How long does a 3DL sail last?

Top IMS racing boats typically log 150-200 racing hours on an aramid laminate paneled mainsail. Don Smith's Falcon logged 350 fast hours on her first 3DL main with no recutting needed. Team Dennis Conner used the same 3DL heavy mainsail throughout their entire 1995 America's Cup campaign. While no two boats are the same—and sail handling is an important determining factor in a sail's longevity—we have many documented cases where the competitive life of a 3DL sail is close to double that of an equivalent paneled sail.

Can you recut a 3DL sail?

Yes. A 3DL sail can be recut by your local loft using the same procedures as a standard scrim sail. But, because the 3DL process reproduces a sail design (mold) more accurately and the sail holds its shape longer and over a broader wind range, recutting is rarely needed. Minor tears and punctures are often repaired by reinforced Mylar tape over the damaged area.

Can you adjust the shape of the sail?

Because a 3DL sail's shape is molded in as it is manufactured, some owners have asked if the shape can be adjusted easily. Outhaul, cunningham, mast bend, headstay sag and lead positions are adjusted the very same way one does with paneled sails. However, less tension is needed to achieve a similar effect.

Other sailmakers claim they can build sails that are lighter than 3DL. Is that true?

Other sailmakers can make a sail as light as 3DL sail, but they are making major tradeoffs in effective wind range end durability. Remember that 3DL is lighter for a given amount of stretch. We have seen paneled sails that are as light or lighter than a 3DL sail of similar size, but the sails have "blown out" after a single regatta. In some cases, we've seen appreciable shape degradation after one race! If a paneled sail and a 3DL sail have similar stretch resistance, the 3DL sail will always be lighter. For the same reasons, if a paneled sail and a 3DL sail have similar weights, the 3DL sail will have superior stretch resistance.

How does the cost of 3DL technology compare with paneled sails?

3DL costs a bit more to buy initially compared to a paneled sail, but if you factor in the superior longevity of 3DL over anything more than 1.5 seasons, 3DL turns out to be less expensive. We have many customers going into their third competitive season with their 3DL sails and they're very pleased with the value.

Can you make 3DL cruising sails?

Yes. North is currently developing 3DL laminates tailored for durability, increased UV resistance and resistance to abrasion. The newest breakthrough in 3DL technology is RENDEZVOUS 3DL a very different 3DL laminate designed specifically for recreational cruising sailors. RENDEZVOUS 3DL will initially appear in a line of roller furling genoas offering lighter weight, improved performance, broader wind range and outstanding UV and mildew protection. With the arrival of RENDEZVOUS 3DL, North is of 3DL to all sailors, whether they race, cruise, or both.its promise to deliver the advantages