The September issue of Practical Sailor is now available online at www.practical-sailor.com. If you’re considering a sail purchase this autumn, then this month’s article on sail material choices and the impact of globalization on sail quality is definitely worth a read. While you’re at it, we’d appreciate it if you participate in our sailmaker’s survey on the homepage. The data we collect will help you make better sailmaker choices in the future.
Although sail prices remain fairly stable through the year, early autumn is often a good time to find some discount pricing. By October, business has generally slowed at many lofts. The spring and summer rush is over and winter racing season has not yet kicked in. This means that your sail order is more likely to get the attention it deserves and that your sail will be ready well before the next summer sailing season begins.
Boat shows offer especially good opportunities to shave 10-20 percent off on the price of sails, one of the most expensive, and important investments sailors make.
It’s obvious that the rising popularity of “performance” cruisers has prompted a renewed marketing blitz for laminated sails that are reinforced with strong, low-stretch aramid fibers. Although a great deal of technological progress has been made in preventing the delamination and mildew problems associated with early generations of laminated sails, these sails still present problems that don’t exist in high-grade Dacron sails.
Although we are excited about some of the new developments in sailmaking technology, our position on the topic of sail material has changed little over the years. If you’re a cruising sailor with a boat that’s 45-feet or less and a cruising budget, stick with premium Dacron cloth. If you’ve got a larger boat, a bigger budget, or like to race, laminated materials deserve a closer look.
Also in the September 2010 issue of Practical Sailor magazine:
Gear of the Year
PS editors sift through the hundreds of products reviewed over the past 12 months to find their favorites.
Battle of the Bilge Pumps
Practical Sailor puts eight high-capacity bilge pumps through the wringer to test power efficiency and maximum output.
Liquid Wax Finale
After 12-months in the sun, wind, and rain, six liquid waxes still bead water.
Women’s Sailing Shoes
Columbia’s Outpost Hybrid shoe strides past the best from Harken and Helly Hansen.
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