Introduction to Sailcloth: Choosing the Right Fabric for Your Sails

At East Coast Kit, one of the most common questions we get asked is:
“What’s the best cloth for my new sail?”

It’s a great question—and an important one. With over 300 fabric combinations available through Elvstrøm Sails, choosing the right material can feel overwhelming. The good news? You don’t need to become a sailcloth expert overnight. This guide will give you a solid starting point for understanding your options and deciding what’s best for your boat and sailing style.

Let’s break it down.

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🧵 Woven vs. Laminate Sails: The Two Main Types

When choosing sailcloth, you’re generally deciding between woven sails and laminate sails. Each type has its strengths, and the right choice depends on how and where you sail.

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⚓ Woven Sailcloth: The Cruising Staple

Woven sails—usually made from Dacron or similar polyester fibers—are a tried-and-tested choice for cruisers. They’re known for:

• Durability: Tough enough for heavy use and long passages

• Affordability: Lower cost due to simpler construction

• Class Compliance: Required for many one-design racing classes

Woven sails are typically built in one of two ways:

• Crosscut: Offers simple, rugged durability—ideal for everyday cruising

• Radial Cut: Allows more control over shape, improving performance while maintaining resilience

🪂 Downwind Sails & Lightweight Wovens

Most downwind sails (like spinnakers and gennakers) also use woven materials. These are typically nylon fabrics, selected for their light weight and responsiveness in low-wind conditions.

Options include:

• Superlight 40: Excellent for light airs

• Maxlight 150: Durable and dependable for long-distance or offshore sailing

• Woven Code 0s: A cost-effective choice for cruisers seeking more power in light wind, without the added expense of laminates

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🏁 Laminate Sailcloth: Designed for Performance

For sailors who prioritise performance, laminate sails are often the go-to. Built from multiple layers of film and high-performance fibres (such as aramid, Technora, or carbon), they offer:

• Superior Shape Retention

• Lower Stretch and Weight

• Better Aerodynamics for Racing and High-End Cruising

These sails are often radial cut to maximise shape control. But Elvstrøm also offers something even more advanced...

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🚀 EPEX Membrane Sails: Next-Generation Laminate Technology

Developed exclusively by Elvstrøm, EPEX sails represent the cutting edge of sailmaking. These sails are made with continuous fibre reinforcement, precisely aligned to match the load paths of your rig.

Benefits of EPEX sails:

• 🌀 Lightweight yet extremely strong

• 🎯 Exceptional shape stability

• ♻️ Customisable fibre and film selection—including sustainable options

EPEX isn’t just for mains and jibs. It’s also used to construct high-performance Code sails, offering greater range and efficiency in a wide wind spectrum.

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🧭 So… What Sailcloth Is Right for You?

The best cloth for your sail depends on several factors:

• Your boat type

• Your sailing goals (cruising, racing, offshore passages)

• Expected weather conditions

• Budget and longevity requirements

This is where our expertise comes in. At East Coast Kit, we work closely with you to understand your sailing needs and recommend the best cloth option—balancing performance, durability, and value.

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📊 Quick Reference: Sailcloth Suggestions for Upwind Sails

Note: Always consult your sailmaker before making a final decision.

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📞 Want to Learn More About Sailcloth Options?

Whether you’re replacing a tired cruising sail or looking to optimise your boat for performance, we’re here to help.

➡️ Contact us by phone or email
➡️ Book an appointment through the Services section of our website
➡️ Or just pop in—we’re always happy to talk sails