Once you have a sense of how you sail and what sails you need, the next step is working through the options that go into each one. Every sail comes with a range of choices, some of which have a big impact on how the sail performs and how long it lasts, and some of […]
If there’s one decision in the sail buying process that has the greatest impact on how your sails perform and how long they last, it’s materials. Get this right and you’ll have sails that hold their shape, handle the conditions you sail in, and serve you well for many thousands of miles. Get it wrong […]
By this point in the guide you’ve thought about how you sail, where you sail, what options you need, and what materials make sense for your plans. Now comes the part where you pull it all together and make a decision. That’s what this article is about. Bringing It All Together The questions we’ve walked […]
Back in Article 3 we talked about the designer dimensions, the I, J, P, E, ISP, and SPL measurements used to size your sails and generate a quote. Now that you’ve made your decisions and are ready to build, it’s time for the next step: actually measuring your boat. This is a more detailed process, […]
You’ve worked through the decisions, settled on your options and materials, had your boat measured, and placed your order. Now comes the part that tests every sailor’s patience: waiting for the sails to be built. This article walks you through what’s happening during that time and how to plan around it. Sails Take Time to […]
The sails have arrived. After all the research, decisions, measurements, and waiting, you’re finally holding the product of all that work in your hands. This last article covers what to expect when you take delivery, how to handle the first day on the water, and what to do if something doesn’t look quite right. Taking […]
If you were wondering why your rating changed for the Chicago Mac or another major ORC race, here is the explanation. The Chicago to Mackinac Race has been run under several handicap rules over the years, switching to the current ORC system in 2021 alongside the Bayview to Mackinac Race. Over the past five years, […]
Every sailcloth we work with comes in a wide range of weights so we can match the material to the boat, the sailing conditions, and the role of the sail in the inventory. The displacement of the boat, expected sailing locations, and whether a sail is intended as a light-air specialist, a heavy-weather sail, or […]
The Cruising divisions for the Chicago to Mackinac Race and the Bayview to Mackinac Race have taken off in recent years, offering a more approachable way to do one of the Great Lakes’ most iconic distance races. These divisions allow the use of autopilots and place limits on sail inventories and equipment, which significantly reduces […]
Structured Luffs Explained: Why This Technology Is Changing Code Zeros and Headsails Code Zero technology is advancing at a breakneck pace. Every year we discover better shapes, better materials, and better construction techniques, and the progress shows no signs of slowing. One concept that has steadily gained traction and is now becoming a standard option […]
Hi, my name is Andy Camarda, and I am the founder of 180sails.com.
I started sailing before I could walk 30 years ago, and have been working for major sailmaking brands in the industry for over 8 years.
I have been a part of a team that has won every major event in Chicago including the Chicago to Mackinac, the Verve, and the NOOD.
