In Sven Donaldson’s
excellent book Understanding the New
Sailing Technology the author points out that the majority of today’s sails
are still being made from woven sailcloths that are, at best, only marginally
improved over the materials in use during the 1970s.
Although Donaldson’s book
was published in 1990, his statement still holds good. The new technology of molded
and laminated sails is going strong, of course, but comparatively few sailboats
are using sails of Spectra, Kevlar, Mylar and other exotic materials because of
their higher cost and reduced life.
Dedicated racing boats are
the major customers for high-tech sails because of their greater efficiency.
But if you don’t mind dropping behind by a few seconds a mile, cheaper nylon
and polyester (Dacron, Terylene) sails will do just fine, accept more knocks,
and last longer.
While improvements are
being made all the time to the fibers, weave, design, and construction of
“ordinary” sails, especially with the help of computers, it’s likely that
laminated sails and glued panels will point the way to the future for all
sailboats.
But don’t rush things. The
future isn’t here yet. Sailors are ultra-conservative, and for very good
reasons.
And here’s a final thought
to chew on: One-design racing has shown that laminated sails aren’t consistently faster than new sails made from firm-finished Dacron
sailcloth.
Today’s Thought
All progress is based upon a universal innate desire on the part of
every organism to live beyond its income.
— Samuel Butler, Notebooks
Tailpiece
Little Mary woke at 2
a.m., called for a glass of water, and demanded to be told a fairy story.“Hush, sweetheart,” said her mother, “your father will be home soon and he’ll tell us both one.”
(Drop by every Monday, Wednesday, Friday for
a new Mainly about Boats column.)
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