Sail Fast

Website of Ratsey & Lapthorn Sailmakers

Part 1
One of the most discussed and analysed subjects - BOAT SPEED

This is the first in a series of articles to help you go faster. Taking care of your sails will ultimately increase life, reliability and maintain their design shape. This means faster sails.

Woven Sails - Polyester Type
This falls readily into two distinct areas.

1. Care on the Water
One of the worst things you can do to a Dacron sail is to let it flog. Take steps to avoid letting your sails flog unnecessarily, as this puts very high stresses on the sail cloth. This is the single most significant factor that destroys the optimum performance shape. Whilst flogging breaks down the finish of the sail, overloading the sail beyond its designed maximum wind strength is another contributing factor to loss of sail shape and strength.

2. Care off the Water
Salt water is the number one enemy of sailcloth. Sails should be washed on a regular basis to remove any salt. They should be stored dry. The best way of storing is roll up from the head ensuring that the battens are in line with the rolling. The sail should be protected either in a dry bag or cover to protect from UV. At all times we should bear in mind that whilst the sail is an aerodynamic shape it has to be flexible in order to be bent and stowed. Unnecessary creasing and folding the sail also affects its life.

We should mention care of the downwind power-house - the spinnaker. Predominantly, coated nylon, do not allow the sail to flog when sailing or drying. A dry, clean salt-free spinnaker will perform better due to it being lighter and consequently holding a better shape. A spinnaker, unlike a head or foresail, does not require any special folding or storing as long as it is dry, salt-free and out of direct sunlight.

Laminate Sails

1. Care on the Water
Laminates will suffer from flogging not just through over stressing the laminates, but causing shrinkage and delamination. It is of no value to maintain the sail shape if the sail if falling apart, so you must take extra care.

The Mylar® outer sandwich protects UV exposure sails made with aramid fibres such as Kevlar® and Twaron®. We must avoid over stretching and ensure total protection from the sun except when racing.

2. Care off the Water
Laminates absorb moisture and salt exacerbates this. Sails should be washed frequently and stored dry. Laminates are best rolled. Avoid folding and bending as this can create hard edges that cause the laminates to fracture. If you take care of the 'engine' of your yacht, it will go faster and allow you to win races and be there when you need the power to get you safely to your destination.

In our next newsletter we will deal with Sail Trim. If you have any questions or wish to discuss any aspect of racing or cruising, our team of technical experts is always on hand to assist you to get the best from your sails, and SAIL FAST.

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