Tape-Drive® – Race

Race Fast That Lasts

Tape-Drive® is a patented two-part construction process in which the structural strength of the sail and the skin that defines a sail’s three dimensional shape are separate elements. In this unique process, Tape-Drive® marries a grid of high strength, low stretch tapes – the structural strength – to a three-dimensionally shaped membrane – the fabric or skin.

The secret of Tape-Drive’s strength is the web of low-stretch tapes, made with inserted high modulus Fibreglass or Carbon Fibre yarns, that run along the sail’s primary load paths from corner to corner — putting the muscle in the sail right where it’s needed. The tapes radiate throughout the sail with a heavier concentration in the high load areas — in the corners and along the leech.

Depending on the size of your boat and its sail requirements, we select the appropriate membrane material from a wide variety of custom designed laminates using scrims of aramids, Spectra, fibreglass or polyester yarns.

Tape-Drive® Extends Wind Range – A sail’s wind range is a function of two things; its ability to lift and fill in light air and its ability to hold its designed shape when highly loaded. The lightness of Tape-Drive® sails not only widens their wind range but lighter sails are faster because they create less pitching and heeling. They also tack faster and are easier to handle. Reducing the total weight of your working sail inventory can also make your boat faster.

Not only are Tape-Drive sails stronger and lighter than other sails, but the tapes create a unique “damage control” structure that keeps accidental rips from becoming major problems. With the high strength tapes running up and down the leech and luff, damage to the base fabric can only migrate to the nearest seam or tape — not across the sail — a huge benefit to those cruising far afield. Repairs can be so minor that temporary fixes can be done on the boat with sail tape or even duct tape. And when your repairs are less extensive, they are less expensive.

Click the “Get a Quote” tab on the left to get more information about this type of sail for your boat.