Sails on a yacht are those fitted as standard. The basic configuration is a headsail, also known as a head sail, located on the forestay and a mainsail on the mast. However, there are numerous types of sails. Let’s analyze them in detail.
How the headsail works
The headsail is rolled up on the forestay thanks to the furling jib. This is a winch or reel on which the cable is wound. The halyard, the furling line, is loosened to hoist the sail and pull it to furl it.
Types of bow sails: Genoa, jib
There are many names related to the bow sails. Some sailors use a single name for all types or make no distinctions. We will focus here on the jib and the Genoa.
Flake
The tip of the jib does not go over the shaft. A jib is self-tacking when it runs on rails mounted on the bow of the mast. There is no need to move it manually when turning, as it oscillates according to the direction of the wind. It is suitable for less experienced crews, being easy to use. The small area is a disadvantage for experienced sailors, however. It is difficult to adjust it precisely.
Genoa
The Genoa, also called an overlapping jib, is a headsail that extends beyond the mast and fills the bow triangle. It is indicated based on the percentage of occupancy: the genoa 140 supplies more than 40% over the mast; the genoa 120 fills more than 20% over the mast. Compared to the jib, the Genoa requires the presence of a person to manage the sheets when turning.
Types of mainsail
Mainsails, divided into three groups, are classified according to the mechanism they are furled.
- Traditional mainsail: folds down into a lazy bag
The classic mainsail is a sail that lowers into a bag attached to the boom, called a lazy pack or stack pack. When the canopy is reduced, it folds up into this protective cover. The lazy bag is closed with a zip, protecting the sail from atmospheric agents. The net of lines that goes from the mainsail to the lazy bag is made up of lazy jacks. Usually, the classic mainsail has spars to maintain the sail’s shape. A distinction is made between full batten mainsail and partial batten mainsail.
- Furling sail inside the mast
This type of sail is rolled up on an aluminum sheet that rotates inside the mast. It is enough to turn a crank to unroll it and hoist it. Much appreciated by small crews or by those who are beginners, being easy to use. It is sufficient to wrap only the necessary quantity without managing complicated wrapping processes. The furling sails are very popular because the mechanism hardly jams.
- Furling sail upwind
Uncommon, it follows a principle similar to that of a furling sail inside the mast.
Market trend
Owners want to sail on bigger and bigger boats. Italy is at the forefront of superyachts, ready to satisfy even the owner who wishes to go out in the morning, take a break for an aperitif and then sail again in the afternoon. But quality, aesthetics, and performance must coincide.
What materials for the sails?
Almost all of them are 3Di sails, the best technology. 3Di is a technology created to build very high-performance sails. Different materials are used depending on the use and shapes. The 760 or 780 can be used, depending on the performance required.
What matters most is the use the owner and the crew at his disposal want to make of it. A rollable headsail jib, a traditional three-handed mainsail, a 1,050 square meter COD 1 in 760 for the carriers, or an inner jib armed on the staysail forestay. Everything will be valued in the right hands.
Production times of the sails
The project can take up to two years to complete. However, the construction times of the artifact usually do not exceed one month. The construction of the tape is the beginning; then, we move on to the printing of the designed shapes, followed by the finishing and shipping up to the sea trial.
