We have upgraded mainsails and headsails, added Code Zeros, and created more types of spinnakers than you could shake a stick at, but one sail still seems stuck in the past for most sailors: the light air windseeker. Whether you call it a drifter, a windseeker, or a daisy staysail, this light air sail is […]
Contender Stormlite Stormlite is a tightly woven polyester fabric designed for cruising Code Zeros and reaching gennakers. It looks and feels like spinnaker nylon but offers lower stretch and better shape retention, making it ideal for casual coastal sailing and day cruising. It furls cleanly and handles well, though its limited structure reduces performance at […]
This article started the same way many great sailing discussions do, as a bit of Yachty Karate in the loft after a race. One of the guys had gotten pinned behind a slower boat in a beercan race and was talking through how to get around them. With mixed fleet racing becoming more common in […]
Dimension-Polyant CZ Silver CZ Silver is a hybrid Code Zero material that offers improved structure and lower stretch compared to spinnaker cloths, while maintaining light weight and easy furling. It’s the only racing Code Zero cloth that can be launched straight from the bag without a furler. A great option for programs looking for an […]
Our sailmakers have selected the best materials to build your sails. Learn more about the cloth selections in our online sail builder below How to Choose the Best Sail Cloth? Each sail cloth, or sail material, has an optimal use case, which depends on how the sail is going to be used, and the expectations […]
Every once in a while, a new boat comes along that lets you rethink the entire sail plan from the ground up. The J/7 is one of those rare opportunities. When J/Boats Midwest and 180 Sails took delivery of hull #2 this summer, we weren’t just unwrapping a new model. We were stepping into the […]
Cruising Code Zeros are becoming one of the most common additions to modern cruising boats, and for good reason. They are faster, easier to use, and work across a wider range of wind angles than racing Code Zeros. To understand why, it helps to look at how these sails began and how racing rules pushed […]
Coastal cruising is about freedom, the ability to cast off for the weekend, explore new harbors, and enjoy every breeze without worrying about what’s next. But even when you’re sailing closer to home, the right sails make all the difference. The material you choose determines how your boat handles, how long your sails last, and […]
The XR 41 burst onto the scene as X Yachts’ first dedicated race boat in years. The boat immediately lit up the racing world, with two teams finishing first and second at ORC Worlds in dominant fashion. Soon after, the boat found itself at the center of a controversy over its rating. Or did it? […]
Sailing in waves is one of the most difficult skills to master, even for experienced sailors. This year on Lake Michigan has been an unusual one, with shifting wind patterns and confused seas that have made driving especially challenging. Most sailors have heard the classic advice for steering through chop: drive up into the face […]
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.
