CHARLESTON, South Carolina — SailNet is launching a new line of sails aimed at performance cruisers early next month. AirForce Sails will become the first sailmaking link from an Internet site to online customers. The relationship will provide customers with unlimited access to information, research, and construction criteria 24 hours a day, with additional advice available through e-mail or telephone.
Product Manager Brian Hancock will head the project. Hancock, who has competed in three Whitbread Round-the-World races and crossed the Atlantic 14 times, brings considerable sailing and lofting experience. "We have the most sophisticated technology going into every sail," he said. "Our sails are cut by computers and are designed using state-of-the-art CAD technology. More importantly, I have thousands of bluewater miles under my keel, and I know how sails need to perform in all kinds of conditions."
The emphasis will also be on affordability. Bill Wright, the AirForce Director of Manufacturing and a 25-year marine veteran of the industry noted that by not supporting franchise lofts, AirForce can offer discount pricing to the consumer.
The idea is already catching on in the sailing industry. Island Packet Yachts is the first boat builder to commit to the AirForce concept and will use the AirForce brand on its line of cruising boats.
SailNet acquired JSI of St. Petersburg, FL in January 2000. JSI has been making sails since 1960.