Sail technology has come a long way since the days tall ships were carried along by billowing clouds of canvas. In fact, new aerodynamic discoveries coupled with exotic materials have turned modern sails into veritable works of high tech art. Today, sailmakers know that the less a sail distorts (through stretching, shear, compression or shrinkage), the more force or drive remains available to power the boat – especially helpful when you’re in a close race for that final buoy. Now, the innovative designers at North Sails have woven an interesting array of tricks into their unique new 3Di line of “canvas” – laminated, heat-molded sails that hold their shape so well, they come close to performing like rigid airfoils. via Gizmag

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