NEW SAILS FOR SUMMER ON A SWAN 80

Sail Expert Brad Favelle Shares His First Impressions

Brad Favelle, North sail expert based in Palma de Mallorca runs us through the delivery of some new sails which is always a refreshing experience. We met with Brad after installing a set of Swan 80 sails ready for summer cruising. He provides us with an on-the-ground view and shares his first impressions.

Explain the sail installation process. Once the client picked the sails, what was the first step to getting them on the boat once production concluded?

The sails are quite large on an 80-footer, so there was a fair amount of planning to get the sails to the boat and loaded on board. With the help of a forklift and the North Sails crane we lowered the sails onto the deck as the boat hit the water. Once the sails were safely on deck we started with the preparations of un-rolling in the correct position, then we used shackles and lashings to ensure the attachment points were set up correctly. Afterwards we loaded battens and applied the correct tension along with halyards to ensure all were hoisted ready for furling and boom reefing systems.This time is well spent along with the fine-tuning, which allowed us to create the best loading profiles for the sail and usability for the rig and deck systems onboard.

We can assess the results of the product and sail setup by conducting sea trials, which are beneficial to us as sail designers and experts, and to the crew. We enjoy sharing our expertise with the crew so they can help make their owner’s experience even more enjoyable whilst onboard.

What was it like seeing the new sails hoisted for the first time?

To see the sails hoisted for the first time was not only rewarding but highly pleasing from a sail design and production point. Making sure the design was optimal and that the sails fit perfectly was one of my main goals when taking on this project.

What were the client’s first remarks once they saw the sail up?

As any sailor knows, the best way to judge the result is through the enjoyment of a balanced helm and smiles as we powered through the perfect sea conditions. As we trimmed in the sails, we quickly picked up speed and the level of enjoyment set in for all on board. We were all delighted to be out on the water again.

What kind of conditions did you have for the first sail?

For our first sail, we had roughly 14-16 knots with a slight sea state. We had two crew: two North Sails Experts and an additional Industry professional. We couldn’t have asked for better conditions, which helped to make the entire experience productive and fun for the captain and crew.

Why is 3Di OCEAN 700 best for this type of yacht? Explain the features and benefits.

3Di OCEAN 700 is optimized for this size yacht as it delivers an exceptional level of modern cloth engineering. The blend of the internal tapes uses custom layouts and the chafe resistant surfaces provides the balance between durability and performance.

I feel that OCEAN 700 is a great package for the client because of its user-friendly handling and trim characteristics. Also, its color looks particularly great against the white hull. 3Di OCEAN 700 is the right choice for blue-water superyachts, with aramid and UltraPE filament tapes, making her highly durable and strong. Everything about 3Di OCEAN 700 is for cruising performance perfection.

What was the total production time once the order was placed to when they arrived on the scene?

SY Swan 80’s sails were ordered in mid-December of 2019. Once the new year arrived, North sail designers Flavia Tomaselli, Heine Sorensen and myself went through the details with the boat captain Kelsey, allowing us to configure the sail design and specification in January of 2020. In May, the sails were delivered to the boat.We’ve built a positive relationship with the boat captain, through our after-sales care and service team approach which helped confirm the order.

How long did it take to install the new sails once delivered?

Once the sails were delivered 3 North Sails Representatives help make short work of this process. The headsail did not contain battens, so that was straightforward. We attached a hoisting halyard and adjusted the halyard while attaching the sheets. The mainsail required the battens and cars to be fitted, and then we got the foot lashed on. The cars are then attached to the rig one at a time, then the reef lines which completes the loading onto the boom. All in all, the entire process took roughly five hours. Our external team delivers the onboard support to ensure this is a fluid process for the crew and captain.

Describe your first sail. What were the three main things you noticed?

Our first sail went great, 3Di will look good on any Swan. The finishing points on the sail were perfected with utmost detail and care. The flying shape of the new sails works in hand with the balance, feel and characteristics of the boat.

How long have you been working with the Swan 80 client?

I’ve been working with the boat captain for eight years. Kelsey and I have worked together on multiple projects for different boats, so it was a natural fit for him to continue his relationship working with North Sails here in Palma.

Through the industry-leading local port facilities and superyacht sail service hub, we are positioned perfectly to support all of the client needs for many years to come after the sails are delivered. Meeting the local demands, along with the high expectations of every client we see passing through the island, is our primary goal.

We have a passionate team that works hard to achieve these types of results. Delivering new sails is always a great way to spend a day in Mallorca! As sailmakers, we are ever-evolving the ways we provide the best for our clients.