Launched by Comar Yachts in 2011, the majestic 100-foot sailing yacht Shadow represents the first yacht to have been fitted with Stratis Sail Art sails. Superyacht Shadow features membranes made by Doyle Stratis in New Zealand, complete with photo-quality octopus, and finished by the Doyle Sails loft Palma team.

100ft Comar super yacht Shadow fitted with Stratis Sail Art sails

“Stratis Sail Art is the next generation in sail art,” says Doyle Sails New Zealand managing director, Chris McMaster. “It adds negligible weight to the end product, while maintaining the integrity of the sail and performance Stratis is known for.”

Doyle Sails New Zealand’s team moved away from the traditional technique of painting directly onto sail and printed onto the Stratis sail surfaces to create two octopi stretching down each sail on each side. Detail, form and subtle nuances were thus transferred to the sail with unfailing accuracy, making for the revolutionary technology in sail art.

Stratis Sail Art sails

The two octopi are brought to life by colour, shapes and overlaid details of the mosaic-like print as the sail fills. Despite the layers of detail, the end result is significantly lighter than the sail would be if the image was created using the traditional approach of layering paint by hand; something which can add 10-15kgs to a sail.

That lightness is something Stratis is known for. Forming the base for Stratis Sail Art, the revolutionary fibre has created a formidable reputation for resistance to flex fatigue and high performance.

The unique Stratis Sail Art process doesn’t compromise the sails’ integrity, in comparison to the traditional paint process, which results in brittle sail membranes. Full photo images can be translated to the sails – significantly increasing the appeal of sails as a billboard to sponsors – with a high definition finish that is as effective close up as it is from a distance.