Back in 2015, Ullman Sails teamed up with Skip Novak – a seasoned sailor and great expedition sailor – to create a brand new series in the form of Ullman Sails Expedition Sails. Expedition type yachts sail frequently at high latitudes both in the Arctic and Antarctic. Unlike Super Yachts which motor extensively, an Expedition yacht is first and foremost a sailing yacht, spending a considerable amount of time sailing.

Therefore, we saw a need to create a durable and tough product with an extended service life. The specifications for these sails were hardcoded into the Ullman Sails manuals. They provide extensive details on the design and finish of the sails. This is to ensure that they stand the test of time.

Together with Skip’s input we constructed a mainsail, staysail, yankee and genoa for Skip’s Pelagic Australis, all using our FiberPath technology, featuring double taffeta and Vectran fibers.

Expedition Sails onboard the Pelagic Australis

Now, four years on, the Expedition vessel Pelagic Australis from Skip’s own Pelagic Expeditions fleet was recently in Cape Town for an annual service following completion of the 2018 – 19 season. During this time, the sails returned to the loft. This gave our team an opportunity to review the condition of the sails and carry out any necessary service work. Ullman Sails South Africa reports that only normal “wear and tear” issues required addressing and the sails showed incredible UV resistance. A true testament to the build of the sails and how well Skip looks after the sails on board.

A log of sail use is maintained onboard Pelagic Australis showing the impressive sailing hours accumulated. Through this time, only routine maintenance has been carried out. Again, a testament to both the build of the sails and the skipper himself. Check out that logbook here for evidence on how Ullman’s FiberPath sails really do go the distance: