Sail Materials
Sail Materials
At Elvstrøm Sails, we work with three primary sailcloth types—Woven, Laminate, and Membrane—each offering different strengths depending on your sailing style, performance goals, and budget.
1. Woven Sailcloth (Dacron & Nylon)
Best for: Cruising, durability, cost-efficiency
Common layout: Cross-cut
Woven polyester—commonly known as Dacron—is a durable, UV-resistant, and economical material, ideal for cruisers. It resists flex fatigue and maintains performance across a broad wind range. For downwind sails, woven nylon is used, offering lightweight flexibility and stretch.
2. Laminate Sails
Best for: Club racing, performance cruising
Common layout: Radial
Laminate sails are made from a multi-layered construction combining low-stretch fibers with polyester films. They offer high shape stability, UV resistance, and better performance than woven cloth—at a competitive price.
Laminate Options:
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Polyester Laminate
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eXRP Cruise (EKKO) – A sustainable laminate option
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Film/Film, Taffeta (inside/outside/double) for added durability
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Code Laminates – Optimized for downwind performance
3. Membranes – EPEX Technology
Best for: High-performance cruising and racing
Common layout: Fully custom
EPEX is our patented membrane technology and represents the top tier of sail construction. Each sail is custom-engineered with fibers laid along calculated load paths for maximum shape retention and minimal stretch. The sail is vacuum-laminated in a single continuous process, removing all air and ensuring lasting performance.
Fiber Options:
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Technora®
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Vectran®
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Carbon
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Aramid (Gold)
EPEX isn’t just a material—it’s a construction philosophy that adapts to your sailing demands.
Choosing the Right Material
Your sail material choice comes down to three key factors:
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Performance → Shape stability
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Durability → Resistance to UV and fatigue
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Price → Balancing cost vs. performance goals
Use our Digital Cloth Samples and Sail Configurator to explore options based on how and where you sail.
