Why Vela
Racing sails retire when their shape fades, long before the cloth wears out. This page covers where retired sails end up and why we upcycle them.
The Problem
~2,000
Tonnes of sails discarded worldwide each year1
Up to 450
Years a synthetic sail can take to break down in landfill1
A sail's racing life ends when its shape and performance fade. The fabric lasts longer. Depending on the material and how the sail was used, it can stay sound for years after it leaves the boat. Researchers report no large-scale recycling solution for these technical fabrics.1
Why It's Complicated
A single sail can layer polyester, nylon, carbon fiber, Kevlar, films, coatings, and adhesives, which makes conventional recycling difficult. Coatings added for UV resistance complicate the mechanical recycling of polyester sailcloth further.
Sailcloth resists UV, saltwater, wind, and abrasion. That makes it a good sail, and it keeps the cloth from breaking down in a landfill.
The Alternative
Researchers are testing chemical recycling that converts polyester sails back into their building blocks.2 The material keeps its value after racing.
Upcycling takes a shorter path. We skip the chemistry, keep the sailcloth intact, and cut it into a new product. Every Vela bag is made this way.
Want One?
Each bag is one of a kind, measures 14" × 19", and holds 12 liters. Pick yours from the Fall Drop and send an order request.
Hear about the next drop.
Drops are small and sell out fast. Get one email when the next one is ready.