MSP Announces New Hydra-Net Radial Sail Fabric

This year Dimension-Polyant, one of our cloth suppliers, introduced warp-oriented versions of their unique Hydra-Net fabrics. Hydra-Net is an extremely tight weave of relatively small polyester yarns interlaced with a Spectra/Dyneema net. Its unique construction accepts higher loads than the equivalent weight woven Dacron.

Until this recent introduction, Hydra-Net fabrics were fill oriented - that is, designed for crosscut applications. But, although the fill strength was great, the off-threadline characteristics were not any better than woven Dacrons. As a result, these styles were only appropriate for very high aspect ratio sails, where loads were concentrated along the leech.

With the introduction of the new warp styles, we can now offer Hydra-Net as an alternative to cruising laminates in large triradial cruising sails. Off-threadline characteristics are much less important in triradial sails, as we can align the threadline with loads quite accurately. And because Hydra-Net is a woven fabric, it is less sensitive to UV light, has a softer hand, and shows fewer mildew problems than laminated sailcloth.

Consider Hydra-Net radial as an alternative to cruising laminates in roller furling genoas where mildew might be a problem and in voyaging mainsails where UV resistance is important.