sailcloth

Sailcloth is a fabric used to construct sails for sailing vessels. Traditionally made from cotton canvas, most modern sails use synthetic fibers designed to resist stretching and environmental degradation. The most common sailcloth is polyester, marketed as Dacron, which offers low stretch, good UV resistance, and durability. Other fibers include aramids such as Kevlar and Technora, high-modulus polyethylene such as Spectra or Dyneema, Vectran, and carbon fibers. Some fabrics are laminated or film-supported to further reduce stretch; these are bonded or woven with a Mylar or PET film, producing higher rigidity but susceptibility to puncture and delamination.

Weave and weight: sailcloth is typically woven, with warp and weft fibers oriented along the sail. Weights are specified in ounces per square yard (oz/yd2) or grams per square meter (gsm). Heavier cloth (e.g., 6-9 oz Dacron) offers more durability for cruising sails, while lighter cloths are favored for racing or performance.

Performance: properties include tensile strength, elasticity, abrasion resistance, porosity, and UV stability. Laminates reduce stretch but require careful handling and storage to avoid delamination.

Care and use: rinse after saltwater, dry away from direct heat, inspect for tears and UV degradation, store rolled or flat in a cool dry place. Sailcloth selection depends on sailing style, load, and weather exposure.

History: transition from cotton sailcloth to synthetic fibers in mid-20th century; Dacron remains common for cruising, with high-performance laminated fabrics used by racing yachts.