AEROTECH: A REVOLUTIONARY HIGH-PERFORMANCE WOVEN DOWNWIND SAILCLOTH
North Sails introduces AEROTECH, a groundbreaking advancement in sailcloth, leveraging cutting-edge innovations from ultralight gliders, sport parachutes, and wind-driven sports like foiling kites and wings.
The North Advanced Textiles Division was created to push the boundaries of material innovation and meet the performance demands of modern sailing. AEROTECH is the first major leap forward in downwind sail materials in decades, engineered exclusively for North Sails.
AEROTECH is an ultra-light, performance-driven woven sailcloth that redefines downwind racing for sailors seeking maximum strength, speed, and precision on the racecourse. Drawing on recent technical developments from industries beyond sailing, North Sails has developed a material that sets a new benchmark for competitive downwind performance.
A NEW ERA OF DOWNWIND SAILING
As sailboats evolve with modern designs and advanced rigging, they are experiencing tighter wind angles and faster apparent wind speeds. The lines between upwind and downwind sailing are increasingly blurred, with sailors demanding greater performance and reliability from their woven downwind sailcloth. AEROTECH responds to this need, delivering unmatched durability, low stretch, and enhanced shape-holding properties.
While advancements like 3Di have revolutionized Code and Flying sails for tight reaching, materials for wider-angle asymmetric spinnakers have lagged, often leading to performance limitations and durability issues. AEROTECH solves this challenge.
ENGINEERED FOR PERFORMANCE
After three years of rigorous development by a world-class team of sail designers, material scientists, and textile partners, AEROTECH represents the ideal woven coated racing fabric for modern boats. It optimizes performance at higher speeds and tighter wind angles during downwind sailing.
Crafted using high-quality weaving and finishing techniques, AEROTECH’s two specialized materials—Aerotech P (polyester) and Aerotech N (nylon)—deliver superior strength, minimal stretch, and exceptional durability. Aerotech P is designed for high-performance, high-load asymmetric sails, while Aerotech N is the leading choice for deeper angle asymmetric spinnakers. From One Design classes to the intense demands of Maxi 100 racing, AEROTECH offers a comprehensive range of solutions.
LED BY EXPERTS IN INNOVATION
The development of AEROTECH was spearheaded by Tom Davis, Product Director, and Grand Prix Segment Leader Paul Westlake, along with the expertise of renowned sail designers such as Mickey Ickert, JB Braun, and Dave Lenz. Their combined experience, knowledge, and design technology have culminated in a product that revolutionizes downwind sailcloth.
“A long and careful R&D period has brought us to this moment, where we’re proud to introduce AEROTECH as part of the NPC Downwind range at North Sails,” said Tom Davis, Head of North Advanced Textiles and AEROTECH Project Leader. “This is not the polyester spinnaker cloth of yesterday. Aerotech P redefines expectations with its engineered woven styles and durable polyurethane coatings, setting a new standard for downwind performance.
“And Aerotech N stands as the most advanced spinnaker nylon on the market, ideal for wider-angle oriented asymmetric spinnakers. Precision weaving and our super durable coating ensure that when nylon is the right fabric, Aerotech N is the optimal choice.”
AEROTECH is available to order now. Learn more by submitting a quote request online or contacting your local North Sails loft.
