A cruising mainsail sits along the aft side of the mainmast. On a ketch, this is the forward mast, on a two-masted schooner, the aft mast. Cruising sails are not suitable for serious competitive sailing.
These sails are designed for durability. They can withstand rougher treatment than a racing sail, which is designed purely for performance. They are used during boat deliveries as well as for cruising.
Such sails are usually of Dacron®, though certain manufacturers offer 3DL® sails of composite materials such as aramids, Pentex® or Spectra®. They are heavy and well-reinforced. For safety, cruising mains have two to four sets of reef points. Options include mast or boom roller furling and full battens for a more powerful sail.
Choice will depend to a large extent on budget, the price differential between modern, light, high-performance composites and heavier Dacron® being significant. However, Dacron® is nearly twice as durable as composites. Mast height from the gooseneck and boom length are also factors. A mainsail with a roach and battens will offer more power, but they should not prevent the sail from clearing the backstay.
- Durable
- Suitable for heavy weather
- Limited performance
- Heavy
 |
 |
Cruising sail : mainsail (3D molded) FUSION M Quantum Sails
* The ultimate in durability, performance, and ease of use built using Quantum’s proprietary Fusion M membrane technology * Constructed with a blend of high modulus carbon and technora or vectran fibers * Engineered as a one-piece membranes with custom fiber mapping designed to sail’s purpose and expected...
 |
 |
Cruising sail : mainsail DURASAIL Doyle
Still considered some of the most durable and economical sails around, it is not surprising to see how many of our original Durasails are still going strong....
 |
 |
Cruising sail : mainsail (furling) VB-M Hood
The Hood Vertical Batten Mainsail (VB-M) and patented Vektron™ sailcloth puts high-performance back into the furling mainsail. The Vertical Batten Mainsail offers additional sail area for in mast furling and Vektron™ offers the very best of woven sail cloth stability through the use...
 |
 |
Cruising sail : mainsail (in Dacron®) CRUISE PLUS Neilpryde Sails
These sails are our world-class, blue water cruising sails designed to handle rugged offshore use. The features included as standard with these sails are a step above the industry norms for woven construction and provide a truly exceptional sail. We utilize the...
 |
 |
Racing-cruising sail : mainsail HANDICAP RACING Ullman Sails
Ullman Sails is committed to helping each customer get their boat sailing faster. Whether competing in handicap or one design keelboat racing, we understand that you want win. And we provide the tools to do just that....
 |
 |
Cruising sail : mainsail (cross-cut) 100 North Sails Sailmaking
Premium Paneled 100 sails are designed and constructed to deliver performance, durability and easy handling at an affordable price. They...
 |
 |
Cruising sail : mainsail Lee Sails
The Mainsail is your yacht's driving sail. For cruising boats in particular, the mainsail is an important sail, being one of the hardest working of...
 |
 |
Cruising sail : mainsail Yager Sails
First, take your main either laid out over a flat area, or raising the sail on the mast. Use a long tape measure and measure the (1) luff of the sail. This is the length of the front of the sail. Be sure you have the sail stretched out well to keep the measurement accurate. If you are using the mast, send the measuring tape up with the shackle of the halyard. Next,...
 |
 |
Cruising sail : mainsail Kemp Sails
Sometimes you have a choice - a more simply-built sail for which a standard Dacron or polyester is perfectly suitable, or a more complex panel layout which calls for specialised...
 |
 |
Cruising sail : mainsail (furling) FURLING DL SAILS
Specifications * DESIGN WITH PROSAIL * PRODUCTION SYSTEM: A.R.C. (ADVANCED REGULATION CODE) * QUALITY: GRUISING * CUTTING: CROSS CUT * CLOTH: DIMENSION POLYANT...
 |
 |
Cruising sail : mainsail (cross-cut) ROLLY TASKER SAILS
Rolly Tasker Inshore Cruising Rolly Tasker Inshore Sails are suitable for small boats up to 28ft. These are at least factory equivalent replacement sails which originally come...
 |
 |
Cruising sail : mainsail (in Dacron®) CLASSIC SAILONET
Sailonet proposes 2 types of mainsails for which the difference is mainly the layout of the battens: It is possible to fit either sail whether your...
 |
 |
Cruising sail : mainsail (full-batten) SHORT Jeckells
The mainsail is the hardest working sail in any yachts wardrobe. It has to adapt to suit all weather conditions from zephyr to gale force and still provide the best performance....
 |
 |
Racing-cruising sail : mainsail VOYAGER RACE Hydesails
The Voyager race range is designed for those who go cruising but also participate in club and offshore races. The race mainsail is a tri-radial design in either high quality woven dacron,...
 |
 |
Racing-cruising sail : mainsail (in laminate) POWERHEAD SILVER CARBON UK-Halsey International
The Tape-Drive® construction system makes the most durable laminate sails you can buy. Tape-Drive® is a two-part construction process in which the structural strength of the sail and the skin that defines its shape are separate elements. The actual...
 |
 |
Cruising sail : mainsail (furling) IN-BOOM Lidgard Sailmakers
Lidgard Sails In-Boom Furling Mainsails are custom designed and measured offering the customer the perfect fit and sail shape without sacrificing performance....
 |
 |
Cruising sail : mainsail Gowen Ocean Sailmakers
Battens/fully battened option - UV resistant Thread - Double stitching...
 |
 |
The lens foot is an optional extra and is a very practical alternative...
 |
 |
Cruising sail : mainsail (cross-cut) Le Bihan
Our cruising mainsails are made in "Dacron" with a cross-cut cutting, - Classical reinforcements...
 |
 |
Cruising sail : mainsail (cross-cut) Scott Sails
Features Cross Cut cruising mains are built for the sailor who is looking...
 |
 |
Cruising sail : mainsail (radial) Sails-online
All mainsails and mizzens are custom made to suit your boat. Please note any extra...
 |
 |
Cruising sailboat mast (for full batten mainsail) XR Reckmann
The light and streamlined conventional XR Fullbatten masts permit optimal sail trim and have been designed particularly with performance-orientated sailors in mind. In addition to our uncompromising commitment to a 100% secure rig we consistently take...
