In 2007, OneSails introduced the first continuous fibre sails built without the use of resin or glue, eliminating delamination issues at a stroke. Now OneSails goes a step further, by introducing 4T FORTE™ membranes made from exclusive Multi Micro Structure (MMS™) technology (patent pending).
The 4T FORTE™ composite structure incorporates high modulus fibres such as STR™ Solid Stripes, a new low stretch component of MMS™ technology which eliminates both glue and the mylar film, so often the weak element of a laminate sail. Using a multi micro layered structure, elements of the membrane are fused together in a cross linked, polymerised matrix resulting in a stable, stretch resistant, and durable sail. By doing away with both glue and mylar film these sails are significantly lighter than conventional laminate sails.
Not only is 4T FORTE™ intrinsically lighter than alternatives, but weight saving is enhanced by the fact that a 4T FORTE™ membrane does not need to be covered with extra woven taffeta fabric to protect it from UV or improve durability.
A core structural grid, constructed from high modulus fibre takes care of the principal loads, whilst oriented micro layers provide strength in other secondary directions. The entire skin is encapsulated between ripstop “shields”, which are UV, moisture, and mildew resistant.
The whole skin, with its continuous fibres, is vacuum cured in a heat activated cross polymerisation process. which fuses the components together so that every single element in the structure contributes to shape holding. As a result, a 4T FORTE™ sail membrane not only exhibits superior structural integrity, but the use of more efficient components creates a sail up to 25% lighter than film based alternatives.
Learn more about the revolutionary technology of making 4T FORTE™ membranes.
A core structural grid, constructed from high modulus fibre takes care of the principal loads, whilst oriented micro layers provide strength in other secondary directions. The entire skin is encapsulated between ripstop “shields”, which are UV, moisture, and mildew resistant.
OneSails 4T FORTE™ sails are simply the best sails available in the market in terms of quality, technology, shape holding and durability. These sails carry as standard a number of exclusive features that significantly increase their performance, lightness and ease of use:
4T FORTE™
225R*
325 R
REFERENCE: top mylar membranes
Structural yarns
STR Solid Stripes™ High Modulus
STR Solid Stripes™ High Modulus
Carbon
Color
Black
Black
Clear film
Main structure modulus
210
245
210
UV stability proportion
1,6
1,9
1
*(225R suitable for boats up to 47′)
4T FORTE™
325 R
REFERENCE: top mylar membranes
Structural yarns
STR Solid Stripes™ High Modulus
Carbon
Color
Black
Clear film
Main structure modulus
245
210
UV stability proportion
1,7
1
4T FORTE™
220C
200E*
320C
REFERENCE: top taffetà membranes
Structural yarns
STR Solid Stripes™ High Modulus
STR Solid Stripes™ High Modulus
STR Solid Stripes™ High Modulus
Carbon
Color
Light grey
Light grey
Dark gray
Different colors
Main structure modulus
210
190
245
210
UV stability proportion
1,5
1,5
1,5
1
*(220C suitable for boats up to 47′)
**(200E suitable for boats up to 39′)
STR Solid Stripes™ High Modulus
CARBON High Modulus
CARBON
DYNEEMA
TWARON High Modulus
BLACK TECHNORA
Specific modulus (N/tex)
185
162
134
110
105
53
Load / weight ratio
1
0,88
0,72
0,59
0,39
0,29
UV stability
Tenacity
Flex Loss
Creep free
Moisture resistance
Carbon Footprint
The OneSails group has a shared passion for sailing and the sea. Respect for the environment keeps us focused on how we can continually improve the sustainability of our sails.
Our commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of our sails is centred on the materials and what happens to a sail at the end of its life. In 2015, OneSails launched 4T FORTE ™ sails and sail recycling process. Awarded ISO 14040 Life Cycle Assessment Certification, 4T FORTE ™ are the only fully recyclable sails on the market today.
Membranes and their assembly have been engineered for highest standards in terms of environmental impact and recyclable options. Glues, resins and solvents have been replaced by heat fusion and the base polymer is 100% recyclable in a standard waste separation process.
Holds to the highest standards of environmental practices and the responsible sourcing of materials and energy sources.
Sails made of 4T FORTE are produced with a low level of CO2 emissions into the atmosphere and without the use of pollutants such as glues, resins and solvents.
At the end of their useful life, these sails are recycled within the normal recovery processes of polyethylene-based raw materials to generate the PE pellet.
The polyethylene pellet is used for the production of accessories (such as headboards) to be used in the production of new sails.
For the first time ever!
Over 10 years of research and development have led to the creation of sails that win in regattas, last over time, have low CO2 emissions during production and can be recycled at the end of their life.
From this idea were born the MARKERS deriving from the sails used in the Vendée Globe by Pip Hare made by @carioca_italia
We strongly believe in sustainability. Our commitment is concrete and certified according to: ISO 14021:2021 and ISO 14001:2015 by independent auditors (IQNet).
OneSails can deliver 4T FORTE™ main sails with integrated thin cell PV panels, which regenerate the yacht’s batteries using solar energy.
Due to the high modulus construction of the 4T FORTE™ composite material, the impact of the PV panels is minimal in terms of the sail’s characteristics and performance.
For example, the Spirit 44CR(e) is a fully electric yacht designed and built by Spirit Yachts. To fit with the owner’s brief of ‘near total self-sufficiency’, OneSails worked closely with Spirit Yachts and Solar Cloth to integrate solar panels into the 4T FORTE recyclable mainsail. The three panels on each side of the sail have the capacity to regenerate 560watts, or 1,120watts total for both sides of the sail. Solar panel technology is always improving and OneSails is continually testing and developing new solutions.
For over 15 years the OneSails design team have developed exclusive technologies to make one-piece continuous thread sails a reality for cruising and racing boats.
Features like weight, shape control and deformation resistance means better performance compared to traditional panelled sails.
4T FORTE™ membranes are exclusively made in Italy. All the assembly process is completely made in a unique factory ensuring the meeting of all the required standards.
