Find Your Perfect Sail: Why Elvstrøm Technology Matters

If you're visiting our Sail Quote Form, you're already taking a crucial step toward optimising your boat's performance and enjoyment on the water. At VMG Sailing, we partner with Elvstrøm Sails—a world-renowned Danish sailmaker with a legacy built on innovation and precision.

1. A Legacy of Innovation

Elvstrøm Sails was founded by sailing legend Paul Elvstrøm in 1954, following his Olympic triumphs. From humble beginnings in a basement sail loft, the brand grew by pioneering inventions for dinghy racing and beyond. This spirit of innovation lives on today—reflected both in their heritage and their cutting-edge sail technologies.

Today, Elvstrøm remains a leading international manufacturer, headquartered in Denmark with robust operations across the UK and Europe.

2. EPEX: Precision at Its Core

At the heart of Elvstrøm’s high-end sail offerings is EPEX Technology—a patented membrane sail construction method that delivers unmatched shape retention and durability.

• High-Tech Lamination: Built on the world’s most precise vacuum table, featuring over 500,000 vacuum nozzles, EPEX ensures perfect layer consolidation, eliminates air bubbles, and prevents material shrinkage during curing.
• Even Heating & Pressure: Uniform temperature and vacuum-pressure across the sail produce a flawless, strong membrane with no air pockets or deformed fibres.
• Integrated Batten Pockets: Available on select models, these are laminated directly into the sail surface for perfect symmetry and optimal performance on both tacks.
• Proven Durability: EPEX sails boast lasting shape and structure—even after years of use. Some have maintained peak performance for up to 8 years without signs of delamination.

3. Introducing XYLO: The Next-Level Membrane

Elvstrøm’s XYLO technology builds on the EPEX foundation, offering even greater durability and precision.

• Developed over two and a half years of R&D, XYLO uses ultra-thin filament strips—aligned according to load paths and laminated under vacuum—to form high-performance, multi-layer membrane sails.
• The use of Technora® (a Kevlar-like aramid fibre) adds strength and longevity, especially suited for demanding racing and offshore use.

4. Choosing the Right Sail for You

Elvstrøm offers a spectrum of materials and layouts—so selecting the right one depends on your sailing goals:

• Woven Cloth (Dacron/Nylon)
  Ideal for cruising: durable, cost-effective, and forgiving. Cross-cut layouts maximise lifespan at an affordable price.
• Laminates
  Tailored for club racing or performance cruising. They hold shape better than woven fabrics at a mid-range price point.
• Membrane Sails (EPEX & XYLO)
  The pinnacle of performance sailing. Fully custom-engineered, precision-manufactured sails that excel in shape retention, longevity, and responsiveness.

5. How to Get Started with the VMG Quote Form

Taking advantage of our Sail Quote Form is your gateway to the ideal sail:

1. Tell us about your boat —from a Sandhoppers to Oysters we can supply you a tailor made sail.
2. What type of Sailing—be it coastal cruising, club racing, inshore, or offshore adventures.
3. Choose your cut preferences—we’ll get you the sails type you need, with crosscut, Radial and Membrane options
4. Receive a tailored quote, complete with layout options, material insights, and our expert recommendations from Hamble, Cowes, or the East Coast team.

Why VMG Sailing + Elvstrøm = Winning Combination

• Unrivalled expertise: VMG Sailing is the official Elvstrøm UK dealer, with skilled lofts in Hamble, Cowes, and Essex
• Personal service: From initial consultation to optimized delivery or servicing, our teams—Eddie, Tristan, and Oli—are seasoned sailors themselves
• Ultimate performance: Whether you need everyday reliability or cutting-edge racing performance, we guide you to the sail that best fits your needs.

Start your quote today