Dyneema® SK90 for unrivaled rigging

Dyneema® SK90

Pushing the boundaries

DSM Dyneema is once again pushing the boundaries of light- weight strength in performance sailing with the introduction of Dyneema® SK90, an even stronger grade of polyethylene fiber than the current grades used for running rigging. Research and development of Dyneema® SK90 was conducted and refined by rigorous testing and input from top-notch sailing teams aspiring to handle the best rope available made from technically advanced fibers. Some of the professional sailing teams which participated in the testing include the Dutch Olympic 470 team and Alinghi - winner of the 32nd America’s Cup.

While Dyneema® SK90 was designed for the highest level of performance, tested by the world’s leading manufacturers of yacht rigging and approved by top-notch sailing teams, this level of world-class performance is now also available to club racers and performance cruiser through partnerships with top rope and rigging manufacturers.

Proven in high performance racing

In the automotive industry, new innovations such as anti-lock brakes have often emerged from Formula 1 Racing’s super-tough environments. Once a new product has successfully proven itself on the track, it moves into general production.

Birth of Dyneema® SK90

In 2005, DSM Dyneema began taking this same approach with the development of high-performance fibers. Strategic partnerships were formed with world-class professional sailing teams to explore and push the limits of Dyneema® at the highest levels of competition.

As soon as ropes made with the prototype fiber, at that time known as “Dyneema® SKX”, were ready, sailing teams incorporated them into their training program. Both Alinghi and the Dutch Olympic 470 team felt so confident about the performance of the ropes made with this fiber that they decided to use them during the teams’ most important challenges.

Stronger and less stretch

The results are well known: Alinghi managed to successfully defend the America’s Cup by just being faster than their adversary by one second and the Dutch sailors Marceline & Lobke won a medal in the Olympic 470 class.

Based on the success of “Dyneema® SKX”, this grade is now available under the name Dyneema® SK90 via a number of customers.

The new grade -even stronger and stiffer than previous Dyneema® grades- offers every sailor championship characteristics such as extreme light weight, high durability and easy of handling.

Extreme performance

Dyneema® SK90 features an even higher modulus (resistance to stretch) and strength when compared to other Dyneema® grades, while preserving existing attributes. Ropes designed with higher modulus fibers offer more direct control while sailing and less energy absorption so you experience more precise trim control.

In addition Dyneema® SK90’s lighter weight helps reduce the loads above the waterline, an overriding goal of every serious sailor.

Don’t compromise

For example, the Banque Populaire team decided to not only use rigging with Dyneema® SK90, during the Jules Verne record attempt but also re-fitted their trampoline with the lighter, stronger material.

For sailors who refuse to compromise, Dyneema® SK90 defines the new leading edge in high performance rigging. Even if you’re not measuring success in fractions of seconds, you and your crew will still appreciate the improved control and handling of sailings’ most advanced rigging material.

DSM Dyneema’s licensees, renowned as the world’s leading manufacturers of yacht rigging, have managed to incorporate the intrinsic benefits of Dyneema® SK90 and engineer the best possible ropes imaginable.

In order to validate their engineering efforts, rope manufacturers have closely involved high profile racing teams such as:

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