Cruising Sail Cloth Descriptions

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 of the sailor. For example a racing sailor may want the highest performance material possible, while not being worried about longevity or durability. Bluewater cruising sailors on the other hand may want a sail material which is as durable as possible, at the expense of some performance and shape holding. Below are the pros and cons of each material, helping you select the sail cloth and construction that is right for you, your boat, and your next sailing adventure.

Available Sail Builder Sail Materials

Challenge Newport AP

Class: Cruising Crosscut Dacron
Fibers: Woven Dacron (Polyester)

Challenge Newport AP is one of our most popular sail fabrics, and it’s easy to see why. This classic crosscut Dacron is an excellent entry-level material for cruising sailors. Its durability and ease of handling make it a great choice for inshore and coastal cruising on small to mid-sized boats. While it may not match the performance of more advanced materials, its simplicity and affordability make it a go-to option for many sailors.

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Challenge Fastnet Crosscut Cruising Dacron

Class: Cruising Crosscut Dacron
Fibers: Woven Dacron (Polyester)

Originally designed to withstand the demands of the Clipper Round the World Race, Challenge Fastnet is a durability-focused sailcloth built for long-distance cruising. Its unique fiber weave enhances both UV resistance and overall longevity, making it an excellent entry-level choice for sailors covering extended miles or navigating high-UV environments like the Caribbean. Fastnet is ideal for island hopping or mid-range offshore adventures on small to mid-sized boats, offering exceptional reliability and long-lasting performance.

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Contender Fibercon Pro Warp Tech

Class: Triradial
Fibers: Woven Dacron (Polyester)

Contender Fibercon Pro Warp Tech is quickly becoming one of our favorite sailcloths. This versatile triradial Dacron offers a significant upgrade from traditional crosscut sails without breaking the bank. While maintaining the signature durability of Dacron, its premium fabric and triradial construction provide exceptional shape retention. It’s an excellent choice for sailors seeking greater control for inshore, offshore, and bluewater cruising. Additionally, it’s a great option for those who want a durable cruising sail with the performance to win the occasional race.

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Contender CDX Pro

Class: Cruising Triradial Laminate
Skins: Woven Taffeta
Fiber: Polyester

Contender CDX Pro is our entry into triradial cruising laminates, offering a step up in performance from traditional Dacron sails. By utilizing a triradial paneled laminate construction, Contender optimizes fiber placement along load paths, resulting in a higher-performing and more efficient sail. Durable woven taffetas on both sides provide protection against bending, creasing, fogging, and chafing from the rig. Contender CDX Pro is the ideal choice for small to mid-sized cruisers seeking a durable, high-performing sail for inshore and coastal cruising.

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Dimension Polyant DCX

Class: Cruising Triradial Laminate
Skins: Woven Taffeta
Fiber: Polyester

Dimension Polyant has long set the standard for paneled laminates, and DCX continues that legacy with a durable, high-performance polyester triradial designed for extended cruising miles. Its UVM coating enhances UV and mildew resistance, providing added peace of mind in high-UV and humid environments. DCX is the perfect choice for mid-sized to large cruising boats seeking both superior shape retention and long-term durability for extended voyages.

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Contender Fibercon Pro Hybrid

Class: Triradial Dyneema Woven
Fiber: Dyneema Woven

Contender Fibercon Pro Hybrid is a true heavyweight in durability. Designed for sailors who plan to cover extensive miles and embrace long-term offshore cruising, this fabric takes the durability of woven Dacron and enhances it with Dyneema reinforcement. The result is a cloth that delivers outstanding longevity and performance, with the added benefits of triradial construction. While it may not have the same name recognition as other woven Dyneemas, its performance speaks for itself—and its lower price point is an added bonus. Fibercon Pro Hybrid is an excellent choice for extended offshore cruising on boats of all sizes and in any latitude.

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Dimension Polyant Hydranet Radial

Dimension Polyant’s Hydranet has long been the gold standard for offshore sailing. Long before the laminate revolution, Hydranet was guiding boats around the world, and even today, it remains a top choice for sailors undertaking true bluewater voyages. Its woven Dyneema construction ensures superior durability and shape retention, making it one of the few sailcloths requested by name. Hydranet continues to be the go-to option for bluewater cruisers of all sizes and remains unmatched in longevity and reliability.

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Dimension Polyant SXI

Class: Cruising Triradial Laminate
Skins: Woven Taffeta
Primary Fiber: Ultra-PE (Dyneema)

Dimension Polyant SXI is the next evolution in cruising laminates. Utilizing Ultra-PE (commonly known as Dyneema) in its primary load paths, SXI enhances both strength and performance beyond traditional Dacrons and polyester fibers. Its superior load-bearing capability makes it an easy choice for larger, heavier cruising boats that demand durability without sacrificing performance. SXI is ideal for coastal cruising, extended overnights, and sailors looking for a higher-performing sailcloth with proven reliability.

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(No official website available for SXI.)

Evolution Expedition Composite Sail
Class: Custom Composite Laminate
Skins: Woven Taffeta
Primary Fibers: Carbon, Aramid, Vectran (varies by build)

Our in-house Expedition Composite Cruising Sail delivers the ultimate balance of performance and durability. Each sail is custom-built from the fiber out, ensuring it matches its intended use exactly. Starting with a custom-laid fiber pattern using Carbon, Aramid, and, in some cases, Vectran, our Expedition sails offer performance comparable to high-end racing sails.

Paired with one of our three weights of durable woven taffetas in your choice of color, this sail is built to go anywhere. Custom reinforcement around high-load areas—such as reefs, slides, and battens—prevents distortion even in the most extreme conditions. Internal patching around corners, reefs, and battens creates a stronger sail with fewer potential failure points.

Expedition sails are versatile, making them a top choice for racer-cruisers, performance inshore cruisers, and sailors seeking long-term shape retention for extended offshore voyages.

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