Sailing Magazine
North Sails, the industry leader in innovation, has created a sustainable alternative to elastic bands or wool ties used to pack downwind sails. North’s Blue Book service procedure has added STOP TABS sewn on top of existing luff tape, eliminating the need for packing materials that inevitably litter the water. North’s convenient fix allow sails to maintain their performance while complying with ISAFs environmentally friendly Rule 55.
“ISAF has made a bold yet proper move by protecting the environment through the introduction of Rule 55. North is taking the initiative to provide sailors a better option with our new STOP TABS,” said North Sails president Ken Read. “As sailors, it’s our responsibility to consider the environmental impact our sport has on the ocean. An easy, multi-use fix is now ready for use.”
North’s STOP TABS are shown in action via this link:
http://www.na.northsails.com/tabid/1945/default.aspx?news_id=4961
North’s STOP TABS will be used to strap medium to large downwind sails for hoisting, providing green-minded and rule compliant sailors a light and reusable option for ultra-fast downwind sets. STOP TABS can be supplied on new downwind sails or retrofitted to existing downwind sails, stitched onto the luff tape in even increments down the luff and up from the tack of the sail. The tabs use a quick-release process, allowing the sail to expand easily as it is sheeted in and fills with wind.
These will be available at all North Sails lofts worldwide by the end of January.
