Submitted on June 27, 2003 by Adam Norwood

Question: North Sails: My local sail maker recommends a “square weave” Dacron material as an upgrade from standard Dacron cloth for a new 150 genoa for my 23 foot Ranger that I am contemplating. In trying to understand its properties, is this material warp oriented or fill oriented and would it work best in a cross cut or radial cut scenario? I see that you use this material in some One-Design sails, so I thought you might be the best to ask.

Answer: Hi Adam, The Dacron you are looking at is probably a Polyant brand of fabric. The term "square weave" basically refers to a woven dacron fabric with a larger diameter yarn woven into the cloth in each direction in a pattern that looks like ripstop nylon (spinnaker material). The square weave yarns can be woven into either warp or fill oriented dacrons. If the fabric is going to be used for radial construction it will be a warp oriented weave. If the sail is going to be made with crosscut panels it will be a fill oriented weave. The Polyant square weave fabrics make nice sails, especially for smaller boats like your Ranger 23.

Regards,
Dan Neri

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