Introducing the next generation of 4T Forte Sails
by OneSails 11 Nov 2024 09:24 PST
Conrad Colman's IMOCA Imagine / MS Amlin © Thomas Deregnieaux / QAPTUR / MS Amlin
The newly developed 500 and 400 styles of the exclusive composite continuous yarns 4T FORTE membranes, are now based on innovative structural external shield layers in multidirectional filament support guarantee boosted performance, enhanced longevity, and sustainability as always.
Dede De Luca, CEO of OneSails, announced this development and confirmed that the latest version of 4T FORTE is once again competing in this year's Vendée Globe solo round-the-world race aboard Conrad Colman's IMOCA Imagine / MS Amlin. The goal is to further confirm the sail's record for reliability in the IMOCA fleet, aiming for zero sail failures, as achieved by Pip Hare and Ari Huusela in the previous edition. 4T FORTE is based on the patented composite MMS (Multi Micro Structure), where a core structural grid constructed from high-modulus fibre resists the principal loads, while oriented micro layers provide strength in all secondary directions. The entire skin is now encapsulated between a new generation of multifilament "shield layers," which provide a further improved protection against UV, abrasion, tear, moisture, and mildew making 4T FORTE even stronger than before. The whole skin, with its continuous fibres, is vacuum-cured in a heat-activated cross-polymerization process that fuses every single component together so that they are encapsulated in the finished composite, and all contribute to shape holding.
4T FORTE sail membranes contain most of the essential details needed in a sail, including corner reinforcements, batten pockets, spreader patches, luff foam pockets, ZS structure, UV protection, slider patches etc. These important details enhance the effectiveness of the sail while also reducing its weight. To meet the aesthetic preferences of our customers, the new styles will be available in three stylish and contemporary colours: Pearl Grey, Titan Grey, and Black. Custom colour options are also available upon request.
Since 2017, FORTE membranes have undergone ISO 14040 Life Cycle Assessment Certification and remain the only fully recyclable membranes on the market today. In developing the premier 4T Forte sail membrane technology, OneSails deemed it crucial to create a Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI) database to improve the product over time, ensuring that 4T FORTE sails become continuously better. Fluid-Structure Interaction is a step beyond more traditional aerodynamic analysis (CFD), as it enables real-life simulations where all factors affecting sail shape are taken into account, including rig and sail interaction, airflow characteristics (attached, detached, laminar, or turbulent), and material deformation.
If you have a 4T Forte sail that has come to the end of its life, please return it to the Hamble Sail Loft and the team will ensure it is recycled.