Fastnet
Technology
Designed to withstand super tough conditions, where ultimate durability is required.
Challenge Fastnet is the most durable off shore cruising style available. Fastnet is the 2018 upgrade from Challenge’s successful High Mass Fiber Weaves product line. The result of now 15 years of development, Fastnet combines all of the technology and lessons learned from the past six Clipper Around the World Races. Unlike a professional race, Clipper Around the World is crewed by ambitious amateurs. The sails must perform and last for over 60,000 miles, without professional maintenance crews or paid sailors. Challenge Sailcloth has supplied Clipper for two decades, and is excited to launch Fastnet to allow sailors who need bulletproof durability and UV resistance!
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Fastnet is constructed using a super tough 500 denier base warp fiber. This foundation component acts as a shield against Abrasion, UV Resistance and the Elements.
High Tenacity Fiber104 constructions from 400 Denier up to 1300 Denier for low stretch.
Medium Firm - Firm finish for Optimum Handling offshore.
Used in Clipper around the world for over two decades, improvements were made in 2018 resulting in increased shape holding performance.
Bulletproof durability
UV resistance.
Longevity
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6.68 Fastnet 250 x 400
7.38 Fastnet 300 x 500
7.88 Fastnet 500 x 650
8.88 Fastnet 500 x 750
9.88 Fastnet 500 x 840
10.88 Fastnet 500 x 1000
11.88 Fastnet 500 x 1300
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Fastnet achieves the high level of durability and UV resistance by using massive high tenacity warp fibers. The low aspect constructions and High Mass Fiber Technology are the most efficient and cost effective way of extending a sail life.
D6.68
D7.38
D7.88
D8.88
D9.88
D10.88
Fastnet
| Fabric ID |
Description |
Yarn Denier Warp Fill |
Fabric Width in cm |
| D6.68 | 6.68 Fastnet | 250 400 | 54 137 |
| D7.38 | 7.38 Fastnet | 300 500 | 54 137 |
| D7.88 | 7.88 Fastnet | 500 650 | 54 137 |
| D8.88 | 8.88 Fastnet | 500 750 | 54 137 |
| D9.88 | 9.88 Fastnet | 500 840 | 54 137 |
| D10.88 | 10.88 Fastnet | 500 1000 | 54 137 |
| D11.88 | 11.88 Fastnet | 500 1300 | 54 137 |
Attributes
Abrasion Resistant
Cut & Tear Resistant
UV Resistant
Clipper around the world
Fastnet has been used on the past 11 rounds of the Clipper race. Clipper is widely considered to be the most extreme test of durability for sailcloth as it is sailed by amateurs across multiple oceans.
Go the Distance
Fastnet has been powering Sailors around the world for over 30 years. Follow Familia Schurmann across the ocean.
The Future is Now, and it Can’t Wait.
The legacy of Challenge Sailcloth spans four generations in the sailing textile industry. In 1917, our family founded Howe and Bainbridge, one of the first sailcloth companies in the USA. In the 1930s, DuPont® invented synthetic polyester and nylon fibers which we used to create the first Cordura® nylon mainsail cloth. Moving from tar-impregnated cotton sails to technical synthetic textiles started a new era of sailboat racing and innovation. We’ve been leaders at the forefront of textile innovation for over 100 years. Looking forward, our focus is entirely on sustainability within the textile industry.
In 2020, Challenge Sailcloth launched a new company called Challenge Outdoor, spearheaded by world champion sailor and technical textiles expert, Hale Walcoff. Hale had a vision to produce light, durable, and UV resistant materials for the outdoor sports industry using 100% recycled polyester. He wanted to produce fabrics that were best in class for the industry while being environmentally friendly. Challenge Outdoor is dedicated to reducing real-world carbon emissions and promoting clean textile technology. As outdoor enthusiasts, it is our duty to tackle the climate crisis.
This project would not have been possible as recently as five years ago, because recycled and natural component manufacturers had not achieved the performance levels required in strenuous and demanding outdoor sports. Thankfully, the global community demanded green tech, and the investment followed. Moving full speed ahead, our development efforts will be focused on sustainable innovation across our product lines. This is our new race against the clock and a challenge to the industry. Solving the climate crisis requires world-wide collaboration and we welcome you to get on board.
Sustainability Starts with You
Energy-Efficient Manufacturing
Our textiles are produced at eco-friendly facilities powered by hydroelectric energy.
Our innovative manufacturing system eliminates expensive and energy intensive drying ovens, hot rooms for curing, and many other processes needed to laminate Nylon and Polyester with solvent-based adhesive.
We maintain stock in both the U.S. and Asia for better efficiency with our manufacturing partners and brands.