"Before and during the 2002/2003 Around Alone race, we broke every type and every brand of sail batten you can imagine. This is one thing about Ocean Planet's unstayed (freestanding) mast, that it is very tough on battens. However, for the end of the Around Alone and for the Vendee, we are using custom braided S-glass/carbon fiber battens by Forte... Forte battens are incredible, and it is so nice not to have to worry about battens anymore."
Bruce Schwab
Skipper Ocean Planet ~ Open 60
Vendee Globe 2004/2005
(email from Bruce,
after rounding Cape Horn)
Forte sail battens are generally designed for mono-hulls over 45' in length and multi-hulls over 40'. Our battens are available in continuous lengths up to 40'.
All Forte batten sets are custom engineered to meet your specifications. Fiber selection and orientation is optimized for the battens' intended use, such as racing, cruising or charter.
Proven Toughness and Durability
Using our bullet-proof, 4-Axis Continuous Fiber Braided Technology, Forte sail battens can handle the torsion associated with in-boom furling as well as stand up to the worst weather, accidental mishaps and the toughest sailing competitions.
Equipped with Forte battens, your yacht is in good company, including the 119' mega yacht, Rebecca, and Selene, a 56 meter (183') aluminum ketch built by Perini Navi. Selene's 58.8m and 48.26m aluminum masts, with carbon fiber in-boom furling, carry a sail plan of 1,483sqm (15,664 sf) supported by custom Forte sail battens.
You have confidence knowing that Forte battens have been proven in round-the-world time trials, like the 2004 Jules Verne Challange aboard the 125' mega cat Cheyenne (f/k/a PlayStation). Forte battens also sailed successfully aboard Ocean Planet, during the 2002/2003 Around Alone race and the 2004/2005 Vendee Globe.
Ordering Forte Sail Battens
Please call us for a quote on a set of custom sail battens. Please be prepared to discuss E value, P value, sail area, the number and length of required battens, as well as any diameter restrictions. We are happy to help you work through these specifications.
Please also be ready to discuss your luff and leach end requirements. Note that Forte's custom engineered black Delrin sail batten ends are designed to accommodate both tensioners and various receptacles. We can also custom design and build end fittings to suit your special applications.
For a sample of batten stiffness and associated length, please download the Forte Sail Batten Selection Chart. (Note that North Sails' stiffness conversions are detailed on this chart).
For a free, no obligation quote, call 860-464-5221 or email us today. We welcome your questions and look forward to working with you.