Sail Material, which one for performance cruiser

[Dave_S]

I'm a bit lost with all the info out there on sails - materials V's performance V's life cycles V's cost.

It seems modern materials can give you all things so I'm leaning towards a racing material, is that a mistake ? I'll probably do around 4,000 nm a year for a few years mostly coastal but with some ocean miles.

I'm a while away from needing sails but I've started to think about it. While the boat is primarily a cruising boat, performance is what makes me smile, I enjoy improving the boat and I'll probably do a few races here and there.

I like faster more than I like longevity but I love a good deal. My boat is not a standard boat so I'd have to measure it and have someone who was technical in design to give me what I want. That may rule out buying from overseas ?

1. Most important to me is best speed in light winds
2. 2nd - good speed/performance anywhere where apparent wind is in front, particularly good pointing
3. 3rd - is anything else

I assume 1 and 2 contradict each other to a degree.

I'd like some feedback or links with to up to date information on modern materials and the technology in design.

Thanks
Dave

[sandy stone]

Well, my priorities were similar to yours, maybe with a little more emphasis on longevity. My compromise amounted to tri-radial sail construction with high(er) end Dacron material. We have a very good local sailmaker, and I consider his advice, custom measurements, and after-delivery service to be especially valuable.

[psk125]

Our most recent sails have been Pentex. Seems to hold shape and wear well. (5 yrs so far.)