Mainsail Spectra

for cruising sailboatsradial cutmembrane

Radial sails constructed with a Spectra laminate are the perfect choice for big boats that want performance sails, yet need more longevity than a membrane sail. Spectra is one of the world’s strongest and lightest fibers. Pound-for-pound, it is 10 times stronger than steel and up to 40 percent stronger than aramids. Spectra doesn’t breakdown from folding, is impervious to UV radiation, and gets softer with use. View fullsize Radially panelled sails use"warp-oriented" cloth where the strongest yarns run the length of the narrow panels as shown by the thin grey lines. For clarity, the diagram only shows thread lines of the panels in the back half of this sail. Radially panelled sails use"warp-oriented" cloth where the strongest yarns run the length of the narrow panels as shown by the thin grey lines. For clarity, the diagram only shows thread lines of the panels in the back half of this sail. The Spectra yarns used in radial sails have tremendous strength in the warp direction. Cloth manufactures make many styles of Spectra laminates for boats from 40-150 feet long. Some have more and some have fewer Spectra yarns, while for the mega yachts, Carbon inserts are also used. Radial sails (with their many panels) allow sailmakers to use more than one laminated fabric in a sail. Stronger laminates can be used in high load areas like the leech and tack, while laminates with less strength can be used in the luff of the sail. Using these materials helps reduce the weight and price of the sail. Cruising Spectra laminates come with one or both sides covered with finely woven polyester taffeta, which improves chafe resistance.