By: Andy Camarda The marvel of modern sail cloths means that sails no longer die a premature death due to structural failures. Instead, the majority of sails are used until the shape is no longer suitable for use. Racers and cruisers have different criteria for considering a sail blown out, but the overall concept is […]
By: Andy Camarda When it comes to offshore cruising, durability is often the top priority. Sails need to withstand thousands of miles of wear and tear, resist UV degradation, and handle unexpected squalls without needing constant repairs. For sailors looking for the most durable option available, woven Dyneema sails have become a popular choice, with […]
By: Andy Camarda OverviewTri-radial sails are a step up in performance from traditional crosscut sails, offering better shape retention and load distribution. Designed with a radial panel layout that aligns fabric strength with the sail’s primary load paths, tri-radial sails provide improved durability and efficiency. These sails cover a broad spectrum of applications, from durable […]
By: Andy Camarda OverviewCrosscut sails are among the most ubiquitous sails in the world. The classic white design with long, rectangular panels is a familiar sight in harbors everywhere—a testament to their reliability and efficiency. Their straightforward construction makes them economical and durable, making crosscut sails the ideal choice for coastal cruisers and inshore racers. […]
By: Andy Camarda Getting the measurements right is essential to ensuring a perfect fit for your sail—not just in terms of dimensions, but also how the sail attaches to your boat and integrates with your existing setup. We use a variety of methods to achieve precise measurements, and your sailmaker will help determine the best […]
Episodes from Jeff Johnstone, President of J/Boat While other brands may sell more boats, the Johnstones have won the performance-oriented segment of the market. Boats that perform well on the race course but which are comfortable and easy enough for the family to daysail and cruise. It is with knowledgeable, experienced sailors that the Johnstones […]
We’re thrilled to unveil the all-new J/36, a stunning evolution of the award-winning J/112E, designed to redefine offshore performance cruising and racing. This modern 36-footer combines the legendary sailing performance of J/Boats with enhanced cruising comfort, making it perfect for today’s sailing families. The J/36 builds upon the J/112E’s proven design, which has captured hearts—and […]
J/Boats is pleased to announce its newest dealer, J/Boats Midwest. Andy Camarda will take the reigns from the former Midwest dealer, Rich Stearns, and will continue to serve Chicago and the surrounding area. We would like to extend a big thanks to Rich of Stearns Boating for his 2 decades of work. Even as Rich enjoys […]
Finding the right set up to get the most out of your boat By Andy Camarda, edited by Carl Eaton To anybody unfamiliar with the sport of sailing, it would seem preposterous that the margin between competitors is measured in minutes and seconds at the end of a 333-mile race. It is even more unbelievable […]
By Andy Camarda In the previous article in this two-part series, I discussed how I took a 30-year-old racer/cruiser from the boatyard to the podium on Mackinac Island. If you haven’t yet read that story, follow the link HERE. After the blisteringly fast Chicago Mac race, I turned my attention to the 100th anniversary Bayview […]
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.
