North Sails has launched its latest advance in downwind sailcloth, developed using the latest innovations from ultralight gliders, sport parachutes, and wind-driven sports such as foiling kites and wings.
Aerotech has been developed by the North Advanced Textiles Division which says the new sailcloth is the first major leap forward in downwind sail materials in decades, engineered exclusively for North Sails.
The material has taken three years to develop, led by Tom Davis, product director, and Grand Prix segment leader Paul Westlake, along with sail designers including Mickey Ickert, JB Braun, and Dave Lenz.
It is designed using two materials – Aerotech P (polyester) and Aerotech N (nylon).
Aerotech P is designed for high-performance, high-load asymmetric sails, while Aerotech N is for deeper angle asymmetric spinnakers.
Aerotech P redefines expectations with its engineered woven styles and durable polyurethane coatings, setting a new standard for downwind performance.
Tom Davis, head of North Advanced Textiles and Aerotech project leader
“A long and careful R&D period has brought us to this moment, where we’re proud to introduce Aerotech as part of the NPC Downwind range at North Sails,” said Tom Davis, head of North Advanced Textiles and Aerotech project leader. “This is not the polyester spinnaker cloth of yesterday.
“Aerotech P redefines expectations with its engineered woven styles and durable polyurethane coatings, setting a new standard for downwind performance.”
He added: “Aerotech N stands as the most advanced spinnaker nylon on the market, ideal for wider-angle oriented asymmetric spinnakers.
“Precision weaving and our super durable coating ensure that when nylon is the right fabric, Aerotech N is the optimal choice.”
And he explained that as sailboats evolve with modern designs and advanced rigging, they are experiencing tighter wind angles and faster apparent wind speeds with the lines between upwind and downwind sailing becoming increasingly blurred.
Advancements such as 3Di have revolutionised Code and Flying sails for tight reaching, however materials for wider-angle asymmetric spinnakers have lagged, often leading to performance limitations and durability issues.
