Doyle introduces Ice

Doyle Sails has announced the official launch of Stratis ICE, available throughout the Doyle global network of lofts. Part of the Stratis sail range, ICE is a game-changing product that offers weight savings, performance gains and high durability levels for both performance and cruising sails, claims Doyle.

ICE is a new and unique UHMWPE (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethelene) fibre, developed by the Doyle Stratis team following market demand for a creep-free and highly durable sail membrane.

Exclusively licenced to Doyle for marine use, it exhibits similar properties to high modulus carbon, and is a derivative of Spectra. Since its development, ICE has undergone beta testing on more than 100 yachts including Team Korea (AC45), Secret Men’s Business (Reichel Pugh 51), Sanya (Volvo 70), and Kenora (37m Wally 107) with outstanding results, we’re told.

Following its launch, ICE is now being put on to yachts including 37m Moonbird (Fitzroy Yachts/Dubois), Wired (Bakewell-White 52) and Team Australia (Orma 60).

"We are really excited to launch a sail fibre that is significantly lighter than other fibre options but with the same durability and performance levels," said Chris McMaster, Managing Director of Doyle Sails NZ. "The Doyle team has been working on this product for some time and we are very proud that we have achieved the perfect level of performance with ICE."

Stratis was developed by Doyle Sails NZ in 2001-2002 in response to industry demand for lighter, longer-lasting sails. From performance racing sails with higher durability, to superyacht sails that required the physical structure of high modulus fibres to take the huge loads that were generated, through to cruising yachts that simply wanted lighter sails that were easier to handle, it was time for something new

The Stratis plant is based at the 7000sqm Doyle Sails NZ production facility. The factory has two production beds, with multiple fibre-laying machines and laminators on each production bed, allowing a full range sails to be produced from the smallest dinghies to the largest superyachts.