Constructed with precision craftsmanship using state-of-the-art materials and tools, Quantum’s take on the tri-radial results in a truly superior sail. Our line of tri-radial sails are designed to give you the experience you want, while also being extremely versatile, durable, and easy to use so that you can confidently face whatever challenges your active cruising lifestyles brings.
Sail performance is just as important to cruisers as it is to racers; it’s simply defined differently. High-quality cruising sails must be rugged, reliable, and easy to maintain. Since changing sails is not usually an option, they must be versatile in a range of conditions. They must also put you in control, helping to contain heel and weather helm. Above all, they should help you sail your boat with ease so you are free to enjoy the sheer pleasure of the sport.
To deliver top-level cruising sail performance, Quantum designs and builds the very best sails possible with every detail of the process executed to the highest standards.
Maintaining sail shape and minimizing stretch, are the key variables in delivering optimum upwind performance and reducing heel and weather helm. These factors also extend a sail’s range before reefing or furling become necessary and have a big impact on the functionality of sail handling systems.
Tri-radial sails utilize panels of pre-made materials radiating from the three corners of the sail. The long, warp fibers of the material are oriented to align with the primary load paths. This alignment creates lower stretch and improves shape holding. Tri-radials provide a performance upgrade for those who are looking for more than what a classic woven polyester sail can provide.
Sail shapes are custom-designed for your boat by Quantum’s experienced sail designers and based on expected usage and boat-specific constraints such as mast bend, displacement, and righting moment.
Quantum’s tri-radial construction process starts by mapping out the optimal panel layout for load paths and shape. The panels are then precision-cut and assembled by hand to ensure proper alignment and durability. The result is a strong, easy-to-use sail that will perform hoist after hoist.
There are many material options for tri-radial sails ranging from reliable woven materials to high-performance composites. In general, there are four core material categories:
Woven radial polyester is specially designed with strength in the long (warp) direction so it can be used in tri-radial panel configurations.
Compared to its cross-cut cousin, this material offers 10% to 20% less stretch due to the construction and efficiency of the panel layout.
BOAT SIZE
UP TO 40 ft (12 m)
Woven radial materials, reinforced with Spectra® or other high-modulus fibers, provide additional strength and durability under high loads. They offer performance similar to woven radial material but with the added benefit of better performance under high loads, making them useful for larger boats.
BOAT SIZE
40-60 ft (12-18 m)
Composite construction features large, straight, untwisted polyester fibers sandwiched between two layers of woven polyester taffeta skins. The fiber network does the work of resisting stretch, up to 40-50% more that crosscut woven materials. The woven taffetas provide rugged protection against UV, tear, and chafe.
BOAT SIZE
UP TO 55 ft (17 m)
These composites are identical to polyester composites except the fiber network consists of high-modulus fibers like Spectra®, carbon, or aramid, which reduces stretch and provides superior shape retention. These materials offer four to five times better stretch resistance than cross-cut woven materials.
BOAT SIZE
55-80 ft (17-24 m)
For composite tri-radials, skins are an integral part of the layering system that holds the fiber-and-filament matrix in place and protects them from both the elements and the boat. The fiber-and-filament matrix is sandwiched between a thin film and covered with a skin to ensure softer handling, reduced shrinkage, increased shape retention, and enhanced durability.
This tough, mostly opaque skin not only gives your sails a more classic look, but also ensures they are up to whatever challenges you take on.
COLOR: White or Gray
