The Best Sails for a Sailboat
Choosing the best sails for your sailboat requires considering the conditions the boat is normally sailed in, the type of sailing done and the amount of money that you are willing to spend to get the best sails possible. The different sails on each sailboat type -- sloop, cat, ketch, yawl -- perform different functions, so, to determine the best sails for each requires taking in its function. The most common sail configuration is the sloop, consisting of a main sail, or Genoa, a jib and the spinnaker.
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Size
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Sails are sized according to predominate usage and conditions. Sizes are determined by size overlap, a percentage of how far past the mast they overlap. The recommended sail overlap for water with no white caps less than half the time, with 13-knot winds or less, is a 140- to 155-percent furling Genoa. If white caps are on the water more than half the time and wind ranges from 14 to 20 knots, 125- to 135-percent is best. If white caps are on the water most of the time and wind averages 18 knots and above, a 90- to 110-percent working jib, also known as a blaster jib, does the best job.
Standard and Premium Woven Dacron
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The first two categories of woven Dacron sails are standard woven Dacron and premium woven Dacron. Standard Dacron is the normal sail material found in factory-issued sails and is loosely woven. Standard Dacron sails are good, all-around sails for normal use, however, they are designed to last only one or two seasons. Premium Dacron sails are woven tighter, with stronger threads and a small amount of resin in the fabric, making them them easier to handle and a better choice for general sailing.
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Marblehead and Square Woven Dacron
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Marblehead woven Dacron sails provide the tightest Dacron weave. These sails are resin-free and made using polyethelene terepthalate yarns, making them durable and recommended for ocean sailing. Squared woven Dacron sails are durable, high performing in general racing applications and have a prestigious look, which explains their cost. Both marblehead and squared woven Dacron sails are manufactured for longevity.
Laminate Sails
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For the serious sailor who needs the strongest, best performing sails for racing, laminates are the ticket. Laminates are constructed with a combination of fabric and film, which resists stretching and puncturing. The difference between laminates and Dacron sails is found in the weight and speed of the sail, making laminates the best choice for serious racers.
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References
Resources
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