Whether you’re sailing a classic tall ship or a modern cruising boat, the array of ropes used onboard is huge. They include halyards, sheets, brails, vangs, tricing lines, warps, whips, and jackstays among others.
All of these different types of Sailing Ship rope are designed to be used in a specific way, and it is important that the right one for each job is selected. Choosing the wrong type of line can lead to poor performance or even failure.
Dyneema(r)
A strong steel line that is incredibly light and floats on the water, Dyneema(r) has revolutionized the sailing rope industry. Developed in the Netherlands by DSM, it uses an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber to produce a super-strong, low-weight line.
Its tensile strength is twice that of polyester, but it has little stretch and a high breaking load, making it extremely durable. In addition, it is resistant to common marine chemicals and can handle UV rays.
Originally designed for use in expensive racing lines, prices have dropped to the point where it is now a perfectly suitable line for all sailboats. This makes it a fantastic choice for anyone who wants a lightweight, strong, floaty rope with excellent UV resistance.
The aforementioned qualities have made Dyneema(r) the preferred material for halyards and sheets on racing and cruising yachts. As well as being highly durable and low-maintenance, it is also heat-resistant. Internal heat build-up is a major concern for all rigging systems, particularly in high-load and hot captive winch rooms on modern superyachts.
HMPE
HMPE ropes are a popular choice for sailing ship ropes because they are super strong and have very little stretch. HMPE is also lightweight, meaning it can be used in applications where weight savings are critical.
Often referred to as Spectra or Dyneema, HMPE is an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene that is very tough and strong. It is made from strands that have been enhanced through a process called recrystallization, which is designed to align the molecules in each filament of the HMPE fiber.
The resulting rope is extremely durable, has superior resistance to chemicals and is highly versatile. It is a great choice for halyards, sheets and guys as well as anchor lines and mooring lines.
HMPE ropes are also used for offshore working and lifting applications, including deep water mooring lines, oceanographic lifting and coring ropes, seismic tow ropes and salvage ropes. They are also commonly used in commercial fishing lines, where their abrasion resistance and durability is essential.
Polyamide
Polyamide is a synthetic fiber that is used to make a range of different products, including sailing ship ropes. It is made from polyethylene (PE) and offers abrasion resistance, high UV stability, and minimal elongation on a weight-for-weight basis.
Premiumropes sells many different varieties of rope with a polyamide core. These include SK38, SK78, and Stirotex(r). All these grades offer excellent strength and low stretch qualities.
These high-tech lines are a great choice for performance sailors who demand excellent strength but are not concerned about weight saving. They also come with a polyester cover, which adds an extra layer of protection against the sun’s UV rays and wear.
The best way to care for polyamide ropes is to wash them with a gentle soapy solution and avoid using hot water and direct heat. This will minimize the risk of shrinking, which can make the material difficult to handle. Store them properly away from the sun, chemicals and saltwater to reduce material damage.
Polyester
Polyester is used for a variety of functions aboard a sailing ship. It is strong and abrasion resistant, making it a good choice for sailboat halyards, sheets, mooring lines, and other ropes for marine use.
Sailing ships often require many different ropes for various tasks, such as docking, anchoring, towing, and rigging. These ropes must be durable and strong, as well as resistant to abrasion and UV radiation.
Traditionally, nylon has been the most popular choice for these roles, but polyester is now becoming more common. Although it does not stretch as much as nylon, polyester possesses good strength and abrasion resistance.
