National12 Sails

Design Notes

Since Alverbank Sails started we have been heavily involved with the National Twelve class. For many years we have always either campaigned in our own boat or worked with other members of the fleet to be one of the leading sailmakers in the class. Our designs have always been at the leading edge and always incorporated the latest ideas.

The jib design utilises the use of extra area in the head and clew/foot regions as required. Because there is variation in the jib geometry within the class this again is tailored to the owners requirements. Since most modern boats sheet their jib on the floor of the boat the design of the sail shape is centred round the required fullness combined with the correct entry angle. Mostly jibs are made in Dacron but a laminate option is available.

Mainsails are designed for the style of rig being used. Dacron sails are usually cross cut whilst the laminate designs currently have radial panels from the clew up to the bottom batten height. Some designs also have radial head options. The 2007 redesign incorporates the new cross width allowances making the sail more powerful with more sail area distributed towards the ½ and ¾ heights. 

The type of mast being used, carbon or alloy dictates the design and cut of the sail and we hold data on the different mast bends for reference to the sail design. Most Twelve sails have a loose foot, though a fixed foot sail would be available. Luff windows are usually fitted as standard.

Jib

• 3.9 or 4.46 Polykote Dacron
• Polyester laminate
• Window fitted as standard

Mainsail

• 4.46 Polykote Dacron
• Polyester, Pentex or Kevlar laminate
• Loose foot standard