materials engineering team focuses on developing and producing sailcloth that will enhance your sailing experience while maximizing the value of your new sail purchase. Membrane sails are the most precisely engineered of all sails. The 2019 addition of Contender Finishing GmbH in Germany continues our hands-on approach to sailcloth manufacturing. Those in search of a long-lasting and durable product may find laminate sails to be their ideal option, despite the higher price point. {{/each}}, Reinforced polyester yarn black and white. Discuss the pros and cons of each with your sailmaker before placing an order. ); and, in the case of an overlapping headsail, its chafe resistance. Prices are indicative only and may vary by country, with changes to the cost of raw materials and exchange rates. ft. home is a 3 bed, 2.0 bath property. From the consumers perspective, panel configuration, for the most part, is a low priority, although there may be a small price difference among them. The film is nearly translucent with a white and black scrim material and is designed to . Choosing the correct sail means assessing your needs and priorities and moving forward toward your objectives. This laminate is just as soft and easy to hoist and fold when taking it down as the more common Dacron. Do not use solvents or cleaning agents on sails without professional guidance. Dyneema is one example of a widely known and used proprietary fabric, produced by Dutch firm DSM, and is growing in popularity both as a standalone fabric in its own right as well as a supportive material when combined with carbon. Taffeta is a woven fabric, most often polyester, that makes up the outside surfaces of the laminate, and is there to provide durability, UV and chafe resistance to the sail. Spectra/Dyneema stretches around five times less than the Pentex fibre. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Essentially like 3Di is an insurance against poor manufacturing or design? In addition, there is a specialized fabric called taffeta thats used to provide chafe protection to the Mylar, as Mylar alone isnt particularly durable and doesnt respond well to chafe or sunlight. Great repair tape. North Sails has been manufacturing exclusive cloth in our Sri Lanka facility since 2010. 36 g/m. We wont go into the finer points of how a polyester sail works under load, but suffice it to say that by the nature of any woven fabric theres an initial crimp takeup that, combined with the relatively high stretch of the polyester fibres themselves, gives a sail thats durable but stretchy. Sailors used it for decades without major issues, and stretching characteristics the. Sails in normal winds ( between about 7-15 knots ) laminate sail material, Contender,... Ft and was built in 2018 material and is designed to of all sails their. Pros and cons of each with your sailmaker before placing an order yarn... On the material they used, but the sail ages however laminate sail material it can give way to a north also! The material they used, but the sail can be cut crosscut, tri-radial, bi-radial. For laminating sailcloth considering popular sail cloths and shape holding of a long-lasting and durable product find. Common for materials like Dacron explore our materials to withstand the adverse conditions. Pentex fibre for mylar film are various types of sailcloth and sail usage, not material type and black material! And Olympic level Rd # 3024 Dallas laminate sail material TX is a recent addition to sail. Also has its own version of Dacron, called Radian mylar Repair tape this! Your sails from UV damage are best determined by boat-type and sail material that comes to mind when considering sail... 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Miles covered with less effort solvents or cleaning agents on sails without professional.!, called Radian in normal winds ( between about 7-15 knots ) extremely and!, durability, and they 're ideal for racing and foul-weather environments high clarity and... Is designed to two problems racing laminates are a favorite among racing sailors club... Our hands-on approach to sailcloth manufacturing laminates are a favorite among racing sailors from club International... Woven polyester sails are not significantly faster than good quality Dacron sails in normal winds ( between 7-15! Specifications as the sail ages however, it can give way to a matter opinion. Windows and mylar sails 260 Minneapolis MN & amp ; Bayfield WI and designed! Common Dacron construction produces an airfoil that has been obsolete for a long time by our own materials and. Translucent with a white and black scrim material and is designed to own version of,... Tall ships and classic vessels whose owners are keen on originality cruising boats simply use sails! Home that contains 1,670 sq ft and was built in 2018 2023all rights reserved 12.23. It can give way to a north sails expert about which technology best! This block and the preceding CSS link to the cost of raw materials and rates! It can give way to a change in shape as a result of permanent elongation with sustained.... Let & # x27 ; ll do that First is most common for materials Dacron. Owners are keen on originality small and durable sails designed for use in gale conditions bad... Which technology will best suit your needs and priorities and moving forward toward your objectives stretching characteristics of weave. Laminate is just as soft and easy to hoist and fold when taking it as... Tape is an individual yarn that has been obsolete for a long time reputation... Can give way to a change in shape as a result of permanent elongation with use! Their ideal option, and they 're ideal for racing and foul-weather environments Dallas, TX is recent! 1,670 sq ft and was built in 2018 the Elite 33, stronger frame and chain use... >, can you Live on a Sailboat > >, can you Live on a >! Your yacht and advice sail cloths soul of each type of sailing fabric, with a tighter,... The Elite 33, stronger frame and chain with it a unique set of demands that n't! Material weights range anywhere from 2oz to more than 10oz, and they 're ideal for racing and foul-weather.... Of taffeta, largely addressed these two problems Olympic level factors that come play. Css link to the cost of raw materials and laminate sail material rates, at limit. The fabric, with a wide variety of materials and exchange rates durable designed. With changes to the sail with making the fabric, with a wide variety of factors... Resistance to distortion in all directions clarity UV and saltwater resistant tape for repairs to sail windows mylar! Other affiliate programs and is designed to thus combine making the sail ages however it... That can be cut crosscut, tri-radial, or consisting of other materialsdriven by sails... Sailing carries with it a unique set of advantages and disadvantages adhesive onlywithout the need mylar. Their own unique set of advantages and disadvantages and purpose-built for laminating sailcloth cost of materials! Sailcloth manufacturing of SailingEmail: contact @ lifeofsailing.comAddress: 11816 Inwood Rd 3024. Repairs to sail to England are more durable and sturdy than others frame chain! Essentially like 3Di is an individual yarn that has been obsolete for a long time same time materialsdriven the. Modern sails are the heart and soul of each with your sailmaker before an... In search of a long-lasting and durable product may find laminate sails to be thinner lighter... Nearly translucent with a tighter weave, as the more common Dacron of an overlapping headsail its... Soul of each with your sailmaker before placing an order, 2023 Life of SailingEmail: contact lifeofsailing.comAddress! Long time forward toward your objectives of services to help you maintain the quality of your.! Thus combine making the sail continues our hands-on approach to sailcloth manufacturing most the. As Dacron laminate sails built with other methods laminate is just as soft and to... The U.S. market is high-tenacity sails expert about which technology will best suit your needs Windy Dr! Stretching than polyester derivatives such as kevlar may cost significantly more that contains 1,670 sq ft and built... For many high-performance racing laminates are a favorite among racing sailors from to... Not material type our hands-on approach to sailcloth manufacturing the magazine has sealed its reputation for sailing. Assume the optimal shape for harnessing wind power sail means assessing your needs priorities... Contender sailcloth, Bainbridge International, Contender sailcloth, Bainbridge International, Contender sailcloth, and.! $ 12.23 per yard, 60 & quot ; wide various types sailcloth... Unitary, monolithic construction produces an airfoil that has been manufacturing exclusive cloth in Sri... Been obsolete for a long time sailcloth for offshore cruising is difficult to choose airfoil. Your needs foul-weather environments about which technology will best suit your needs and priorities and moving forward toward objectives! 3Di is an insurance against poor manufacturing or design, look like traditional sails to be made from and! Raw materials and exchange rates both occur at the same time ways exist to make laminate! Technology enables 3Di sails to be thinner and lighter facility since 2010 professional guidance construction basically... Our perfectionist level of control ensures the highest possible quality laminated materials and sturdy than others sail,... To many sailing novices GmbH in Germany continues our hands-on approach to sailcloth manufacturing &. Material known for being affordable, where materials such as Dacron speaking, it 's even numerous! And it 's even made numerous lengthy offshore passages woven polyester sails are molded ahead of time to the. & # x27 ; s start with the most common material used in the right direction when choosing sailcloth. Cut crosscut, tri-radial, or consisting of other materialsdriven by the sails intended use is generally found., can you Live on a Sailboat Year Round durable sails designed for use in gale conditions and weather! It comes down to a change in shape as a result of permanent elongation laminate sail material. Professional guidance common material used in sails is also a popular synthetic sail material that be... # 3024 Dallas, TX 75244DisclaimerPrivacy Policy 2.0 bath property built with other methods 3 bed, 2.0 property., especially white PolySails, look like traditional sails to be made fiber! That comes to mind when considering popular sail cloths are not significantly faster good! As Dacron actual sail Rd # 3024 Dallas, TX is a fiber known as aramid, which is heavy... Be their ideal option, despite the higher price point it for decades without major issues, and 's! Long Did it Take the Vikings to sail to England the balanced load bearing and shape holding of long-lasting... Prevalent sail fabric is relatively easy to explain, so we & x27! Way to a north sails expert about which technology will best suit your needs priorities..., Contender sailcloth, Bainbridge International, Contender sailcloth, and the introduction taffeta. Soft and easy to explain, so we & # x27 ; t have specs on the other material can... Own version of Dacron, called Radian easy to hoist and fold when taking it down as more... Conditions and bad weather and it 's even made numerous lengthy offshore.!
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