Sailing lines and ropes

Micro precision, maximum speed:
Sail into the lead with Dyneema®

There’s a reason why almost all teams in major sailing regattas – like the America’s Cup, the Vendee Globe, and the Ocean race – rely on sailing lines made with Dyneema®. In fact, there are multiple reasons, and it all starts with the superior strength-to-weight ratio of our fiber.

But it’s not just professional sailors who choose Dyneema® over all the competition. Sailing ropes and rigging made with our ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) are lightweight, elongation-free, and highly responsive, making them the clear winner for enthusiasts and racers of all levels.

MADE FOR: Yachts

Dinghies

Superyachts

The right grade for every boat

Dyneema® has developed two product grades that are the key ingredient in the world’s strongest, lightest, most responsive sailing lines.

Dyneema® SK99 fiber

The latest innovation for the highest sailing performance. This fiber provides the highest tenacity (42.5 cN/dtex) and modulus (1590 cN/dtex) of any lightweight polymer fiber – for ropes that respond with micro precision.

Dyneema® SK78 fiber

Meet the industry standard – setting the benchmark for the sailing world. With high tenacity (35 cN/dtex), this fiber provides significantly improved elongation and creep characteristics versus other sailing rope solutions.

Total control with Dyneema®-based sailing ropes

Wind is great for sailing – but not so great for sailing ropes. Every gust causes stretch in lines and rigging, which distorts the wing profile of the sail and affects acceleration. But rope elongation also poses another challenge to sailors: by decreasing responsiveness, it reduces control over the boat.

In a regatta, the slightest stretch can make the difference between going for gold and going home empty-handed. That’s why Dyneema®-based lines are the first choice for sailors of all levels, all around the world. Sailboat ropes made with Dyneema® SK99 fiber ensure minimum stretch, so that all energy is immediately transmitted through the line and you, the wind, and your sails all move as one.

For more responsive ropes

Minimum elongation
Split-second control in all wind speeds

Small diameter for excellent grip and handling

Lightweight sailboat lines for smoother sailing

Sailing lines need to be strong enough to handle any static and dynamic load, while still light enough to keep the boat balanced, agile, and fast. Ropes made with Dyneema® have an unrivaled strength-to-weight ratio – around one-sixth of the weight of an equivalent steel-wire halyard – making them perfect for extreme conditions on the water.

In particular, by reducing weight at the top of the mast, using Dyneema®-based sailing ropes will move the boat’s center of gravity down toward the keel, improving stability. That means a less violent impact with the waves, less loss of speed, and less heeling, as well as a larger used sail area for more power and pace.

For low-weight, high-performance sailing lines

Lighter than steel, polyester, and generic HMPE alternatives at the same breaking load
No water absorption keeps ropes and rigging light

Enhanced stability and speed on the water

Reliably durable ropes against sun and sea

Just because two sailing lines have the same strength, it doesn’t mean they have the same service life. For a generic HMPE rope to match the strength of Dyneema® SK78 fiber, its strand lay length and braid period must increase. The tighter construction of Dyneema®-based sailing ropes, combined with their intrinsically superior performance properties, makes them last far longer than generic HMPE alternatives. The result? Fewer replacements and significant time and cost savings.

As well as providing four times the abrasion and creep lifetime, Dyneema® has more uniform fiber thickness than generic HMPE, for more stable performance. It’s highly resistant to humidity, salt, and UV rays, so it withstands life on the water. And it enables sailboat ropes with better bending fatigue performance than polyester, aramid, and other alternatives.

For durability that outlasts the competition

Outperforms other fibers in standardized aging tests
Excellent abrasion resistance
Less frequent replacements required, saving time and costs

No water absorption
Repels dirt and salt
Resistant to UV and IR radiation

Winning the race for more sustainable sailing lines

Given its close ties to the environment, it’s no surprise that the sailing world is embracing more sustainable equipment. And when it comes to protecting our planet, every fiber in every sailing rope counts. For racing and recreational sailors alike, the good news is that Dyneema® delivers the lowest carbon footprint per unit strength of all high-performance fibers.

Not only does 100% of the electricity used to make our fibers come from renewable sources, but by enabling a longer sailing line service life, Dyneema® also decreases material use. Plus, more and more sailors are opting for Dyneema® fiber from bio-circular feedstock, for exceptional performance at an even lower carbon footprint.

Learn more

Want the same high performance with a lower carbon footprint?

Discover Dyneema® fiber from sustainable raw materials

Dyneema® is important because it allows us to use smaller-diameter sailing ropes, for up to 30% weight savings versus traditional lines. Plus, it improves boat stability, it’s long-lasting and durable, and it’s highly resistant to both vibrations and UV. When you’re sailing 40,000 miles, those properties make the difference.

Simon Johnston, Head of Maintenance, Clipper Race

Victory at the Clipper round the world race

Sailing to victory with ropes made with Dyneema® by Marlow

Sailing lines suppliers and partners

Our team works closely with trusted manufacturing partners, ensuring all sailing lines made with Dyneema® fiber give sailors the edge on the water. We enable our partners to develop lightweight, durable, precision-response ropes that stand up to any challenge, whether it’s a day out at the sailing club or the hunt for Olympic gold.