Cruising Sails
North Sails offers several products for cruising sailors. From our basic cruising series made with proprietary NorDac and our easy-to-use Gennakers and Snuffers, to our performance-oriented Soft NorLam, Spectra, and molded Marathon 3DL products, we can provide you the right sail for your needs.
But how do you know which product is right for you? There are many different factors which will help determine what type of sails and hardware will work best for you. The most important thing to consider is what you hope to accomplish with your new sails. Are you looking for better upwind/downwind performance? Better light/heavy air performance? Do you just want a long-lasting, low-maintenance cruising sail? Or do you want a sail that will take you around the world without losing its shape in the first year? Here are a few other things to think about:
- How often do you sail? Once a week/month/year?
- Are you strictly cruising, or do you enjoy the occasional weekend race as well?
- Do you sail primarily inland or offshore?
- Do you sail in all kinds of weather?
- Do you single or double-hand, or do you have a full crew?
- Do you plan to do any bluewater cruising?
- What size boat do you have?
- Does shape and performance matter to you, or do you use your sails until they fall apart? Remember, better shape = less upwind heel, better pointing ability, a more comfortable ride, and the ability to get there sooner and drink that mai-tai on the beach.
All these things must be taken into account when you're deciding what kind of sails to get for your boat. Keep them in mind as you browse through our product pages. If you have questions or need expert advice, our friendly staff has the knowledge and experience needed to answer all your questions. When you are ready to buy, we will go through your choices with you to help you get the right set of sails for your needs. For more information or a custom quote, fill out our information request form, or call us at 503-282-4282.
