Exclusive agreement between Incidence Sails and Aluula
In late spring 2023, French sailmaker Incidence Sails announced the signing of an agreement with Canadian company Aluula. This contract gives Incidence Sails exclusive rights in France to use Aluula Durlyte technology for boat sails intended for prolonged use in harsh conditions, and for boat bags. Pierre-Antoine Morvan, Head of Incidence Sails' Ocean Racing and Superyacht Division, is delighted with the results of 2 years of intensive testing, notably by Team Biotherm and skipper Paul Meilhat on their IMOCA during the Ocean Race: "The exclusive agreement between our two companies after several years of testing is the culmination of a fruitful partnership that will enable our customers to sail serenely in extreme conditions."
An ultra-abrasion-resistant, recyclable material
Aluula Durlyte uses a patented fusion technology that bonds films to a UHMWPE core to create composites with mechanical properties that are particularly interesting for yachting. Incidence Sails reports that it is 10 times more resistant to abrasion than competing materials, thanks to a very low friction surface. Hydrophobic, it does not absorb water and prevents bacterial growth.
With a single polymer, Aluula Durlyte is ready for recycling. The material can be processed flexibly, either sewn or heat-welded. It is also thermoformable.
A natural progression towards boats
Already used in the marine leisure sector, Incidence Sails has found a natural new outlet for this material, which can be used for a wide range of parts such as batten pockets, bolt ropes, spreader bar and stanchion protectors, rubbing braids and sail bag bottoms.
Dave Westwood, Director of Innovation and Design at ALUULA Composites, concludes: "Given the staggering impact of Aluula's performance on kitesurfing and wingfoil, sailing is a natural next step."
