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 […]
Few things make a sailor’s heart sink faster than walking down the dock and seeing a new headsail loose on the furler, flogging in the breeze. When used properly, a furling system makes sailing easier, safer, and more enjoyable. But like most sailing gear, it rewards a little bit of attention and care. To help […]
When you’re crossing oceans, every piece of equipment on board has to work as hard as you do. Offshore sailing means days or weeks at sea, relentless exposure to the elements, and no easy way to call for backup when something breaks. Your sails are your engine, and the material they’re built from determines how […]
Fibercon PolyKote is a high-performance Dacron from Contender Sailcloth, designed specifically for one-design and club racing classes that require woven polyester sails. Built on the same base yarns as Fibercon Polypreg, PolyKote takes things a step further with a firmer finish and stiffer hand, offering maximum shape retention and minimal stretch for boats where rules […]
Fibercon Polypreg High Aspect is a premium racing-grade Dacron engineered for boats with tall, narrow sail plans. Manufactured by Contender Sailcloth, this high-performance woven polyester uses a proprietary resin and heat-setting process to produce a stiffer, lower-stretch fabric compared to standard cruising Dacron. The result is a tightly woven, highly stable sailcloth that retains shape […]
Fibercon Pro Warp Tech is a high-performance triradial Dacron that combines the best of two worlds—lasting durability and excellent sail shape. Built with a warp-oriented weave and designed specifically for triradial construction, Warp Tech provides superior shape retention compared to traditional crosscut Dacrons, while maintaining the handling and longevity that make polyester the standard for […]
Challenge Fastnet is a rugged, durability-first cruising Dacron originally developed from Challenge’s High Mass Fiber cloth created for the Clipper Round the World Race. Designed to survive harsh offshore conditions, Fastnet prioritizes longevity, UV resistance, and toughness over stretch and performance. Fastnet’s standout feature is its fiber layout: a massive warp yarn shields the more […]
Challenge Newport AP is a dependable, all-purpose Dacron designed for coastal and inshore cruisers who want reliable performance without overcomplicating their sail inventory. Manufactured by Challenge Sailcloth, Newport AP is a crosscut polyester fabric built with the same 104-quality fiber used in their flagship Marblehead series, but offered at a more accessible price point. Engineered […]
Cross Cut Dacron For sailors seeking a durable yet performance-driven sailcloth, Contender Fibercon Pro High Aspect is designed to meet the demands of tall, narrow sails that generate high loads. Engineered with an exceptionally high thread density, this sailcloth optimizes fill strength and resistance to elongation, ensuring superior shape retention over time. With a fill/warp […]
By: Andy Camarda For sails that remain furled on the rig, UV protection is essential to prevent premature degradation from the sun’s harmful rays. Without proper protection, sails left exposed can weaken, fade, and delaminate in a matter of months, especially in high-UV environments. We offer three UV cover fabric options to suit different sailing […]
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.
