Membrane sails: second to none
by Lise-Lotte Møhring Larsen, Elvstrom Sails 11 Jun 2018 00:00 PDT
EPEX Vacuum table at Elvstrøm Sails in Aabenraa, Denmark © Elvstrom Sails
EPEX membrane sails from Danish Elvstrøm sails are produced from fiber to membrane in one workflow. The final output is a sail that is perfect for racing as well as performance cruising.
The EPEX technology enables one workflow from design to finished membrane, all at the loft in Denmark. The EPEX vacuum table is the most accurate in the world and the biggest of its kind.
The patented application head places every single yarn preciously on the right spot while the intense vacuum holds the entire membrane in place. This ensures that any material shrinkage during the curing process is eliminated resulting in an extremely strong sail that endures even the most rigorous conditions for years and years to come. Keeping up the shape and delivering outstanding performance.
"The best quality proof is the amount of sails we have designed and delivered and not to mention the customer feedback that keeps on coming. From sailors around the world that have bought sails many years ago - sails that are still in a perfect condition," CEO Niels Bjerregaard expresses.
During the lamination process two things are crucial, according to the sail maker. First of all, it is crucial to evacuate trapped air and secondly to apply a constant temperature to prevent the membrane from local shrinkage. The EPEX technology meets both challenges. Heaters and sensors apply constant temperature across the entire membrane during lamination. Pressure by vacuum ensures that the air around the yarn built-up is evacuated.
The result is a solid membrane with no air pockets nor crushed fibers, and consequently Elvstrøm Sails offers an extended warranty against delamination.
The material combinations are quite unique. Ranging from the race oriented film/film membrane with carbon where performance is top priority to the more cruising oriented double taffeta with technora where durability is a priority, too. And in between an almost endless number of combinations are offered, to meet the sailing preference spot on.
Read more on epex.dk or elvstromsails.com
Legendary sail design and production
For over 60 years Elvstrøm Sails has developed a unique expertise driven by the experience of high performing sailors and sail designers, and the legendary founder, Paul Elvstrøm. Paul Elvstrøm retired from Olympic sailing more than 20 years ago after the Olympic Games in 1988 but has ever after remained one of the most successful sailors in Olympic history ever and one of the world's greatest sports personalities. "We truly realized his huge impact on the entire sailing world, when he passed away on December 7th, 2016. His eye to detail remains intact in our company and is a backbone in our culture", Niels Bjerregaard continues. The passion lives on at the Headquarters in Denmark, a loft that houses qualified sail makers and sail designers with a passion for sailing.
About Elvstrøm Sails
Elvstrøm Sails is one of the world's leading sail makers. For more than 60 years the company has designed and built high-quality sails. With one of the largest sail lofts in Europe the company is the preferred supplier to many leading boat manufacturers and boat yards, as well as private customers. A strong network of more than 50 qualified Elvstrøm SailPoint locations services the rest of the European market along with an ever-increasing presence outside Europe.
Elvstrøm Sails A/S, Denmark: CEO Niels Bjerregaard, +453058 0949,
More information at www.elvstromsails.com