You’ve got a boat. Maybe it’s brand new, maybe it’s new to you, and maybe it came with sails that have seen better days. Or perhaps the boat is ready but you’re realizing it’s missing something: a spinnaker for those light downwind days, or a code zero to make the most of reaching angles. Either […]
When you request a quote for new sails, your sailmaker needs to understand the geometry of your rig in order to size the sails correctly. The way we do that is through a set of standard measurements that describe the key dimensions of your boat’s rigging. These measurements are referred to by the letters I, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 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 […]
Dimension-Polyant SXI is a high-performance cruising laminate engineered for sailors who want more than Dacron can offer, but still demand long-term durability and easy handling. Built with Ultra-PE (Dyneema) in the primary load paths and protected by woven taffeta skins on both sides, SXI provides exceptional shape retention, resistance to stretch, and rugged construction ideal […]
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.
