Cruising Laminate or good old fashioned Dacron?

[rudolph_hart]

Thanks everyone for the opinions and experiences - really useful.

I did indeed mean "roller-reefing" rather then just furling and "cross-cut" rather than "straight-cut".

I'm completely sold on a tri-radial - I remember the difference from when I first switched to one from a cross-cut.

From the info you've provided I now have an extra type to consider - the choice is now between "pure" dacron, a cruising laminate and some form of re-inforced dacron (e.g. Hydranet). Having tried the first two materials the third is looking favourite. It is clear that material technology has been moving on apace and that to investigate the various types of "reinforced dacron", I must talk to a few sail makers and then sort through the bumph and sales claims before choosing the type of cloth. And, in fairness to the salespeople I should wait until the piggy-bank has a bit more in it!

In due course I'll let you know how I get on. But don't hold your breath - that piggy-bank is woefully underfilled!

Thanks again for the asistance and food for thought.

I'm an ex-racer like yourself and wanted the best possible balance of performance, longevity and cost. I did a lot of research and decided that Hydranet met the first 2 criteria, but might be costly.

When quotes came in (most were able to offer Hydranet), I was surprised how competetive Crusader were, especially as both main and 100% headsail are radial cut. Also, because of its Dyneema content, Hydranet allowed me to drop a size in cloth weight.

I went with them and the sails are in their 2nd season. They perform well and are easier to handle. Service wise, Crusader's effort to rectify their measurement error was excellent, and still enabled me to keep my 'tidal window' for launching.