North Sails' 3Di Raw technology was previously available as a very thin laminate for the high-performance sector; the 3Di Endurance was available for long-distance regattas and cruisers. With the new 3Di Race, the sail manufacturer is closing the gap between these two extremes and launching a laminate sail for club racers.
3Di technology is not a conventional membrane. These have the disadvantage that the films enclose the fibres and form a vapour barrier. This can lead to delamination, says Managing Director Stefan Matschuck. No films are used in the new production method. Instead, so-called filament webs made of aramid and Dyneema are arranged depending on the load. In areas subject to particularly high stresses, such as the sail head, neck and clew, additional sheets are laid on top of each other in the respective load path. The laminate becomes thicker at these points. This process is not dissimilar to laminating a hull, says Matschuck. These filament sheets are then laminated over a mould. The finished sail should be significantly more durable than comparable foil sails. This is also guaranteed by the improved UV protection.
The 3Di Race is available for boats up to 40 feet in the colours black and gold. A mainsail with one reef for an X-35 with 35.5 square metres costs from 8500 euros. A jib with 30 square metres costs from 5800 euros.
