The 3Di technology, in which the load-bearing fibres are bonded together directly without foil or film, was originally intended for regatta yachts, where it has proven its worth. After North succeeded in processing polyester in addition to carbon and aramid fibres a good three years ago, the technology also became interesting for cruising yachts and was henceforth offered under the name Ocean. According to North, the laminated sails are much more dimensionally stable than woven cloth, but are similarly robust due to the lack of a film that is susceptible to breakage, thus avoiding the main problem of Dacron sails.
Until now, however, the Americans have only been able to process pure polyester fibres or polyester-aramid blends, with which smaller boats and very large yachts over 60 feet could be equipped. The Ocean 370 variant now being presented uses a combination of polyester and high-strength polyethylene, similar to the well-known Dyneema, which makes it possible to produce very durable sails for yachts from 35 to 60 feet in length. The sails are available in pure white or tinted grey.
Further information at Northsails
Hauke Schmidt
Test & Technology editor
