Sail Materials
There are essentially three different types of sail construction layouts available and each one uses materials developed specially to suit the characteristics of its layout. The traditional and still the most common layout is "cross cut" which is combined with woven materials to make a durable sail. Then there is the tri radial layout which uses specially developed laminates for improved performance and lighter weight. Finally there is Membrane technology in which every part of the design and construction of the sail is customised. Membrane sails can be made lighter, stronger, faster or more durable than the other methods depending on your specific sailing requirements.
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Cross Cut Panel Layout
The main loads at work in a sail radiate out from the corners; with the highest stresses coming from the clew up to the head. Our cross-cut Dacron sails feature a rocked panel design where the threads are lined up with the catenary loads to ensure that when the wind increases the sail will retain the optimum profile and increase drive. The cloth is aligned so that it sees the highest loads in the fill direction as this is where the weave is strongest. The downside of the cross cut layout that in some places the loads are running in the bias direction diagonal to the weave. (Try pulling at almost any cloth and feel how much more it stretches in this direction).
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Tri Radial Panel Layout
The next step up in sail construction is a Tri Radial panel layout. This gets around the problem of bias loading by cutting the panels so that the highest loads run in the direction of the weave. By combining this more efficient panel arrangement with advanced laminates the sail can be made stronger than a crosscut sail. This strength translates to better shape holding properties and ultimately better performance.
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Membrane Technology
The Ultimate sails range of "Lightwave" membranes are the most advanced sails on the market whether for racing, cruising or sailing around the World. Every sail is custom made using a carefully selected combination of materials to suit the sails purpose. Lightwave sails use Membrane Technology that we have refined and developed continuously for 30 years. They incorporate a range of surface finishes that are laid over a map of incredibly strong, low stretch yarns that follow the loads in the sail accurately Every Yarn is laid in a perfect catenary curve which aligns with the dynamic loads in the sail. Our designers have total control of the yarn layout and density which allows us to produce sails that are light, smooth and superior in shape retention.
The finish of your sail will vary according to your personal requirements and the design produced.
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Lightwave Velocity
The benchmark for membrane sails. The technology has won world championships and powered high-performance racing boats around the World.
Ideal for:
- Inshore racing
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Lightwave Platinum
The membrane is sandwiched between two layers of a continuous filament matrix made from multidirectional yarns. This increases the stability of the sail for no additional weight giving the ultimate in performance for racing inshore and offshore.
Ideal for:
- Inshore racing
- Offshore racing
- Superyachts
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Lightwave Endurance
The most refined cruising and offshore sail on the market, Lightwave Endurance incorporates a very lightweight woven taffeta laminated to the outside of the membrane. The taffeta surfaces allow us to produce a sail that is light, smooth and superior in shape retention. Lightwave Endurance is ideal for high-performance cruising or all-round use where strength and durability are paramount.
Ideal for:
- Offshore sails
- Heavy weather racing jibs
- Any sail requiring the ultimate in durability
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