UV Protection
UV Protection Systems
Section titled “UV Protection Systems”Standardized UV protection specifications for all sails (Headsails and Mainsails).
1. Material Specifications
Section titled “1. Material Specifications”Acrylic UV Canvas (Standard)
Section titled “Acrylic UV Canvas (Standard)”Material: Solution-dyed Acrylic (e.g., Sunbrella, WeatherMax).
- Properties: Excellent UV resistance, breathable, colorfast.
- Lifespan: 5-7 years in high-UV areas, 7-10 years in temperate climates.
- Weight: Adds ~3-5% to total sail weight.
UV Film/Laminate (Racing)
Section titled “UV Film/Laminate (Racing)”Material: Tedlar or specialized UV films bonded to sail laminate.
- Properties: Lightweight, smooth finish, integral to sail structure.
- Lifespan: Varies, generally shorter aesthetic life than acrylic.
2. Color Options
Section titled “2. Color Options”Colors are standardized across all sail types to ensure matching fleet aesthetics.
| Color Family | Common Options |
|---|---|
| Neutrals | White, Black, Gray (Charcoal, Silver), Taupe, Beige, Sand |
| Blues | Captain Navy, Navy, Royal Blue, Pacific Blue, Ocean Blue |
| Greens | Forest Green, Teal, Hemlock Tweed |
| Reds | Burgundy, Jockey Red, Terra Cotta |
| Yellows | Sunflower Yellow, Orange |
Most Popular Configurations:
- Captain Navy / Navy Blue: Classic look, hides dirt well.
- White: Maximum UV reflection, keeps sail cooler, matches white hulls.
- Grey/Silver: Modern aesthetic, matches aluminum masts.
3. Coverage Specifications
Section titled “3. Coverage Specifications”Headsail (Furling)
Section titled “Headsail (Furling)”- Leech: Continuous strip from Head to Clew.
- Foot: Continuous strip from Tack to Clew.
- Geometry: Calculated based on furling drum diameter to ensure 100% overlap when furled.
Mainsail (In-Mast/In-Boom Furling)
Section titled “Mainsail (In-Mast/In-Boom Furling)”- Clew Area: Small sacrificial patch often applied to clew block area (if exposed).
- Hollow Leech: Some in-mast systems require a UV strip along the leech if the sail does not fully retract inside the mast.
4. Construction Details
Section titled “4. Construction Details”- Attachment: Double-stitched.
- Thread: PTFE (Tenara/Gore) thread is highly recommended for all UV cover stitching to match the fabric lifespan. Polyester thread will degrade long before the acrylic fabric.
- Edges: Folded and hemmed to prevent fraying.
5. Maintenance
Section titled “5. Maintenance”- Inspection: Check stitching annually. Thread failure is the most common issue.
- Cleaning: Rinse with fresh water to remove salt crystals which attract moisture and mildew.
- Replacement: UV strips are sacrificial. They should be replaced when the fabric becomes brittle or tears easily, preserving the sail underneath.