Fixing sails with adhesive

The one design rule for the 2014-15 Volvo Ocean Race extends to the sails, which are identically built and blindly issued to the teams. The sailmakers don’t know which team gets the sails they build, and the teams can make no special requests.

When asked about the sails after racing four legs, Abu Dhabi skipper Ian Walker was impressed. “Our mainsail looks brand new as we sit here in New Zealand, and the other sails – so far so good. And we have to do a lot with them – Pro-Am races, In-Port races, and all our training days. But you got to look after them.”

As hard as they try, given the extreme conditions of the race, not every situation can be anticipated. When sail tears require repair, onboard video is frequently showing crews applying patches using an adhesive delivered from a syringe. This is a new generation adhesive solution called DrSails.

The ready-to-dispense, versatile and fast-curing epoxy based adhesive system is proving suitable in the extreme conditions, even underwater. With a curing time of 22 minutes, it is working as an emergency repair solution for ripped sails, hull leaks, etc.

Click here for the technical data sheet.