New HydraNet Mainsail for Isbjörn

Chesapeake Sailmakers delivers a new Tri-Radial Hydranet Offshore Mainsail to Isbjörn, a 1972 Swan 48’ just in time for the RORC Caribbean 600.

When Andy and Mia of the World Cruising Club USA approached Chesapeake Sailmakers on building a new mainsail for Isbjörn their requirements called for a strong, durable offshore mainsail capable of world cruising. Chesapeake Sailmakers traveled to St Thomas to complete a thorough measurement of Isbjörn as well as analyzing the rig set-up and tuning, offering some recommendations. This enables us to build a better sail as well as offer our customer some insights and suggestions to improve their boat and get the most performance out of their new sail.

Here is the twist, Andy and Mia did not want to sacrifice performance as they have goals to compete in some regattas. This was a significant request as this offshore cruising mainsail needed to also perform like a racing sail. Our recommendation was for a Tri-Radial construction using Dimension Polyant’s Hydra Net® radial. Hydra Net® radial is a woven polyester construction with an extremely high share of Ultra-PE fibers (generic for Dyneema and Spectra) in the warp direction.

Hydra Net® radial is an extremely tight weave achieving superior shape retention along with a soft hand. Design targets that were previously only possible with laminates can now be achieved using Hydra Net® radial. Hydra Net® features more comfortable handling, higher flex strength, reduced mildew problems, easier to store, better durability and higher chafe resistance, creating the ideal performance cruising sail for Blue Water Sailing.

Chesapeake Sailmakers is a small, boutique sailmaker that prides themselves on personal service. We have created a niche market with the Offshore and Blue Water sailing communities by providing highly customized products designed specifically to your needs. We have supported many of the cruising rallies by offering educational seminars, individual on board consulting and sail repair and service. Our goal is not to be the biggest sailmaker, just the best in value and quality.