Sometimes it can be difficult to make a decision about which type of sail to choose. Investing in new sails is a big decision that affects the performance, sailing experience and lifespan of your boat. Whether you are sailing short distances for pleasure or long-distance sailing, there are several factors to consider. Here we go over the most important aspects you should consider when choosing new sails.
Material selection
This is where you usually get stuck. Is dacron better than laminate? Should I have the same material in both the mainsail and genoa? The answer is of course not entirely simple, but depends a lot on how you use your boat.
- Dacron is the most common material for cruising sails. It is durable, usually has the lowest price and has a long lifespan. You can have a dacron sail for many years, the big difference compared to laminate is how the fabric stretches. The shape of a dacron sail often stretches faster and the initial properties are distorted somewhat. This probably does not affect the pleasure sailor who cruises during the best days of summer.
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Laminate sails give the sails better shape stability and performance. The elongation is minimal and the sail's properties will be experienced as if the sail was new for many seasons. Laminate sails weigh less than dacron, which makes them easier to handle and can make a big difference on larger boats with large sails. Laminate sails are well suited for those who sail a lot during the season or if you are on a long-distance sailing trip and appreciate a sail that keeps its shape over time.
Battens
This discussion also depends on what type of mainsail you have. Kapell & Annat (KA Sails) can offer everything from no battens to full-lattice sail.
- For roll sizes we can offer short vertical battens which are evenly spaced across the leech. This choice makes the sail slightly better as it improves the stability of the leech and helps the sail's aerodynamics. Without battens gives the sail a slightly worse shape, but at the same time many boats with roller sails have a larger genoa that accounts for most of the speed and battens makes minimal difference.
- For conventional mainsails we can offer both with short horizontal battens , but also full sail.
- Full battens mean that the battens run from the after luff all the way to the mast. The advantages of full battens can be summarized as better performance, easier handling and that they increase the life of the sail. This is mainly because flutter in the sail is reduced, especially when raising and lowering, but also general flutter when sailing. Full battens also require the possibility of having the right trotter in the luff.
- Short battens primarily have the advantage that wear on the mast is lower, but also that the price is a little easier on the wallet.
UV Protection
All our furling sails are offered, regardless of the material choice, with UV protection in Sunbrella, which is used for the canopy. This means that you can often choose the same color for the sail's UV protection as on your canopy, which can give a very nice visual impression of the boat. The UV protection is sewn into the aft edge of the furling genoa so when the sail is furled, the Sunbrella fabric is the only thing facing outwards towards the sun and protects the sail cloth -> longer life.
On furling masts, the UV protection is sewn onto the triangle that protrudes towards the boom nock from the mast when the sail is furled.
When the mainsail or genoa is not in use, it is a good idea to protect the sails against the sun's UV rays, bird droppings, rain and other dirt using Sail cover such as a lazybag, Boom cover or Genoa stocking.
Foam luff
On furling headsails, it is good to have a belly compensator to make furling better and more gentle on the sail cloth. This is included in all our sails. Belly compensators can be made in different ways, but ours are offered with foam-rope which is a sewn-in cord at the luff.
If you are wondering what would be best for you, don't hesitate to contact us for help!