North Sails launches 3Di Race™: Optimised performance and durability for local and regional racers
by North Sails 2 Sep 2016 09:31 BST
2 September 2016
North Sails introduce 3Di RACE © North Sails
Born on the Grand Prix race course, 3Di RACETM offers revolutionary patented 3DiTM technology engineered specifically as an everyday race solution for boats under 40 feet.
North Sails patented 3DiTM technology has transformed Grand Prix, offshore and Superyacht sailing over the last ten years. And with the launch of the new 3Di RACETM product, North Sails has developed a product that will add value for sailors who are at the epicenter of racing around the globe. 3Di RACE immediately gives 20-40' racers and racer-cruisers a chance to improve their results and sail durability with a patented, purpose built, moulded composite sail.
North Sails President, Ken Read: "3Di RACE was developed for boats ranging from 20 to 40 feet, tapping into the technology that has powered all of our racing heroes to victory at the highest levels of the sport. RACE takes our celebrated 3Di technology, tested by the most competitive sailing programs in the world, and translates them into an everyday race solution. Proven performance, durability and value packed into a single sail."
3Di originated during the America's Cup in 2007, and was developed and ready for market by 2010. Today it is adopted across the board at the highest levels of yacht racing including IMOCA, offshore multihulls, and maxi yachts. 3Di RACE targets Club Racers who are currently sailing with low durability laminated string sails or paneled sails. Delamination is an impossibility with 3Di RACE.
Club Race Segment Leader, Sam Richmond: "Gone are the days of throwaway plastic sails that break down far too quickly. 3Di RACE will substantially outlast any string sail and will give racers much more time on the water with optimized performance. The dedicated RACE tape layout makes this sail user-friendly, lighter, low-stretch and more forgiving to trim and tune. As the segment leader for Club Race, I'm confident introducing 3Di RACE is a big step in changing customers' perception that 3Di technology is out of reach for everyday sailors."
3Di RACE has a wider wind range than conventional string sails offering a significant return on investment and a smaller more efficient sail inventory. The composition and weight of the composite material are unique to North Sails, providing high stability (like a wing) mixed with a very soft hand (easy to read) and lightweight handling.
3Di RACE is available in black or gold color.
About North Sails 3Di™
3Di™ is a unique, patented sailmaking technology that produces the world's fastest and most durable sails. 3Di sails mirror the balanced load bearing and shape holding of a rigid airfoil wing. They are composed of ultra-thin unidirectional spread filament tapes, pre-impregnated with thermoset adhesive, arranged in a complex multiple-axis array, and three-dimensionally molded into a one-piece, flexible composite membrane. A spread filament tape is an individual yarn that has been spread out until the individual filaments lie side-by-side; forming an ultra-thin "tape." This exclusive technology enables 3Di sails to be made from fiber and adhesive only—without the need for Mylar film under in string-sails. North's proprietary automated tape laying system allows designers precise control over the placement and orientation of material within each sail. This unitary, monolithic construction produces an airfoil that has balanced resistance to distortion in all directions.
About North Sails Group
North Sails, the largest division of North Technology Group, is the world leader in sailmaking technology. North Sails holds the patent for 3Di, a unique composite construction process that produces high-performance sails that approach the shape holding of a rigid foil. North Sails is the sailmaker of choice on the majority of America's Cup, Grand Prix, ocean race boats and Superyachts. North Sails offers a wide range of performance 3D and paneled sails for cruising sailors and is the world's leading sailmaker for one-design classes with more National, World and Olympic Class victories than all other sailmakers combined.
www.northsails.com//uk