Yacht Performance

Building on the success of the racing Dyneema, English Braids can now offer the 12 strand Dyneema SK75 centre core, without the polyester cover, as part of the high performance range of products. This can be used either without cover or if protection is required, then a full range of specialised materials can be deployed to ensure that optimum performance where applicable.

The "Dyneema 12 Strand X" offers an alternative to a standard 12 strand core when stretch and tenacity are critical. By applying additional heat and load through the pre-stretching process it is possible to reduce the diameter of the line without loosing any strength. Again the product is available as both stripped and covered with a choice of high tech fibres.

The standard 100% 32 plait polyester provides an exceptionally hard wearing cover. Available in both standard and special colours with short lead times the service and product is aimed directly at the rigging market and race boat fraternity.

Introducing 50% Technora into the jacket provides the line with important additional properties. Initially introduced to provide protection against heat build up, the Technora (part of the Aramid family) provides the line with increased abrasion characteristics and is regarded as potentially the best all round mix for ocean going race boats.

The classic snake skin cover provides the line with a mix of properties from both the coloured polyester and the heat resistant Kevlar. The line is used in applications where heat build up is critical and the coloured polyester can provide easy identification.

The Vectran offers again alternative characteristics for differing applications. Importantly with all of these lines, the application needs to be specifically matched to the combination of fibres. Typically the brand of deck hardware will be vital in the choice of line.

While Dyneema can provide exceptional strength in the centre core it also has very appealing properties for a cover. Dyneema has exceptionally high resistance to UV and picks up very little water. Being a slippery polymer, it also is exceptionally good in areas of high use. It is not suited to high heats and does not grip well in jammers and clutches under high load.

PBO is regarded by many as the ultimate yacht rope product. It shows very low levels of creep and is found in standing rigging. The price drives this product purely into the race scene.