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Is Polyester Good Fabric for Sailing?

Modern sailcloth begins life as industrial fiber and film. Some of these products are well known to sailors by a specific supplier’s brand name, yet in many cases, the material properties of these products are not well understood.

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A better understanding of the characteristics of these fibers can truly be helpful in choosing the right sails for your boat. If you want to know the ideal sailcloth fiber, you should know that it would last for decades of use, stand up to the harsh sailing environment – meaning that it should have toughness and structural durability. The fiber should not stretch under load (modulus and shape-holding) and would be sold at low cost.

However, in reality, available fibers exhibit varying degrees of these attributes with some materials having vanishingly small levels of stretch for weight, but less than desirable durability, while others are tough, but stretchy. Finding the right material for sailing is not easy, but it is the key to being happy with your sails. Polyester fabric is the most used in sailing, but not many people know much about it, for instance – is polyester stretchy, what is it made of or its structure. So let’s explain what kind of material is polyester exactly and why should you use it for sailing.

What is Polyester?

Polyester is a generalized term for any fabric or textile, which is made by using polyester yarns or fibers. The long term of the synthetic, man-made polymer is polyethylene terephthalate (PET). If you know what is polyester made of – it is made by mixing ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid. In other words, polyester material is a kind of plastic that was invented in 1941 by the British chemists John Rex Whinfield and James Tennant Dickson, yet it became extremely popular in the 1970s.

When made into fabric, it was used to create polyester clothing, furnishings or textiles. You will find clothes that are 100% polyester or natural fabric mixed with it.

Polyester Texture Characteristic

Does polyester stretch? What does polyester feel like? Is polyester see-through? These are just a few questions you should ask before choosing a material for sailing.

Polyester is good and recommended for sailing because it is very durable and resistant to many chemicals. It is resistant to shrinking and stretching, as well as wrinkling and abrasions. Polyester fiber is very strong, yet lightweight, and it is easily dyed. Polyester retains shape very well and the fabric is easy to look after. It can be washed and dried at home and dried quickly.

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Why Use Polyester for Sailing?

For decades this material has been the most commonly used sail fiber because it is strong, durable and relatively inexpensive. Woven polyester sailcloth is often called “dacron”. It was specifically developed for sailcloth by DuPont. High reduction, combined with very tight weaving produces sailcloth which is tightly backed and stable without having to rely on adding excess resins for stability. You can use polyester fabric as stand-alone woven cloth, or as a component in laminates. Its yarn is quite resistant to UV damage.

Polyester fibers are thermoplastic or heat-sensitive. This means that fabrics that are 100% polyester can be given permanent pleats and decorative shapes and patterns. They are also highly stain-resistant, which is great when it comes to cleaning. Polyester is slippery and almost silky to touch. It is a naturally bright fiber and is perfect material for sailing.

Frequently asked questions

  • 1
    What are some of the key preparations I should consider prior to my yacht charter?
    • Travel Documentation

      Always ensure you have some form of acceptable identification, in legible condition and valid.

      Medication

      Double check that both you and other individuals in your group remember to bring important medications that you are currently being prescribed, accounting for the amount of time you will be at sea.

      Money & Additional expenses

      It would be prudent to budget for slightly over what you anticipate spending. Charter related expenses will be made known, however you never know whether you will need something once travelling.

      Research

      Set aside some time look up the areas you intend on visiting, both whilst chartering (as part of your anticipated itinerary) and whilst travelling to the location at which you will begin your charter.

      Supplies

      As with any journey or holiday, ensure you have adequate toiletries, perhaps some favored foods and snacks.

      Clothing

      Bring the types of clothing that will, in your estimation, suit the weather conditions of the location in which you will be chartering. It may be handy to spend some time researching a few sailing blogs and weather forecasts.

      Equipment

      All necessary equipment should be found already aboard (including safety equipment and anything required to properly operate the vessel. Though you may like to bring a few extra mod-cons to ensure you have the best of experiences.

  • 2
    What is the best way to choose the right vessel and charter for me?
    • Choosing the best vessel for you and those joining you on your yacht charter, would be dependent on your personal preference. Though we recommend considering the following points:

      • Your level of experience
      • Where you will be chartering
      • The time of year and associated weather conditions
      • The ages and competence of both yourself and those in your group

      It would be very helpful for you to conduct some basic research pertaining to all of the above, by way of asking those who you know have chartered the type of vessel or been to the location you are considering, before. Yacht charter blogs and other relevant websites that will offer you an understanding of the key factors you should consider.

      And of course, we are more than happy to help you with your decision.

  • 3
    Do I need a licence to charter a yacht?
    • That all depends on where you intend to charter. If you would like to charter a yacht within Europe, the answer would be yes. It is important to remember that the correct licencing and/or documentation for your charter is your responsibility and we would strongly advise you to enquire into the legal prerequisites of your chosen charter region, taking care to note any differences if you are to cross maritime boarders.

      Regarding Europe, you will require an International Certificate of Competence, also known as the ICC.

  • 4
    What is an APA?
    • As a rule of thumb, the fee you pay for your charter, includes the rental of the vessel and the necessary crew to operate it, all other expenses associated with the charter are separate and are financed by the APA, which stands for the Advance provisioning allowance.

      The APA generally amounts to 30% of the total charter fee, though this may vary depending on the vessel.

      Dockage fees, fuel, communications and food & beverages will all be financed by the APA. Any remaining money from the APA at the end of the charter, will be returned to you.

  • 5
    What happens if the owner/captain does not show up, or is late?
    • All boat owners are bound to have someone meeting charterers on the day of charter. It is important that you as a charterer notify us if there is something wrong with your charter. For more information read the charterer’s policy.

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Our team of chartering specialists are ready to assist you to make your chartering experience as easy as possible. We have different itineraries to cater for any type of activity you choose to do, once you are ashore.

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