Vendee Globe has been looking into their sail inventory as well as their boats and taking stock of the same.
The agenda for the 2016 Vendee Globe involves new technology, boats and sailors. Much of the focus has remained on lateral foils. This has been a pre-race hype. However the last four years they have focused on sails and boat equipment. Sail inventory has been one of the secrets that they have closely guarded. That is because every skipper includes his or her strategy for round the world tour in the quiver. Sail inventory depends on the experience of the skipper and how transitions are handled. Some of the skippers like to work with high pressure systems, while others like to go around it. For instance, some like to travel the Southern Ocean at a faster speed. Others like to get to the bottom end of South Atlantic ahead of time and then bridge in the gap.
The fleet will be provided new sail material. The downwind sails will be out of 3Di Force. This material will provide bigger range, would be more stable and lightweight. The sailing crew can press the sails at hotter angles. The sails will help vary the degrees as well as make use of the foil and find the righting moment. The material would be more durable that will ensure that the sails sustain rough weather conditions for long. Continue reading “Vendee Globe Adds New Sails”