- Local News for Southern Sailors - October 2002 Next Story
INSIDER INFO
Laminated Sailcloth — A Cruising Option
By Tim Stodola, Sail Consultant-Doyle Ploch Sailmakers, Clearwater FL
When it comes to cruising sails, the first thing that comes to
most sailors' minds is Dacron. "DACRON" is a Dupont Chemicals trade name but is used commonly as a generic name for woven polyester sailcloth. While woven polyester sailcloth is still the most common choice for cruisers, new laminate sailcloths are quickly gaining popularity among cruising yachts today.
The reasons racing boats have moved away from Dacron sails are the same for cruising boats; laminates are lighter and they hold their shape better. Today's sailmakers have taken the same technology used in racing sails to develop strong, light, and durable cruising sails for modern performance yachts.
Many of today's new cruising yachts are designed with performance as well as comfort in mind. These new laminate sails offer several advantages over the old standby "Dacron." The lighter weight and lower stretch of these sails make them ideal for many cruising boats. The lower stretch allows for sails that keep their designed shape longer than woven polyester sails. By maintaining the draft in the proper location, a boat will sail better and heel less than with a sail whose shape has moved aft because of stretch.
Another benefit is reduced weight. With a weight savings of as much as 30 percent over heavier Dacron, the sails, especially on larger yachts, become easier to handle, easier to furl, and produce less stress on furling systems when rolled up. However, the primary advantage to saving weight aloft is the lowered moments of pitching and heeling, giving the boat a more comfortable motion through the water while sailing. Lighter sails also set better in less wind than heavier sails, allowing the ability to sail instead of motoring, while also being strong enough to cover a wider wind range than their Dacron counterparts.
With the ability to pick and choose from many custom laminates, sails can be tailored to meet not only performance demands, but also budget requirements. New fabric construction techniques and the quality of the laminating procedure virtually make "delaminating" a thing of the past. Most cruising laminates are now treated for mildew resistance, further stemming the popular objections to laminate cruising sails.
|
Laminate sails can benefit many boats but are not necessarily for everyone. A cruising sailor's particular demands can differ greatly from one to another. The type and size of the yacht and also the areas one will cruise, as well as the distance of the passages, can have a bearing on sailcloth selection. A sailmaker's experience should be considered when looking to purchase new sails. Your sail consultant should have a good understanding of your needs and budget in order to help you outfit your boat with the proper sails for your yacht and your cruising needs. He should also have the experience and knowledge to understand the conditions you are likely to encounter while cruising.
The ability to point, make good time and still be comfortable should not be lost to the romance of the sea. A good example of the benefits of lightweight laminate sails is the single-handed ultra-light ocean race boats. These boats are set up to go long distances non-stop and be as easy to handle as possible. Although they carry a bit more sail area than the average cruising yacht, the ability to carry sail over a wide wind range and still be easy to handle are serious considerations, all the while not forgetting the need for enhanced performance and durability.
Sailing shorthanded non-stop for days or weeks, the handling of sails, whether it's reefing the main or roller furling the Genoa, becomes a daily routine and quite a physical workout. Standing watches and dealing with ever-changing weather conditions is fatiguing enough without having to constantly fight wet, heavy sails. Just shaking out a reef in the main after a blow can be an excessive chore, which may be put off because you know the sail is so heavy.
While we can all agree that sailing is a physical sport, sailing should also be fun and relaxing. After all, for most cruisers, their cruising companion is not 6'3" and 250 pounds. Even the most avid sailors enjoy getting the most out of their boat with as little work as possible. Lighter, stronger, faster - laminates really are worth considering.
|