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Performance Extras

Roller Furling - All North roller furling genoas and mainsails are designed to maximize convenience with a minimum performance tradeoff. Extended tack (and head) patches on our genoas provide additional reinforcement and a smoother shape under load when the sail is reefed. In moderate to heavy air, reef marks provide a quick reference for sail reduction. Reefing controls, such as Foam Luff, AeroLuff, or the new Rope Luff flatten the middle of the genoa as it is furled, reducing heeling, making steering easier as the breeze builds.

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, aesthestically 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.

Full Length Battens - North mainsails can be equipped with four or more full length battens or a combination of full length and standard battens. Fulllength battens improve the durability of your mainsail, make it easier to handle, and keep the sail quieter by inhibiting luffing.

UV Protection - UV degradation is one of the most common causes of premature aging in sails, especially in the tropics. To lengthen the life of your roller furling genoa, a UV cover on the leech and foot of your genoa is recommended.

The Longevity Question

The best way to measure sail longevity is not in years of ownership but in hours of use. How many hours can you expect from a cruising sail?
Most charter fleets expect 23 years of solid use from basic Dacron sails, which translates to about 15002500 hours of varied duty, typically including a high amount of flogging. Cruising sails that have been well maintained and covered for U.V. protection can last up to 5,7,or 10 years, although over time the sail shape will change which affects sailing performance.

An important point: There is a BIG difference between a sails "ultimate life"-when it starts to fall apart- and its "performance life"-when it loses shape to a point that it could benefit from recutting or replacement for best performance. Performance life is always shorter than ultimate life.

Premium NorDac™ - Cruising Mainsails & Genoas