Woven polyester (Dacron) sails

Competitors taking on the challenge of the Golden Globe Race 2018 are not permitted to use materials post 1968. This includes sails, which Golden Globe Race Media Co-ordinator Barry Pickthall says will need to be Dacron, Terylene etc. In the latest of our Classic Kit items inspired by the 50th anniversary event to honour Sir Robin Knox-Johnston’s historic victory in the Sunday Times Golden Globe solo, non-stop, round-theworld race, we look at the most used sailcloth, still favoured by cruisers seeking a lower price and high durability.

JKA Sailmakers explain that Dacron is the brand name commonly used to refer to polyester (PET) sails. PET is the most common fibre used in sailcloth, while polyethylene terephthalate is the most common type of PET. Other trade names include Terylene, Tetoron, Trevira and Diolen. JKA Sailmakers’ Sail Fabrics Explained guide says that PET has excellent resiliency, high abrasion resistance, high UV resistance, high flex strength and low cost. Low absorbency allows the fibre to dry quickly. PET has been replaced by stronger fibres for serious racing applications, but remains the most popular sailcloth due to lower price and high durability.

Find the guide at www.jkasailmakers. co.uk/sailmaking.html