Cruising Laminates - Soft NorLam™ and Spectra™

Sailcloth Options

Soft NorLam™

SOFT NorLam is a relatively thin Mylar film surrounded by a warp­oriented polyester taffeta. With the Mylar hidden in the middle of the sandwich, the sail has a traditional look and soft polyester feel. SOFT NorLam has good tear strength, abrasion resistance and holds a seam tenaciously. North SOFT NorLam genoas feature radial construction, which reduces stretch and extends the sail's range. SOFT NorLam is especially well suited for roller furling headsails.
Available weights 5.0oz., 6.0oz., 7.0oz., 8.0oz., 11.0 oz.

SR Spectra

North's new family of SR Spectra™ laminates deliver much of the toughness, low­stretch, UV resistance and exceptional durability of North's Gatorback™ Spectra laminates with a more affordable price. SR Spectras are available in a number of styles and prices.
Available weights include: 6.5 oz., 8.0 oz., 9.0 oz., 10.5 oz., 13.5 oz.

ROPE LUFF

ROPE LUFF is an alternative to other roller reefing options such as foam luff pads or AeroLuff. A ROPE LUFF works on the same principal as a foam luff pad, allowing the sail to furl around the headstay smoothly. A tapered bundle of ropes are placed inside a dacron sleeve and stitched to the sail behind the luff tape. ROPE LUFF is light weight, aesthetically pleasing, does not absorb water, and is mildew resistant. ROPE LUFF can also be sold as a separate sleeve that can be used with other sails, or removed entirely to transform your cruising sail to a racing sail for casual club racing.

UV Protection

For a longer lasting sail, you should install some type of UV cover on the leech and foot of your roller furling genoa to prevent premature UV degradation on your furled sail ­ U.V. is terminal in the tropics.

Cruising Sail Tips

• Be sure the protective U.V. sunshield is on the outside when furled. If you find your sunshield hiding inside the furl, wind your furling line around the drum in the opposite direction.

• Over tensioning the genoa halyard can bind the furling head swivel as well as harm the sail fabric..

• Even if you are using reef foot marks for reference, reef to a slightly different spot on occasion so as not to strain the same area of the leech and foot every time.

• After sailing with the genoa roller reefed, un­furl the sail all the way before furling for the evening. This will unload the fabric evenly.

Extended tack (and head) patches (left) on roller furling genoas provide additional reinforcement and a smoother shape under load when the sail is reefed. Optional reef marks provide a quick reference for furling.

SOME NOTES ON LAMINATES... Choosing the correct laminate for your sail can be very confusing with the amount of styles available. Depending on your boas, and the type of sailing you like to do, one style may be more appropriate than another Speak with your North Sails representative. They have current information on cloth testing, comparative styles and applications and will work with you to choose the sail that best fits your cruising style, and your budget. For a sampling of boats carrying an inventory of the Cruising laminate styles listed, please ask your North representative.