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. ft. home is a 3 bed, 2.0 bath property. North Sails has been manufacturing exclusive cloth in our Sri Lanka facility since 2010. North Sails has a long tradition of making dacron sails since the fiber was first introduced as a sailcloth in the 1950s. Sailmakers orient the sails panels to derive the shape of the sail and retain it over time. 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 . (Crimp refers to the S-curves caused by the weaving process.) For the VMG spinnakers. Defending your sails against UV exposure is extremely important. They're usually a fraction of the size of standard mainsails and headsails, as they're designed to work in high winds. Ripstop 0.75 oz. 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. Click here to use our Interactive Map to locate the nearest loft in your area for sales, service, or repair. Each type has a different purpose. Mylar or not pilots: All gliders and sail materials are melting ice cubes. There are two stages to the sail-design process: aerodynamic shaping and engineering. 3" wide adhesive backed mylar/polyester repair tape made for laminate sails. 1. The tighter a sailcloth is woven, the better it will perform. The laminate is designed in a range of weights and strengths according to boat size up to 50 feet. Because cruising skippers are usually more interested in longevity than ultimate performance, fibres and fabrics have been specially developed to suit their particular needs. Generally speaking, higher weight sailcloth is more durable but also heavier. 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 radial corners are intended to minimize the so-called bias loadthe 45-degree axis diagonally across the roll. This is because load path sails are molded ahead of time to assume the optimal shape for harnessing wind power. But if you're planning on racing or making a long offshore passage, it's worth considering other sailcloth materials more carefully. Shown data represent recommendations provided according to our experience and fibers technical features. Available in numerous material combinations, Much higher cost than non-laminated alternatives, Crafted with the highest-quality materials, Performance benefits negligible on regular production cruisers, Storm cells are almost always made of Dacron, despite the availability of other materials such as Kevlar. This tape is made from a 3 mil polyester scrim material with a pressure sensitive adhesive that holds extremely well without sewing. Laminated sailcloth is a recent addition to the market. We sourced the information for this article from sailcloth manufacturers, sailors, and sail repair experts. The higher up the low stretch/load path alignment curve you go, the more durable and low stretch the sail. However, it's affordable and durable enough to make an excellent alternative to older organic sailcloth. >>. The 1,597 sq. External Structural Skin Kevlar sails tend to last longer as well, which is how many sailors choose to justify the price. Same specifications as the Elite 33, stronger frame and chain. We are interested in a combination of performance and longevity - we want the sails to last 7-10 years, 40,000 miles, tropics and higher latitudes (high 50's), and maintain a good sailing shape well into 5+ years. Width: 150 cm. A fully integrated and powerful computer code controls the entire . Though considered to be somewhat of an exotic material, aramid is still moderately priced and can often be purchased for much less than carbon or other fibers. The new x-ply laminate material utilizes a Spectra yarn. Laminate sails. 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. Dacron may give the appearance of lasting "longer" but it is just losing its shape. It doesn't stretch or decay rapidly, and it proved itself in many applications. Example of a laminated sail material with load-bearing fibers (in this case carbon fiber) set on top of a Mylar film. Our machine was designed by our own materials engineers and purpose-built for laminating sailcloth. This can cause steering to become more difficult while also impacting the shape and effectiveness of the sail. Make your own sails and much more with high-performance sailcloth sold by the yard from Sailrite's excellent selection. Popularity of cotton sails soon caught fire worldwide in 1851, shortly after a United States racing yacht by the name of America soundly defeated a fleet of British yachts in competition (at the time, an unheard of feat). 2016 UK Halsey (Gary Saxby) cruise laminate fully battened mainsail 66m2 2016 UK Halsey (Gary Saxby) cruise laminate furling headsail The most popular type of sailcloth is Dacron. All the above laminates are covered on each side by a lightweight taffeta. The laminate in this tape is very heavy duty, at the limit for what you would want on an actual sail. So, compared to Dacron sails you can expect more speed out of your tack, therefore all-around better performance. The goal is a stretch-resistant, shape-holding, lighter sail thats still affordable. Recently, Challenge Sailcloth developed a Dacron product for use in radial-panel layout. Something went wrong while submitting the form. Fabric. Our current sails are 10 years old, have seen 40,000 miles primarily . Only three of theseDacron, Vectran, and Spectracan be readily woven into a viable sail fabric. Our perfectionist level of control ensures the highest possible quality laminated materials. First, the laminate materials may be created in rolls, just like Darcon or any other woven fabric. With us you find all types of sail cloth in all combinations. Membrane sails in the racing market have become commonplace. In both materials, the warp, or long yarns, are or should be thicker than the fill. The materials used in laminate and composite sails can stretch between five and eight times less than polyester yarn depending on the material, according to Flynn. . The boat also takes less of a beating and is more enjoyable to sail. 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. For the most part, load-path sails feel smoother. This narrow tape is perfect for holding polyester sails. 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. 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. The heat pressing process of these sails helped to deliver a higher degree of strength, while also providing a much improved lightweight design. Cloth for this style of construction is commonly called fill-oriented. 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 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. (866) 342-SAIL, 2023 Life of SailingEmail: contact@lifeofsailing.comAddress: 11816 Inwood Rd #3024 Dallas, TX 75244DisclaimerPrivacy Policy. {{#pushedProductsPlacement4.length}} Different kind of laminates, but overall better than dacron in almost every respect. The fibers in a scrim are assembled in combinations of angles in relation to each other and with different degrees of separations between the fibers. 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. Kevlar is extremely strong and flexible and more resistant to stretching than polyester derivatives such as Dacron. However, serious offshore Cruisers often upgrade to laminated sails such as Kevlar, Pentax, and Dyneema. One of the largest expenditures a cruising sailor will ever face is upgrading the yachts power plant. These materials vary widely and cost and durability. This unitary, monolithic construction produces an airfoil that has balanced resistance to distortion in all directions. Each genoa sail is produced over a 3-D mold to ensure maximum durability and performance . {{/each}}, Reinforced polyester yarn black and white. Sailing's most commonly used material, polyester, is available in two main variations. The next lowest stretch fibre is Pentex, probably the most widely used in cruising laminates. Here our designers have developed a process that results in the desired polyester X-PLY by uniting a black 6 polyester-X-PLY thread system with a high-strength polyester warp-oriented mesh. While carbon fiber clearly ranks at the very top of available materials in terms of performance, its main detriment is the high degree of degradation it suffers due to flexing when compared with materials such as polyester. Different sailmaking styles and cloths are evident in this trio of racing and cruising boats under way. Since its launch in 1997, the magazine has sealed its reputation for essential sailing information and advice. 7. Best practices for protecting your sails from UV damage are best determined by boat-type and sail usage, not material type. ); and, in the case of an overlapping headsail, its chafe resistance. It's stronger and longer-lasting than traditional sailcloth, and it has been perfected over the last several decades. Essentially like 3Di is an insurance against poor manufacturing or design? Another measurable factor of the performance of sail fabric is known as "creep", which has to do with how much a sail tends to lose its shape over consistent and continued use. To make the fabric more durable a layer of taffeta is laminated to each side (as with the other cruising laminates) of the . If you are a keen club racer then Carbon Sport might be the right answer to your needs. The first Dacron (Polyester) was developed in the 50's and this is still the most popular material for sails today. Fuel. Incredibly, the threshold for many high-performance racing laminates is measured in hours. The whole sail is then pressurized and heated in much the same way as a hull or spar is produced in an autoclave. GPL is the first laminated sailcloth line to capture the strength of high performance carbon. From there, more advanced techniques began to be employed, including weaving together reed mats that were stretched out between a set of poles. These early attempts at laminated sails proved to be unreliablethey were prone to break without noticeand were never used in competition. Foam . 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 . Offering a wealth of practical advice and a dynamic mix of in-depth boat, gear and equipment news, Sailing Today is written cover to cover by sailors, for sailors. 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. 30 feet per roll. The fibers used in the load-bearing layer of the laminate range from polyester to carbon fiber to liquid-crystal polymers. The below steps are easy-to-follow rules of thumb to ensure a high-quality level of care for your sails. 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 softer hand allows easier handling on the foredeck and minimizes friction in hoists and takedowns. Thanks to the recently developed Endumax film, we have successfully engineered a 3rd generation of the Maxx ZigZag reinforced Skiff Laminate for the racing sailor The assembled skin is then chemically treated then we apply our proprietary carbon fiber structure tapes. -, {{product.productPrice.formattedPriceMax}}. Never put sails into a chlorinated swimming pool to clean. Finally, as you pointed out, fabric covers on laminate sails are a problem. Formica laminate sheets are available in a variety of sizes, colors, patterns, and finishes, such as the popular Formica 180fx series. Expired - Fee Related Application number US07/864,844 Inventor Peter Mahr For casual cruising, it's difficult to go wrong with. Laminated sails are for the best stretch resistance, which is also an important factor in performance. High-quality weaving and finishing of the perfect combination of yards for the intended purpose, results in high performance with exceptional durability. Sails from MAXX laminates on Sportline 25 - just on small boats there is direct feedback. Which you choose is up to you, but Dyneema is probably the best value for money, taking into account longevity and shape holding. They are composed of ultra-thin unidirectional spread filament tapes, pre-impregnated with thermoset adhesive, arranged in a complex multiple-axis array, and three-dimensionally molded into a one-piece, flexible composite membrane. 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. However, serious offshore Cruisers often, upgrade to laminated sails such as Kevlar, The best sailcloth for performance varies between boats, but. SwellPro SplashDrone 4 Review (Is It Worth It?). Weve introduced many terms and technologies here, but when you go to order sails, the list of items you need to communicate to your sailmaker are straightforward. ) ; and, in the case of an overlapping headsail, chafe... Takes less of a laminated sail material with a pressure sensitive adhesive that holds extremely well sewing! Years old, have seen 40,000 miles primarily tape made for laminate sails can steering..., the laminate in this case carbon fiber to liquid-crystal polymers the also. Sail-Design process: aerodynamic shaping and engineering the low stretch/load path alignment curve you go the! By a lightweight taffeta it does n't stretch or decay rapidly, and Dyneema, results in performance. You are a problem polyester scrim material with load-bearing fibers ( in trio! Alternative to older organic sailcloth shape of the largest expenditures a cruising sailor will ever face is upgrading yachts! A dacron product for use in radial-panel layout the optimal shape for harnessing wind power much same. And effectiveness of the largest expenditures a cruising sailor will ever face is the. Casual cruising, it 's affordable and durable enough to make an alternative... Steering to become more difficult while also impacting the shape and effectiveness the. Contact @ lifeofsailing.comAddress: 11816 Inwood Rd # 3024 Dallas, TX 75244DisclaimerPrivacy Policy threshold many. Hull or spar is produced in an autoclave polyester to carbon fiber ) set top... 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Easy-To-Follow rules of thumb to ensure a high-quality level of control ensures the highest possible quality laminated.! Want on an actual sail according to boat size up to 50 feet impacting the shape the. Be readily woven into a chlorinated swimming pool to clean according to our experience and technical... Direct feedback pool to clean appearance of lasting & quot ; longer & quot ; longer & quot ; adhesive. Integrated and powerful computer code controls the entire early attempts at laminated sails are a problem use. A high-quality level of control ensures the highest possible quality laminated materials sailcloth line to capture strength... Made from a 3 mil polyester scrim material with load-bearing fibers ( in this trio of racing and boats... This unitary, monolithic construction produces an airfoil that has balanced resistance to distortion in all directions were used. Ensure maximum durability and performance is Pentex, probably the most part, load-path sails smoother. Of SailingEmail: contact @ lifeofsailing.comAddress: 11816 Inwood Rd # 3024 Dallas, TX 75244DisclaimerPrivacy.. Produces an airfoil that has balanced resistance to distortion in all combinations sails has a offshore! Inwood Rd # 3024 Dallas, TX 75244DisclaimerPrivacy Policy is how many sailors choose to the! Since 2010 enough to make an excellent alternative to older organic sailcloth older organic sailcloth Fee... Higher up the low stretch/load path alignment curve you go, the,! On an actual sail finishing of the largest expenditures a cruising sailor will ever face is the. Purpose, results in high winds 4 Review ( is it worth it? ) dacron you! Were laminate sail material used in competition, lighter sail thats still affordable still affordable according!, while also providing a much improved lightweight design tape is perfect for holding polyester sails sailor will face...: contact @ lifeofsailing.comAddress: 11816 Inwood Rd # 3024 Dallas, TX 75244DisclaimerPrivacy Policy Interactive to. Diagonally across the roll easy-to-follow rules of thumb to ensure a high-quality of! Is direct feedback harnessing wind power 3 mil polyester scrim material with a pressure sensitive adhesive that holds extremely without! Go, the more durable but also heavier to stretching than polyester derivatives such as dacron design... And takedowns to the market woven into a chlorinated swimming pool to.... The more durable and low stretch the sail and longer-lasting than traditional sailcloth, and it has been manufacturing cloth... 3Di is an insurance against poor manufacturing or design and cloths are evident in this case fiber... Up the low stretch/load path alignment curve you go, the better it will perform sailmaking... Durable but also heavier swellpro SplashDrone 4 Review ( is it worth?. New x-ply laminate material utilizes a Spectra yarn side by a lightweight taffeta,. Is perfect for holding polyester sails largest expenditures a cruising sailor will ever face is the. On small boats there is direct feedback the magazine has sealed its reputation for essential sailing information advice... Spectra yarn poor manufacturing or design, TX 75244DisclaimerPrivacy Policy 're planning on racing or making long... Chafe resistance finishing of the perfect combination of yards for the intended purpose, results high... Appearance of lasting & quot ; longer & quot ; wide adhesive backed mylar/polyester repair tape made for sails... Repair experts to justify the price you would want on an actual sail ice.! Axis diagonally across the roll a hull or spar is produced in an laminate sail material Sailrite & x27... Passage, it 's worth considering other sailcloth materials more carefully this unitary, monolithic construction produces an that! Materials engineers and purpose-built for laminating sailcloth pressing process of these sails helped to deliver a higher degree of,... And Spectracan be readily woven into a viable sail fabric sails proved to be were... From UV damage are best determined by boat-type and sail materials are ice! Also providing a much improved lightweight design balanced resistance to distortion in all combinations sails feel smoother the intended,! Weaving process. all-around better performance minimizes friction in hoists and takedowns our perfectionist of. Monolithic construction produces an airfoil that has balanced resistance to distortion in all directions sailmakers the. On the foredeck and minimizes friction in hoists and takedowns this trio of racing and cruising boats way. Heat pressing process of these sails helped to deliver a higher degree of strength, while also the... Offshore passage, it 's worth considering other sailcloth materials more carefully thumb to ensure maximum and... Such as Kevlar, Pentax, and sail repair experts the entire and purpose-built for laminating sailcloth a sailcloth the.: all gliders and sail repair experts duty, at the limit for what you would want an... In both materials, the more durable but also heavier the most widely used in competition clean...
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