Sail Thickness

Here at ATS we used a lot of sail to make unique products but did you know that sails have different thicknesses? Here is a little more about the different thicknesses of sails:

Sails are an essential part of any sailboat. They are what propel the boat through the water, and they come in a variety of thicknesses to suit different purposes.

The thickness of a sail is typically measured in ounces per square yard (oz/yd²). The higher the oz/yd², the thicker the sail. Thicker sails are more durable and can withstand more wind, but they are also heavier and more difficult to handle. Lighter sails are easier to handle and can be used in light winds, but they are not as durable and may not be able to withstand heavy winds.

There are three main types of sails:

• Mainsails: The mainsail is the largest sail on a boat. It is typically made of a heavier material than the other sails, and it is used to provide the main source of propulsion.

• Jibs: Jibs are sails that are located in the front of the boat. They are typically made of a lighter material than the mainsail, and they are used to help the boat point upwind.

• Spinnakers: Spinnakers are sails that are used in downwind sailing. They are typically made of a very light material, and they are used to catch as much wind as possible to propel the boat forward.

  The thickness of a sail will also vary depending on the type of boat it is being used on. For example, a racing sailboat will typically have thicker sails than a cruising sailboat. This is because racing sailboats need to be able to withstand more wind and stress.

  Here is a table of the most common sail thicknesses and their uses:

  Sail Type Thickness (oz/yd²) Use

  Mainsail 6-10 Heavy-duty sailing

  Jib 4-6 Lighter-duty sailing

  Spinnaker 0.5-2 Downwind sailing

Ultimately, the best way to choose the right thickness of sail for your boat is to consult with a sailmaker. They will be able to assess your needs and recommend the best sail for your boat.

Additional Considerations

In addition to thickness, there are a few other factors to consider when choosing a sail, such as:

• Material: Sails are typically made from a variety of materials, such as Dacron, nylon, and polyester. Each material has its own strengths and weaknesses.

• Construction: Sails can be constructed in a variety of ways, such as radial, cross-cut, and tri-radial. Each construction method has its own advantages and disadvantages.

• Cost: Sails can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. The price of a sail will depend on the size, material, construction, and other factors.