A number of Irish owners have recently opted for the New Fusion M6 and M8 Membrane sails, built with Carbon. The first of these for an X332 has arrived at the Quantum Sails Galway loft. Another Main and Headsail is due in for a 42 footer for an owner who mainly races but occasionally cruises. Quantum sails agent Mark Mansfield highlights the Membrane products Quantum offers and, in particular, it's M6/M8 product for cruiser racing and cruising.
Why a Membrane sail?
All the top sail producers now offer membrane sails as their top-level product. A membrane sail, unlike a radial sail, is built and designed specifically for an individual boat and client. The load-bearing requirements are designed and laid up online for that individual boat and then transferred to the membrane laminating machines which produce each panel. With a Radial sail, the cloth, though high tech, comes in rolls and is laid up in larger panels to mirror the load bearing. They are good, but not as good as a membrane layup.
Quantum Fusion M8 main and headsail, showing both the Cruising and racing potential Photo: Quantum Sails
If you are an owner who only cruises, a Carbon Membrane sail will hold its shape far longer than a radial sail which will mean it doesn't get baggy with use causing the boat to become overpowered. It can be used very effectively with a Furler and would likely have a UV protective strip so it can stay permanently up the furling system.
If you are mainly a club racer, then likewise this M6/M8 Carbon sail will provide nearly the performance of our full race sails, but can also then be used for cruising easily, due to its stronger layup. Add to that our competitive pricing levels compared to many of our opposition and you can see how the Fusion product is growing in popularity.
Quantum also have their Fusion M5 and M7 ranges of membrane Carbon racing sails which would be built lighter than the M6/M8. The M6 and M8 have the same layup Membrane system, except with extra fibre and a heavier external light taffeta skin for less chafe and longer life.
Quantum Fusion M5 racing main on the top Half Tonner, Miss Whiplash Photo: Mark Mansfield
An X332 mainsail on the Quantum loft floor in Galway Photo: Yannick Lemonnier
Contact myself or Yannick today for a quote on any of our Membrane Products, either Fusion M6/M8 for Cruising/racing or our M5/M7 for pure racing. We can assure you that our pricing and service levels will impress you.
Mark Mansfield—Quantum Ireland: mmansfield@quantumsails.com ph. 00 353 87 250 6838
Yannick Lemonnier—Quantum Ireland 00 353 87 628 9854 yannick@quantumsails.com
