Liberty Sail and Canvas loft

Yarn quality varies in terms of tenacity (breaking strength), modulus (resistance to stretch), creep (long term stretch) and “weaving quality. ” A high tenacity, high modulus yarn produced specifically for weaving is the most desirable and also the most expensive.

Yarn content relates to the aspect ratio of the particular sail. Lower aspect sails (number 1’s) require a more balanced weave, with fibers of similar denier and count in the warp and fill. Higher aspect ratio sails such as blade jibs and high aspect mainsails require more, heavier fibers along the load lines and fewer across the sail.

The tightness of the weave varies for a number of reasons, including:

• The size of the yarns employed; The smaller the yarn denier, the tighter the weave.
• The shrinkage of the yarns employed. Higher shrink yarns will produce a tighter weave than lower shrink yarns.

The type of finish used on the sail greatly affects the feel of the material. Also, highly resinated materials often rely on the resin for stability and when, after extended use, the resin begins to break down, the sail begins to change shape. Resin quality and quantity greatly affect the overall quality and cost of the sailcloth.