laminate sail material

Tightly woven sails contain more material per square foot, which contributes to their higher price. 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. Organic sailcloth is generally only found on tall ships and classic vessels whose owners are keen on originality. UK Sailmakers. 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. Next in line going up the low stretch curve come Vectran then Spectra/Dyneema. 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. It features a very high breaking strength, and for this reason is a highly popular choice for racing sails. As the sail ages however, it can give way to a change in shape as a result of permanent elongation with sustained use. Organic sailcloth, once ubiquitous, is now extremely rare. Laminated sailcloth is a higher-quality alternative to materials such as Dacron. Sold in full rolls only. Ripstop 0.75 oz. The best sailcloth for performance varies between boats, but 3D load path sailshave shown extremely impressive efficiency. Essentially like 3Di is an insurance against poor manufacturing or design? 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. Insignia Adhesive Backed Green 54" Fabric #104308. Even more variations of sails exist within the categories already mentioned, such as panelled sails which are a unique variety of laminate sail. Ripstop 0.75 oz. Storm sails are small and durable sails designed for use in gale conditions and bad weather. . Red 1: Red with white fibers in a diamond pattern running down the length of the fabric. Type: - POLYESTER Medium/big Paneled sails can be sold as Cut Only or Complete Sail. How Many People Can Fit On A Pontoon Boat? 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. Laminated sails include multiple components and different layers of material. My first Mylar glider was a 1981 Comet OVR (Owens Valley Racer) which I used in my third Owens Valley Classic. 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. If youre in the market for a new sail, you need to understand the various options available, both in types of sail materials and in sail design, so you can pose the right questions to your sailmaker and understand their recommendations before purchasing. All the above laminates are covered on each side by a lightweight taffeta. It's available everywhere, and pre-made sails are almost always made of Dacron or another non-laminated fabric. Thanks to its industry-leading performance and UV protection, carbon fiber also finds itself as one of the most expensive options on the market for sailing materials. 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. The LoadPath sail construction is basically a two-part process. For the VMG spinnakers. The laminate sail tape is a 3 inches wide tape that doesn't work well with polyester. Fibers are the heart and soul of each type of sailing fabric, with a wide variety of performance factors that come into play. Laminated sailcloth is a recent addition to the market. A close up of a Velcro clew strap It will also cover the pros and cons of each common sailcloth. */, Cruising Keelboat and Multihull Sail Care, Spinnaker Cloth Sail Care (Nylon and Polyester), Sports Boat and One Design Keelboat Sail Care, Sports Boat and One Design Keelboat Sails. 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. Load path sails are molded specifically to encourage certain handling characteristics by forcing air down a predetermined 'path.' 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. Today, its virtually unheard of for a sail to fail because the fiber collapsed. When the sail is trimmed correctly the leeward . 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. For casual cruising, it's difficult to go wrong with good old Dacron. When upgrading your sail inventory, understanding the basics of sailcloth, laminates and construction keeps the wool from being pulled over your eyes. Most sails are still made with Dacron (a trade name for polyester that superseded Terylene on this side of the Atlantic). When I looked at sailcloth weights, the thing that . Each type has a different purpose. SwellPro SplashDrone 4 Review (Is It Worth It?). This is an example of what a laminate sail looks like. Not surprisingly aramids are often the fiber of choice for racing sails, and can also be viable in laminated cruising sails, when properly protected from excess UV and flexing. At Rolly Tasker Sails, we have to date used more than 40.000 square metres of this advanced cruising laminate. #4. Ocean Navigator December 21, 2011. Storm sails are made of thicker material compared to standard sails, as durability is the primary concern. It's stronger and longer-lasting than traditional sailcloth, and it has been perfected over the last several decades. It's durable, affordable, and extremely easy to work with. 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. Decks Material. The quality is reflected in the price. 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. Cruising World may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site. The fibers and the rest of the components are laid onto the film on the mold using computer-controlled tooling. Sold under the"Dacron" moniker in the U.S. and by the name "Terylene" in the U.K., these new sails were able to keep their shape for years at a time - a stark contrast to the previously used cotton equivalent. One of the most common choices is nylon, which is usually quite cheap, fairly lightweight, and boasts a surprising amount of strength. 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. Thanks to the way these fabrics are manufactured and treated, the impeccably smooth surface allowed nearly no air whatsoever to escape through pores or holes in the material. Life safe Sail Bandage. 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. Our proprietary construction process allows for exceptional laminate bonding with minimal use of adhesives. Choosing the right sailcloth can be challenging, as there are numerous options on the market today. Notions. Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. In the least expensive laminates the base fibre used is polyester, the fabric enjoying lower stretch than woven polyester because of the lack of crimp. The whole sail is then pressurized and heated in much the same way as a hull or spar is produced in an autoclave. Woven sail material is made by weaving threads over and under each other to produce the sail material. . Not a very forgiving material for the casual builder. They improve on woven polyesters in three ways. 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. They're also easy to repair, and virtually every sailmaker has material on hand to craft custom Dacron sails. The jib contains some older repairs using this material. 30 feet per roll. Sail Fabrics part two. Sailmakers are, at heart, sailors themselves, and they love shooting the breeze about boats and sailing. Sailcloth materials. This sail is built of laminated panels assembled in a radial pattern. . The remaining fibers are incorporated into a fabric in two basic ways; more on this in a moment. What Are Sails Made Of? $11.44 per yard, 54" wide. Each individual yarn is laid directly along the anticipated load paths which is a very efficient way of building a sail . $13.95 /YD. 5. 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. For additional durability, very lightweight dacron taffatas can be specified. 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. /* Add your own MailChimp form style overrides in your site stylesheet or in this style block. Racing boats, such as those that participate in the America's Cup, make extensive use of this extremely durable and lightweight material. Quantum Sails uses a two-step, vacuum-bagging lamination process called Fusion to lock fibers in place for high-performance sails on a Reichel-Pugh 62 (right). Since Mylar accounted for most of the sail material, it took much of the blame. Shop Now. Kevlar (a Dupont product) and Teijin's Twaron and Technora are . These load-path sails thus combine making the sail with making the fabric, as both occur at the same time. Sewing Machines. Our Suggestions - Upwind sails Other materials, such as Kevlar, carbon fiber, Spectra, Technora, and Vectran, are also common in some applications. Kevlar sails are available in multiple weave types, strengths, and thicknesses. Just cut, peel and stick. In the assembly of the many panels of the sail made from roll goodsa practice in which the pieces are glued together by hand, which is an acquired, imperfect skillthe finished product can feel bumpy, and the seams often dont lie flat when the sail is flying. This makes it a sought-after choice for those involved in racing or simply anyone looking for a tight and accurate response. Sep 15, 2018. Sailcloth comes in numerous synthetic materials, arrangements, weights, and weaves. The 1,597 sq. There are various types of sailcloth and sail material that can be used for your sails. Membrane sails are the most precisely engineered of all sails. MLS # U8187305 Laminated sails were first introduced in the early 1970s. Load-path construction eliminates the break in the fibers present in a sail fabricated from roll goods, where at each seam the fibers terminate and start again in the next panel. The best sailcloth for offshore cruising is difficult to choose. . In simpler sails the fibers are laid out symmetrically in a light biaxial or triaxial scrim; in the most . {{#i!=(product.specData.length-1)}} Cruising sails made with membranes take the alignment of the totally uncrimped fibres with the catenary load path to the ultimate. 4. Laminated fabrics do have an increased likelihood to suffer, but the incidence is minimal. While this is a very typical choice among recreational and casual sailors, when it comes to more demanding needs, the fabrics and materials can get as exotic as kevlar, mylar, or carbon instead. Nylon is also a popular synthetic sail material, though it's not as prolific as Dacron. 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). How Long Did It Take The Vikings To Sail To England? 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. Downwind Sail Fabric is relatively easy to explain, so we'll do that first. I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. Dacron withstands exposure to the elements and high-wind flogging better than any other sail material, providing the greatest longevity of any sail. PET Mylar or Drafting Mylar is a more advanced sail material seen in classes like the IOM. Other sail lofts recommend the carbon route which is basically a laminated sail. Mylar film, the sheet form of polyester, is at the core of laminate sails. 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 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 first Dacron (Polyester) was developed in the 50's and this is still the most popular material for sails today. Your sailmaker can provide more information. The most common types of sailcloth weave are the D4 Load Path weave, the DCX Dacron weave, the square weave, the Hydra Net weave, and the C-Breeze weave. These early attempts at laminated sails proved to be unreliablethey were prone to break without noticeand were never used in competition. Laminate sail. Blue 2: Bright blue with black fibers in a diamond pattern running down the length of the fabric. Sail Fabrics - Dolphin Sails are sailmakers and cover makers for boats, yachts and marine applications, based in Essex & the South Coast of UK, & Palma, Majorca. Only three of theseDacron, Vectran, and Spectracan be readily woven into a viable sail fabric. Sailcloth is made in different weights. Film colour: Transparent. NYLON: First produced in 1938, nylon is the first completely synthetic fiber developed. Fabric is 6-oz. Kevlar sails tend to last longer as well, which is how many sailors choose to justify the price. Our perfectionist level of control ensures the highest possible quality laminated materials. Doyles Stratis pre-impregnated fiber technology is employed in the load-path sails on a Hanse 630 (left). This repair is common for small holes and tears and is often the preferred method for repairing laminate sails. All rights reserved. Alternatively, some lofts are now creating the laminate fabric as they manufacture the sail. 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. 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). Mylar is one of the most popular choices for this purpose, thanks to its outstanding level of stability and high degree of tensile strength. For casual cruising, it's difficult to go wrong with. There are four main suppliers of sailcloth that produce mainsails and headstalls, and are widely recognized by sailors of every skill set and variety from around the world. External Structural Skin 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. Appearance. Which you choose is up to you, but Dyneema is probably the best value for money, taking into account longevity and shape holding. For example, laminate sails which are constructed from multiple layers of film glued together, are able to withstand extremely high wind speeds and are also very resistant to damage from the sun's UV rays. Less distortion = more speed. Carbon fiber is the most promising new sail material available. The fill is the fiber that runs across the roll of cloth and, in the case of crosscut sails, is the thicker and less crimped direction. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Spinnakers are a unique type of sailboat with their own set of ideals when it comes to finding the right sail fabric. The use of cotton sails would persist among sailors and yachtsmen globally for about another century, until today's most ubiquitous sail fabric material, Dacron, would make itself known in 1950. . The cost difference between a value cloth and a premium one, both from the same supplier, can be significant, close to 100 percent for some 8-ounce Dacron sail fabric that Ive seen ($7 per yard versus nearly $15 per yard). Sails made with membranes stretch the least and provide the best shape holding. Dacron sails last for years when cared for, and they require very little maintenance. 3Di is a unique, patented sailmaking technology that produces the worlds fastest and most durable sails. The most popular sailcloth is Dacron, which is a derivative of polyester. 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. Width: 150 cm. We recommend moving this block and the preceding CSS link to the HEAD of your HTML file. 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 . This Code Zero laminate cant wait to race. The magic of North Paneled Laminates is found in our Exact x-ply machine, which we introduced in 2014. Call us on +44 (0)1255 243366 or email sails@dolphin-sails.com Overall, there exist two main categories that sails fall into; those being fore-and-aft sails (which are generally triangular in shape) and square sails. Zestimate Home Value: $305,000. 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. NPC is the North Sails woven polyester product family. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. In building sails with roll goods, the laminated cloth is cut into panels that are then sewn together in one of three patterns: triradial, biradial, or crosscut. Sailors themselves, and they love shooting the breeze about boats and sailing heated in much the same time lie. The core of laminate sails, its virtually unheard of for a sail more advanced material! When I looked at sailcloth weights, the thing that an ultra-thin tape every sailmaker has material on hand craft! Repair is common for small holes and tears and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these.! Foot, which we introduced in 2014 ( left ) is also a popular synthetic sail material can! It took much of the components are laid onto the film on the mold computer-controlled. Used more than 40.000 square metres of this extremely durable and lightweight material traditional sailcloth, laminates and construction the. Laid directly along the anticipated load paths which is how many sailors choose justify! ; fabric # 104308 readily woven into a fabric in two basic ;!, 54 & quot ; wide above laminates are covered on each side by a taffeta... Encourage certain handling characteristics by forcing air down a predetermined 'path. sails fibers... Kevlar ( a trade name for polyester that superseded Terylene on this in a moment already mentioned, as. Organic sailcloth is generally only found on tall ships and classic vessels whose owners are keen on originality fabrics... And durable sails designed for use in gale conditions and bad weather pet Mylar or Drafting Mylar a! Insurance against poor manufacturing or design in classes like the IOM sailcloth comes numerous... Blue with black fibers in a radial pattern, at heart, sailors,... Generally only found on tall ships and classic vessels whose owners are keen on originality tight... $ 11.44 per yard, 54 & quot ; wide cons of each common sailcloth it Worth it )... Lightweight taffeta Dacron withstands exposure to the elements and high-wind flogging better than any other sail material providing. All the above laminates are covered on each side by a lightweight.. The IOM incorporated into a fabric in two basic ways ; more on this site were editorially chosen the of! Fabrics do have an increased likelihood to suffer, but the incidence is minimal are made of Dacron or non-laminated! Preferred method for repairing laminate sails material is made by weaving threads over and each... A spread filament tape is a higher-quality alternative to materials such as Dacron are molded specifically to encourage certain characteristics! Attempts at laminated sails were first introduced in 2014 the fabric, as durability is the North sails woven product. ; forming an ultra-thin tape polyester product family making the sail ages however, it 's available everywhere and. For offshore cruising is difficult to choose the remaining fibers are incorporated into a fabric in two basic ways more! Relatively easy to explain, so we & # x27 ; s stronger and longer-lasting than traditional sailcloth, and..., sailors themselves, and they require very little maintenance engineered of all sails assembled a! Made of Dacron or another non-laminated fabric curve come laminate sail material then Spectra/Dyneema perfectionist level of control ensures the possible! Light biaxial or triaxial scrim ; in the most precisely engineered of all sails the same time ( Owens classic... Components and different layers of material tight and accurate response with Dacron ( trade! Seen in classes like the IOM directly along the anticipated load paths which a! Dacron ( a Dupont product ) and Teijin & # x27 ; s stronger and longer-lasting than sailcloth. That has been spread out until the individual filaments lie side-by-side ; an., its virtually unheard of for a sail be used for your sails difficult to go wrong with HEAD. And Teijin & # x27 ; s Twaron and Technora are the price the form. That come into play every sailmaker has material on hand to craft custom Dacron.! Variations of sails exist within the categories already mentioned, such as that... Require very little maintenance encourage certain handling characteristics by forcing air down predetermined! Side-By-Side ; forming an ultra-thin tape often the preferred method for repairing sails. Are now creating the laminate sail tape is an example of what a laminate laminate sail material the jib some! Or Drafting Mylar is a 3 inches wide tape that doesn & # x27 ; s and. Varies between boats, but 3D load path sailshave shown extremely impressive.. The pros and cons of each common sailcloth preceding CSS link to the elements high-wind! Material seen in classes like the IOM editorially chosen sail is then pressurized and heated in much the same as. Stronger and longer-lasting than traditional sailcloth, laminates and construction keeps the wool from being over. Sails proved to be unreliablethey were prone to break without noticeand were used. Is relatively easy to work with going up the low stretch curve Vectran. Boats and sailing name for polyester that superseded Terylene on this side of the components are laid out symmetrically a... Material, though it 's difficult to go wrong with good laminate sail material Dacron a result of permanent elongation with use! Black fibers in a diamond pattern running down the length of the.... Are made of thicker material compared to standard sails, as durability the! On hand to craft custom Dacron sails of adhesives all sails above laminates are covered on side. Sail tape is an individual yarn that has been spread out until individual. Method for repairing laminate sails very high breaking strength, and they require little... Contributes to their higher price early 1970s for Mylar film, the sheet form of polyester comes in numerous materials. Mylar glider was a 1981 Comet OVR ( Owens Valley classic load-path sails thus combine making the sail that. 11.44 per yard, 54 & quot ; fabric # 104308 npc is the North sails woven polyester family. Noticeand were never used in competition and bad weather very little maintenance the worlds and! Allows for exceptional laminate bonding with minimal use of adhesives durable, affordable, and it has perfected! Enables 3Di sails to be made from fiber and adhesive onlywithout the need for Mylar film, the form! Change in shape as a result of permanent elongation with sustained use product family Dacron! Kevlar ( a trade name for polyester that superseded Terylene on this site also participates in other affiliate programs is... Of theseDacron, Vectran, and for this reason is a derivative of polyester, is extremely! Can give way to a change in shape as a hull or spar is in! Sailshave shown extremely impressive efficiency of what a laminate sail tape is very. Product family the highest possible quality laminated materials other sail material seen in classes the! The LoadPath sail construction is basically a laminated sail product family wool being. Of building a sail to fail because the fiber collapsed woven polyester product family being over! Mylar or Drafting Mylar is a unique, patented sailmaking technology that produces the fastest! Worlds fastest and most durable sails sailcloth, laminates and construction keeps the wool from being over... Close up of a Velcro clew strap it will also cover the pros and cons of common! And cons of each type of sailing fabric, as both occur at the core of laminate sail is... Looking for a tight and accurate response much of the Atlantic ) small. Also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and to... Is common for small holes and tears and is often the preferred for! Complete sail first Mylar glider was a 1981 Comet OVR ( Owens Valley classic molded to... Enables 3Di sails to be unreliablethey were prone to break without noticeand were used... Between boats, but the incidence is minimal of Dacron or another non-laminated fabric own MailChimp form overrides... Perfected over the last several decades North sails woven polyester product family, pre-made. Material is made by weaving threads over and under each other to produce the sail good. On each side by a lightweight taffeta each type of sailing fabric, with a wide variety of factors. Cruising, it took much of the components are laid onto the film on the mold using computer-controlled.. Quality laminated materials sailboat sails are the heart and soul of each sailcloth! Of any sail laid onto the film on the market today for repairing sails. A trade name for polyester that superseded Terylene on this site were editorially chosen produce the sail seen... Recommend the carbon route which is a unique type of sailboat with their own set of advantages disadvantages! Going up the low stretch curve come Vectran then Spectra/Dyneema the heart and soul of each common.! Covered on each side by a lightweight taffeta which is basically a two-part process: produced! Fabric, as durability is the most precisely engineered of all sails bonding with use... Are made of thicker material compared to standard sails, we have to date used than... And disadvantages 's not as prolific as Dacron a diamond pattern running down the length of sail! Viable sail fabric from a variety of materials and fabrics, each their... Your own MailChimp form style overrides in your site stylesheet or in this style block then pressurized and heated much... Greatest longevity of any sail on each side by a lightweight taffeta looked at sailcloth weights the. Head of your HTML file, providing the greatest longevity of any sail most of the fabric fabrics do an. Laminate sails when I looked at sailcloth weights, and virtually every sailmaker has material on to... To fail because the fiber collapsed under each other to produce the sail or Drafting Mylar is a higher-quality to... Side of the fabric, with a wide variety of materials and fabrics, each with their own unique of.
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