The sails

In 2014-15, each one-design Volvo Ocean 65 raced around the world with just 11 race sails + 1 Storm Jib, a major reduction in the inventory from previous races and a significant cost saving. Just eight race sails were allowed on board, with no (non-repair) recuts and only four replacement sails.

The 2017-18 edition of the race will use an updated inventory which includes a new dedicated light air upwind sail – J0, and with the exception of the storm jib, all sails will be built to varying deniers under North Sails’ 3Di process, using pre-impregnated tapes made of yellow Twaron Aramid and white Dyneema SK75 fibres. (RAW760 Yellow). Teams are now allowed to purchase two of every sail code for the race plus an additional 6 sails for training prior to race start. Only 2 x mainsails are allowed to be purchased.

No carbon is allowed in the sail material as it could interfere with the signals to and from the satellites essential for communication and data transfer. Production and delivery will be carefully controlled. Race sails will also be built in batches so that the same mould is used for the production of eight sails of one type. Each sail type will then be finished in the same loft by the same team consecutively to ensure an identical shape and production quality.

Sail Inventory:

Total number of sails for the race: 16 + 1
Total number of sails on board: 8 + 1 storm jib 
Upwind sail area: 467 m2 (mainsail and masthead Code 0) / 333 m2 (mainsail and biggest jib J0)
Downwind sail area: 537 m2 (mainsail and A3 gennaker)

The detail

1 x Mainsail
Sail area: 161.8 m²
Material: 3Di, RAW760 yellow, 27000 dpi
Details: 3 reefing points, 6 battens
Use: At all times

1 x J0 
Sail area: 171.3m²
Material: 3Di, RAW760 yellow, 22400 dpi
Details: Masthead sail set on bowsprit and sheeted to jib sheet lead or forward outrigger position. 
Use: The J0 will be primarily used upwind in light to moderate winds (6-13 knots), and tight reaching.

1 x J1
Sail area: 132 m²
Material: 3Di, RAW760 yellow, 23800 dpi
Details: Installed on a fixed forestay with hanks. Horizontal battens including 2 full head ones.
Use: The J1 will be used upwind in light to moderate winds (8-15 knots), and when reaching.

1 x J2
Sail area: 86.6 m² 
Material: 3Di, RAW760 yellow, 32000 dpi
Details: Deployed with a roller furler with vertical leech battens. 
Use: Good for 13-25 knots. The J2 will be used upwind in fresh breeze and downwind inside the MHO or the A3 as a staysail – it can even be used downwind in strong wind. Unlike the Volvo Open 70’s J2, this one is furled and for that reason, utilises a halyard lock.

1 x J3
Sail area: 44.5 m²
Material: 3Di, RAW760 yellow, 32000 dpi
Details: Deployed with a roller furler.
Use: Good for 22-35 knots. Similar use than the J2 in stronger breeze. The teams will have to make the call whether the J2 or the J3 is more efficient as a staysail inside the A3 and MHO – they may even use them together! The J3 will be used inside the J1 and FR0 – it’s the genoa staysail. The J2 is too big for this application – it’s the spinnaker staysail.

1 x A3 (Gennaker)
Sail area: 375 m²
Material: 3Di, RAW760 yellow, 7650 Dpi
Details: Deployed with a roller furler. 
Use: The A3 is the only dedicated downwind sail used to sail broad angles, typically used at true wind angles of 120° and above. It is similar to the one used on a Volvo Open 70.

1 x Fractional Code 0 ("FRO")
Sail area: 235 m²,
Material: 3Di, RAW760 yellow, 16800 dpi
Details: Hoisted to the hounds. 
Use: The FRO is a downwind sail used in fresh breeze (when the A3 becomes too big) and for reaching (when the MHO is too big). It will likely be used upwind in light breeze too.

1 x Masthead Code 0 ("MHO")
Sail area: 305 m²
Material: 3Di, RAW760 yellow, 13600 dpi
Details: ---
Use: The MHO is a light wind sail (0-6 knots). It is also used when reaching in moderate conditions and downwind in strong breeze. 

1 x Storm Jib 
Sail area: 29.7 m²
Material: paneled spectra S395 
Details: ---
Use: Good for 35 knots+. Only storm jib available for the entire race. 
An outrigger will extend 1.5m outside the hull either mid ships for the jibs or aft near the stern for the MH0, FR0 and A3.