The best available fabric for both headsail and jibs on the 420 is DP 165 SQ HTP+. At the moment, there are no useful alternatives on the market.

As for the spinnaker, we now have available our classic ULTRALIGHT (UL) and the new RIPSTOP (RS), which replaces the earlier Light as of 2007.

The ULTRA-LIGHT is giving the highest performances in light-medium wind and flat sea. This polyester fabric is quite rigid, and the advantage is the driving force is immediately transferred to the boat, whilst the elasticity of Nylon fabrics commonly used are absorbing part of this force. Another advantage is they don't absorb water like Nylons do. The only disadvantage of polyesters is this rigidity makes the sail nervous and less stable, so it needs a lot of training to use it at its best.

The new RIP-STOP, tested for the first time in the spinnakers used in the ISAF 2006 world championship, has given excellent results during the past season. For this reason, we have decided to use it in replacement of the earlier Light. It is slightly heavier but also much more resistant to tearing, and is hence longer-lasting. It gives its greatest propulsive power in conditions of strong wind. Thanks to its durability, however, it is also suited to less expert crews.

!!!WARNING: our top performing spinnakers are made of POLYESTER fabrics, which gives the highest performance being stiffer than commonly used Nylons. This allows the transmission of power to the boat earlier. Whilst the elasticity of Nylon has the effect of "absorbing part of the power". POLYESTER spinnakers are VERY FRAGILE especially, when BRAND NEW. You should use them with all possible CARE and protect them from all sharp parts of your boat, including the Jib clew, the sail-bag, etc. After some use the polyester looses some of the finishing coat, making it slightly more elastic, therefore less easy to break.