The Original Structured Luff

After eight years of developing and validating the performance benefits of its Structured Luff technology, Doyle Sails passed a significant milestone in 2019 when the concept reached the market-acceptance tipping point to become mainstream.

In the last three years, the technology has cemented its place on board some of the most high profile and high-performance Grand Prix race yachts and Superyachts around the world and delivered winning results.

Mitch Booth - VPLP 100 Comanche

"One of the unique things with Doyle Sails is that they pioneered Structured Luff technology, and this really is a big game-changer in performance. I would say it's the biggest gain that has been made in recent times in sail development."

Russell Coutts - SailGP CEO

"We had no hesitation selecting Doyle Sails for SailGP. We knew they had the expertise, technology and commitment to deliver on such a project. We also knew success would be just as important for them as it was for us. The result was that we had nothing but praise on the quality and service Doyle delivered."

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 21: Owner and skipper Sean Langman is training with his crew onboard the super maxi yacht Naval Group, prior to the Rolex Sydney to Hobart yacht race, on December 21, 2019, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Andrea Francolini/Alea/Getty Images)

Sean Langman - RP66 MoneyPenny

"The Doyle Structured Luff headsails have changed the upwind performance of Money Penny. I call them a flying jib as when the load goes to the forestay the jib actually projects to windward instead of sagging to leeward. ‘Swept back spreaders and a dubious backstay set up that holds the top of the mast up, means that these Structured Luff headsails are a massive improvement for this yacht."

The Original Structured Luff

Doyle Sails with Structured Luff technology offer more versatility and changes the way a sail behaves through a more balanced distribution of loads.

Doyle Sails Structured Luff exploits the power potential and control previously undiscovered in conventional sail luffs.

This leading-edge design philosophy is applicable for a wide range of sail materials and boat types, exclusive to Doyle Sails.

Left // Maxi 72 Vesper 2022

Leading Design

Doyle Sails Structured Luff was the largest breakthrough in sail design philosophy. It has focused on innovating the structural elements in a sail’s leading edge.

Through a data-driven approach to sail design, the Doyle Sails team have created stronger, more versatile sails that carry across a wider range.

Exclusive to Doyle Sails since 2018, we are able to pair a world leading designed Stratis sailcloth with our Structured Luff load-sharing sails to radically improve handling and control.

Left // Superyacht Elfje - Photo Credit: Cory Silken

Faster and Lighter

Go further and faster with fewer sails. Doyle Sails Structured Luff sails extend your range, requiring fewer sail changes in varied conditions.

Doyle Sails Structured Luff sails enhance boat speed. Find a new gear and your power potential while reducing drag and heel.

Doyle Sails Structured Luff activates a proactive, positive shape that responds to changes in wind flow while reducing reactive trimming.

Left // Botin 52 CARO - Photo Credit: Adam Mustill Photography, Live Sail Die

RACING

CRUISING

GRAND PRIX

SUPERYACHT

FAQ

Structured Luff sails can be a little tricky to understand, here are some of our most frequently asked questions.

What is Structured Luff technology?

Exclusive to Doyle Sails, Structured Luff technology is a different approach to upwind and downwind sail design with a special focus on the luff area of a sail.

Traditionally the luff of a sail holds all of the load either through the forestay or an internal cable. Doyle Sails has redesigned how these loads are mapped and directed the load back into the sail through custom fibre layouts.

What are the benefits to using Structured Luff technology?

I am a cruiser, will Structured Luff benefit me?

Yes, absolutely! Cruising sailors have seen some incredible benefits from the integration of Structured Luff technology.

A sail that weighs less overall is easier to handle - you also reduce the need to constantly adjust sails as this type of sail is designed to be used across a much wider variety of angles and wind strengths.

Structured Luff can be applied at any percentage depending on your requirements and current systems onboard - often Cruising sails make use of a hybrid model of Structured Luff.

What type of sail can Structured Luff technology be applied to?

How does Structured Luff technology work?

All of the work begins from the design, with the load share of the sail that is usually in the luff (or headstay) of the sail being redistributed through the rest of the sail evenly. This takes the load of the luff of the sail, allowing the luff to fly further forward and often to windward. This enables more speed from greater projection. By incorporating Structured Luff technology these sails become more stable and efficient through a wider range of conditions.

I race my yacht, does Structured Luff apply to me?

There seems to be other Structured Luff options available?

Many other sailmakers have now seen the Doyle Sails Structured Luff technology in action and created their own versions. To date, no other version has been able to deliver the same results as Doyle.