© 2008 North Sails

Spectra/Dyneema Hybrids

North Spectra/Dyneema laminates combine low stretch, light weight and high resistance to flex fatigue and UV.© North Sails

Spectra/Dyneema

Spectra/Dyneema Gatorback styles (Gatorback “X” yarns have been a key feature in North Cloth’s racing laminate styles for many years) go a step beyond SRP in stretch resistance. The result is race-level sail performance suitable for long life at sea.

Carbon/Spectra Dyneema

For the most demanding applications, nothing compares to North Cloth Carbon/Spectra/Dyneema Gatorbacks™. Spectra and Dyneema are “nearly perfect” — but when high loads are applied over long time periods UHMWP (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethelene) fibers will begin to elongate, and sailshape suffers to a degree. By laminating super low stretch carbon fiber with Spectra/Dyneema Gatorback, superb stretch resistance — even over extended periods of time — is combined with outstanding strength and toughness. Carbon fiber has proven itself in sailcloth on racecourses worldwide, despite less than ideal resistance to flex fatigue (and rough treatment below and on deck!). The carbon fiber in a Carbon/Specrta/Dyneema Gatorback cruising sail will likely face far less abuse, allowing the substantial benefit of carbon fiber to shine for a very long time.