People with sailboats use them in many ways, but broadly speaking we define them as either cruising or racing. The proper sails for each of these activities varies widely, but at the level most people engage in cruising and racing, we can simplify the differences between the sails required if we talk about performance, design, and materials.
Racing and Cruising 3Di Sails
In recent years, racing and cruising sails are differentiated within the new approach to making sails taken here at North Sails; called 3Di, the sails are uniquely constructed on a mold that is shaped for each specific sail. They have been adopted by many racers already, but cruisers are also using them as there are a range of 3Di options that address the same needs for speed, durability, and weight. While 3Di sails are a more premium option, we believe their performance attributes and longevity make them worthwhile for an increasing number of sailors.
Many racers use the version we call 3Di RAW, often made of pure carbon but also by blending different mixtures of fibers—carbon, polyester, aramid (Kevlar), and UHMWPE (Spectra/Dyneema). This provides even better shape control than laminates. Because of carbon’s extra strength, some sails can be made with fewer fibers and less overall weight. At the other end of the range, small-boat and cruising-boat owners may choose a less expensive version called 3Di NORDAC, which are molded composite sails using spread-filament tapes of polyester (Dacron).
In between those two, performance-oriented cruising sailors may choose a style of 3Di called ENDURANCE, which uses combinations of carbon, Spectra and aramid filaments and then adds an exterior layer of film that helps with chafe resistance.
North has a third range of 3Di called OCEAN for the largest cruising yachts and provides high strength and ultimate durability. These sails contain Spectra and aramid filaments and gain durability from protective outer surfaces of woven polyester taffeta tapes.
Learn more at: https://www.spinsheet.com/north-sails-resources
