Helix Sail Technology

LEADING EDGE DESIGN

Helix Structured Luff technology is a breakthrough sail design philosophy, using the sail structure to improve its aerodynamics and in many cases reduce the load on your equipment. Through a data-driven approach to sail design, the North Sails team uses Helix to create versatile sails that carry across a wider range.

Exclusive to North Sails, Helix Headsails utilize 3Di composite structures in a fascinating new way to radically improve camber control. Helix Code Sails reduce loads on any free-flying sail whether 3Di or Paneled, creating improved aerodynamics while reducing the load on your boat and mast.

LEADING EDGE DESIGN

Helix Structured Luff is a breakthrough sail design philosophy, focused on  innovating the structural elements in a sail’s leading edge. Through a data-driven approach to sail design, the North Sails team used Helix to created versatile sails that carry across a wider range.

Exclusive to North Sails, Helix pairs a structured luff with load-sharing sails to radically improve handling and control. 

Essential Facts

Helix is more than a single feature. It’s a total design philosophy that radically changes how sails are engineered.

Guided by a bespoke, data-driven process, North Sails designers engineer each sail’s structure to improve its aerodynamics.

Helix sails have become the go-to tool for improving range, while also reducing the number of sails required.

Features + Benefits

Further and faster with fewer sails. Helix sails extend your range, requiring fewer sail changes in varied conditions.

Helix Structured Luff sails enhance boat speed. Find a new gear and your power potential while reducing drag and heel.

A Helix Structured Luff activates a proactive, positive shape that responds to changes in wind flow while reducing reactive trimming.

Helix HEADSAILS

Radically improved camber control

helix-code-sails

Helix CODE SAILS

Helix is standard in all North Code sails

WIRELESS LOAD SENSING FOR HELIX SAILS

North Sails is proud to offer SmartLuff™, an easy-to-use Bluetooth smart sensor that optimizes your Helix sail by monitoring sail load in real-time. SmartLuff is manufactured exclusively for North Sails by Cyclops Marine, whose data-driven approach has made them industry experts in load sensing.

REAL-TIME DATA

SmartLuff measures and logs Helix sail loads in real-time for accurate repeatable trim settings.

HIT YOUR TARGETS

Visualize the load-share of your Helix sail to maximize performance – sail faster, with greater control.

EASY UPGRADE

An optional upgrade on Helix Headsails and Code Sails or can be retrofitted to your existing Helix Code Sail.

HELIX QUICK GUIDE

Evolution of Grand Prix sail development, North Sails now offers the groundbreaking Helix design philosophy both upwind and downwind use. Need help choosing your Helix Sails?

HELIX QUICK GUIDE

Evolution of Grand Prix sail development, North Sails now offers the groundbreaking Helix design philosophy both upwind and downwind use. Need help choosing your Helix Sails?

HELIX HEADSAILS HELIX CODE SAILS
<50% SMG
>50% SMG
Sail Types Headsails Code Sails
Benefits Wider Sail Range / Reduced Overall Inventory / Fewer Sail Changes / Camber Adjustable in Use Wider Sail Range / Steady Power Delivery / More Efficient Sail Shape for Less Load
Cable vs Sail Load Ratio - Adjustable in use Yes No
Suitable For Furling Hardware Dependent All Helix Code Sails
Features Dynamic Structural Layout / Adjustable in Use / Exclusive to 3Di Structured Luff / Optimal with 3Di, but Applicable with NPL and NPC Paneled Sails
Price includes Future Fibres Luff Cord No Yes (Excluding Code 50)

HELIX

Use Group
SAIL TYPES

  • Benefits
  • Cable vs Sail Load Ratio - Adjustable in use
  • Suitable For Furling
  • Features
  • Price includes Future Fibers Luff Cord

HELIX UPWIND

Mainsails / Headsails
<50% SMG
  • Wider Sail Range / Reduced Overall Inventory / Fewer Sail Changes / Camber Adjustable in Use
  • Yes
  • Hardware Dependent
  • Dynamic Structural Layout / Adjustable in Use / Exclusive to 3Di
  • No

HELIX DOWNWIND

Code / Downwind Furling Sails
>50% SMG
  • Wider Sail Range / Steady Power Delivery / More Efficient Sail Shape for Less Load
  • No
  • All Helix Code Sails
  • Structured Luff / Optimal with 3Di, but Applicable with NPL and NP Paneled Sails
  • Yes (Excluding Code 50)

Helix Frequently Asked Questions

Exclusive to North Sails, Helix Structured Luff is a new approach to upwind and downwind sail design with a special focus on the luff area of a sail, providing extended aerodynamic benefit, easier trimming and handling, and the potential to reduce loading on the boat and rigging.

Helix is more than a single feature. It’s a total design philosophy that radically changes how sails are engineered, built, and flown. Guided by a bespoke, data-driven process, North Sails designers engineer each sail’s structure to improve its aerodynamics.

As of January 2022, this revolutionary design philosophy comes standard on all North racing Code sails and the Helix Furling Gennaker for cruising. Furthermore, North Sails has moved to expand its range to include Helix as an upgrade for headsails.

Yes! In 2021 North Sails introduced the Helix Furling Gennaker. This new sail type was exclusively engineered for the cruising community. Helix Structured Luff transforms how sails fly and is key to building a modern cruising inventory. With a Helix Furling Gennaker, you’ll eliminate the heavy cable needed for traditional furling and experience the most reliable and easy-to-use top-down furling cruising sail in the world.
Learn more about the Helix Furling Gennaker

SmartLuff quickly connects to your phone via Bluetooth straight out of the box, displaying load data in a clear, intuitive format via the free app. Using a Cyclops Gateway device, SmartLuffalso pairs with B&G, Raymarine, Garmin, NKE and Sailmon displays. The free smartphone app and the Gateway also log data for post-sail analysis.

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