The design team at Dolphin Sails have created a solution to a major problem using bespoke specialist design software.
We regularly hear that boats needed shade but did not want to deal with frames or battens and that traditional Bimini’s did not offer enough protection from the sun.
For this project on the newly launched Nautor Swan 115, we used just the boats CAD files to create an awning that gives maximum coverage without the need for any new fixing points.
The form finding software helps us create a structure, that has a unique double curvature design. This double curvature will tension the fabric so that it becomes rigid. Once set up the fabric will become drum tight. This tension cuts down to a minimum any flapping or ‘panting’ that is normally very prevalent in standard awnings.
Using just the CAD file we were able to design and manufacture the awning before fitting it first time!
The awning was used through out the Monaco Boat Show and was greatly appreciated as it allowed guests to view this stunning boat in greater comfort.
A Dolphin Tensile Awning offers protection to the crew using the cockpit or foredeck, the boat and makes life below deck more comfortable especially when the aircon isn’t required.
We will again be exhibiting at the worlds largest marine trade show at the RAI exhibition centre in Amsterdam.
Based in the Superyacht Hall of the exhibition, Matthew Vincent and Angus Roberts will be on the stand to discuss how our unique awnings can be created using specialist bespoke software. With virtually limitless options available we can help create a stunningly beautiful structure that will open up endless possibilities to enhance the enjoyment of your sailing yacht, motor boat, home, office or public space
After last years outstanding success we have received some great feedback from our customers who have been on the water this season enjoying their boats. This is what they had to say……
Their brief comments below –
Dolphin Sails
‘Finally I decided to have another go at getting Dash the sails that she deserved. I had seen other MGC 27s with beautifully cut sails so I knew it must be possible. I wanted that lovely aerofoil curve that I had only ever seen on other boats with laminate sails so I decided to investigate.
At the Southampton Boat show I was presented with the opportunity to visit each of the sailmakers and sound them out. As a weekend sailor with almost no racing experience I felt completely out of my depth until I visited the Dolphin Sails stand. I immediately felt like a valued potential customer.
They listened carefully to what I had to say and we discussed the various options, despite my lack of knowledge I did not feel under any pressure at all, they understood what I was looking for and a cruising laminate seemed the obvious way to go to get the performance and stretch resistance that I wanted. ‘
My thanks to everyone at Dolphin Sails, especially Paul who had endless patience with me and was prepared to spend as much time on my boat as was necessary to get my sails working perfectly.
MGC27 ‘Dash’ – Tim Jenner (read further down for the full story)
Dolphin Covers
‘The quality of materials and workmanship was outstanding. The attention to fitting and customer satisfaction can only be described as unique.
The result has drawn many admiring comments and has made a huge difference to the overall appearance of the boat.’
Moody 42 ‘Blue of Hamble’ T Stattersfield (read further down for the full story)
To arrange a meeting during the 2015 Southampton Boatshow, which runs from 11th – 20th September, please contact us on sails@dolphin-sails.com
or
Paul Austin – Hamble Marina – 02381 980090 – paul.austin@dolphin-sails.com
Jon Sturmer – East Coast – 01206 384412 – jon@dolphin-sails.com
WeatherMax80 sprayhood and Bimini
WeatherMax80 Outboard Cover
Read in full what our customers think about us below
MGC27 ‘Dash’ – Tim Jenner – I had invested in new main and genoa for Dash, my MG C27 eight years ago, the sails were at the budget end of the market and I was disappointed right from the start, but I did not feel confident enough in my knowledge to complain to the sailmaker and Dash is a very good boat, we regularly passed other boats when out cruising despite our mainsails lack of shape.
Finally I decided to have another go at getting Dash the sails that she deserved. I had seen other MGC 27s with beautifully cut sails so I knew it must be possible. I wanted that lovely aerofoil curve that I had only ever seen on other boats with laminate sails so I decided to investigate.
At the Southampton Boat show I was presented with the opportunity to visit each of the sailmakers and sound them out. As a weekend sailor with almost no racing experience I felt completely out of my depth until I visited the Dolphin Sails stand. I immediately felt like a valued potential customer.
They listened carefully to what I had to say and we discussed the various options, despite my lack of knowledge I did not feel under any pressure at all, they understood what I was looking for and a cruising laminate seemed the obvious way to go to get the performance and stretch resistance that I wanted.
A week or so later I met with Paul on Dash for him to take the measurements.
The first trials of the sails in the spring were a revelation to me. They helped me set up the rig then we fitted the sails and went for a sea trial. Dash performed beautifully and the new sails looked and performed better than I could have hoped with Dash now able to sail at 30 degrees to the wind, something I had never been able to do before.
The highlight of the year for us is the Round the Island Race and Dash performed superbly well this year with her beautiful new sails, coming eighth in our group of around fifty boats. I believe that this result would not have been possible with the old sails.
My thanks to everyone at Dolphin Sails, especially Paul who had endless patience with me and was prepared to spend time on my boat to get my sails working perfectly.
T Stattersfield – Moody 42 ‘Blue of Hamble-’ Last summer I became dissatisfied with both the look and effectiveness of the existing windscreen and sprayhood on my Moody 42 CC yacht. Looking around the Southampton Boat Show at various options, Dolphin Sails quickly came to the forefront as potential suppliers.
They were prepared to come over to Hamble very early one morning during the show in order that ideas could progress quickly.
The concept of removing the windscreen and installing a more modern sprayhood was declared feasible and Dolphin set about the project with a meticulous level of attention to detail with multiple fittings to ensure that the end result was as intended and catered for a captain and crew of very different heights!
I have a reputation for ‘project creep’ and a simple sprayhood replacement morphed seamlessly into a new bimini and cover, wheel and binnacle cover, hatch covers, genoa sock and a most elaborate padded outboard cover.
The quality of materials and workmanship was outstanding. The attention to fitting and customer satisfaction can only be described as unique.
The result has drawn many admiring comments and has made a huge difference to the overall appearance of the boat.
The Suns shining and you need a shaded seating or play area… Dolphin Sails have a solution. Here is the latest Tensile Awning from Dolphin Sails, this one is approx 86sqm and designed to cover an outside bar and restaurant patio area on a local Holiday Beach Resort. The shape and design has been generated using our ‘Form Finding’ software. With this it is possible to design an awning shape that can cope with extremely high winds that is both very practical and also aesthetically pleasing. These are the perfect solution to create that additional shaded or sheltered area outside of your Home, Bar/Restaurant Patio area or Business entrance.
Interested, then please contact us on:
email sails@dolphin-sails.com or call 01255 243366
