Sail technology: Epex-Nanno: Elvström launches new membrane sails

Hauke Schmidt

· 13.08.2020

Sail technology: Epex-Nanno: Elvström launches new membrane sails

Photo: Hersteller

The new Epex generation from Elvström

With a particularly fine fibre structure, the Nanno sails are said to be a good 30 percent lighter and at the same time smoother and more stable

The Epex membrane from Elvström has been tried and tested for years and is one of the most widely used high-performance sails. With the generation now presented, development manager Flemming Christensen speaks of a unique advance.

At the heart of the Epex-Nanno technology are particularly thin and wide carbon fibre tapes. These flat-spread carbon fibres are designed to make the sails significantly lighter and smoother. In addition, the outer sides are protected from tears and wear by two thin layers of polyester fleece, resulting in a more durable sail than the typical racing membrane without external protection.

Epex-Nanno was developed together with Quorning Boats - because the extreme loads on the sporty Dragonfly trimarans place special demands on the sails. The in YACHT 14/2020 tested Dragonfly 40 was already equipped with Epex Nanno sails. In principle, however, the new generation of sails should offer advantages in all areas of use up to demanding cruising yachts, whether monohull or multi.

Conspicuously inconspicuous. At the cross, the Tri sails almost like a mono - only without heeling and faster

With Code Zero, it gets down to business, and with 15 to 22 knots of wind, speeds of around 17 knots are the rule. In pushers, the tri sprints at just over 20 knots of speed

The large floats with wave piercer bow offer plenty of buoyancy reserve. Even with a lot of pressure in the boat, there is no danger of undercutting, which ensures relaxed sailing

Slim hull, wide cockpit. The strongly waisted bulkhead shape combines low resistance and space. The rudder blade can be raised. A tailgate can be ordered for the cockpit

All sails and the folding mechanism are operated by the winches located at the helm stations. The two aft ones are fitted with electric drives as standard

13 Images

Photo: YACHT/K. Andrews

The product video from Elvström-Sails

Further information at Elvström

Hauke Schmidt

Test & Technology editor

Hauke Schmidt was born in Hanau, Hesse, in 1974, but moved to the coast at the age of an Opti and grew up sailing dinghies and tall ships. School and semester breaks were used for extensive Baltic Sea cruises. During and after his oceanography studies in Kiel, he took part in various international research trips to tropical and polar regions. The focus was on ocean currents and their influence on climate change. Eventually he was drawn back to his home coast and to YACHT. He completed a traineeship there and has been working as an editor in the Test & Technology department since 2009. His core tasks include equipment and boat testing, as well as practical topics relating to electronics, seamanship and refits. As a passionate DIY enthusiast, he loves to spend his summers on the water with his family and winters working on his boat

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Sail technology: Epex-Nanno: Elvström launches new membrane sails

Hauke Schmidt

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