The (new) miracle cure? — Part 1

Dobbs Davis assesses the ultimate potential of the latest incarnation of super-fibre Dyneema... SK78

The use of manmade fibrous materials on sailing yachts is all-pervasive: the composites used in the hull, deck and appendages start with woven and/or uni-directional glass fibre, aramids or carbon, bonded to itself and to core materials using resins of various types and sophistications. Composite spars are commonly now made of uncored uni-directional and woven carbon as well, and thereีs increasing use of composite materials in winches, blocks and other deck hardware. Sails are, of course, constructed using either woven fibrous materials and stabilising resins, or varying densities of yarns of fibres bonded to film materials using thermoset resins.

But over the past decade or so much of the focus on development and innovation in fibre types has centred upon their application in running rigging, and, most recently, standing rigging. This development has prompted a vigorous expansion in the rope manufacturing industry as new products have been offered that combine the best qualities of the various fibre types to suit specific applications on the boat.

To read the remainder of this and many other articles, please purchase your copy of the February 2007 edition of Seahorse International Sailing available at selected newsstands or by calling: + 44 (0) 1590 671899 or by email at: info@seahorse.co.uk

You can subscribe via our website