What is a Low Aspect Sail?
While high aspect sails dominate the racing scene, the low aspect ratio sail remains the unsung hero of the cruising world. A low aspect sail is shorter and wider than its high aspect counterpart, with a more even distribution of area. Think of a classic cruising yacht with a large, overlapping genoa – that’s a perfect example of a low aspect rig.
This shorter, wider shape might not have the same upwind prowess as a high aspect sail, but it offers a number of advantages that make it ideal for cruising:
- Durability and Longevity: The more even load distribution of a low aspect sail puts less stress on the sailcloth, leading to a longer lifespan.
- Ease of Handling: Low aspect rigs are generally more forgiving and easier to manage, especially for short-handed crews.
- Stability: The lower centre of effort of a low aspect sail plan contributes to a more stable and comfortable ride.
The Right Dacron for the Job
Just as high aspect sails require a specific type of Dacron, so do low aspect sails. A low aspect Dacron is a more balanced cloth, with similar strength in both the warp (lengthwise) and fill (crosswise) directions. This construction is designed to handle the more evenly distributed loads of a shorter, wider sail.
Using a high aspect, fill-oriented Dacron on a low aspect sail would be just as inappropriate as the other way around. The sail would not hold its shape properly and would be prone to distortion and premature wear.
At Kraken Sails, we understand that every sail has a specific purpose. We use our expertise to select the perfect Dacron for your low aspect cruising sails, ensuring you get a sail that is both durable and performs to its full potential.
The Enduring Popularity of Low Aspect Rigs
While modern yacht design has largely moved towards high aspect rigs, the low aspect sail plan is far from obsolete. Many classic and traditional cruising yachts, as well as a large number of production cruisers from the 1970s and 80s, were designed with low aspect rigs. These boats are still widely sailed and enjoyed by cruisers all over the world.
Some popular examples of yachts that were designed with low aspect rigs include:
- Wauquiez Hood 38 and Centurion 32: These classic French cruising yachts are renowned for their seakindly motion and robust construction, and they were designed with powerful, low aspect rigs.
- Islander 36: A popular American cruiser from the 1970s, the Islander 36 is another great example of a boat that performs well with a low aspect sail plan.
- Tartan 37: This classic cruiser from the 1970s and 80s is known for its comfortable motion and solid construction, and it was designed with a low aspect, masthead rig.
For these and many other classic cruising yachts, a well-designed low aspect sail is the key to unlocking their best performance.
Upgrading Your Low Aspect Sails
If you own a classic cruising yacht or a boat that was designed with a low aspect rig, upgrading to new sails can dramatically improve your boat’s performance and handling. A new, well-made sail will have a much better shape than an old, stretched-out sail, and you’ll be amazed at the difference it makes.
When upgrading your sails, you can absolutely take advantage of modern materials and construction techniques—but it’s crucial that these materials have been developed for low aspect load patterns. There’s no point putting on a technical material that’s not built for the dimensions of your rig. A high-tech laminate designed for high aspect racing sails will not perform properly on a low aspect cruising rig, and may actually be less durable than a quality dacron specifically engineered for your sail’s shape and load distribution.
The key is working with a sailmaker who understands the unique requirements of low aspect rigs and can recommend materials that will deliver the best performance for your specific boat.
Get a Quote from Kraken Sails
Whether you’re looking for a new low aspect sail for your classic cruiser or you’re considering a major rig conversion, the team at Kraken Sails can help. We have the expertise and experience to design and build the perfect sails for your yacht, no matter its age or design. Get a quote today!