Summary

1- Sail to slide attachments were of very poor quality. (Made out of plastic). Within a week most were broken.
2- Dacron used was of very poor quality. Within 3 1/2 years of use the material was down to paper strength in many places.
3- Workmanship excellent. Triple stitched, solid patches.
4- Sail shape excellent.
5- Due to point # 2 would definitely not recommend this brand, as the life expectancy of the sails is very poor. (Click to see photo)

Discussion

While in South Africa I decided to get a new main for my old one was a bit tired (10 years old). I chose Quantum Sails for 2 reasons: It’s a world wide company (So expected a high quality standard) and the price was competitive.
I ordered it in Richards Bay to be made at the sail loft in Cape Town. The idea was for me to pick it up when I reached Cape Town. As it turned out received the sail in Simons Town (December 2001).
The sail looked very good with two full battens at the top. Nice shape, very strongly built. Good workmanship. Was impressed. At this point noticed 3 “runs” in the Dacron. (Problems in the material). Due to time decided I would patch them further along. Also noticed that the Dacron was very heavy on the resin. Had never had such a stiff sail.
As my old main still had useful life in it I stored the new Quantum Sail in the bow and sailed on to Brazil.
When in Chile decided that my old main had had enough, so I changed it for the new Quantun Sail in preparation for my passage to French Polynesia (4500 Nm). Departed from Chile in April 2004, on my third circumnavigation in Bebinka a Seawind 30.
WITHIN DAYS THE SAIL TO SLIDE ATTACHMENTS STARTED POPING ONE AFTER THE OTHER. Talk about cheap hardware made out of plastic. Fortunately had stainless steel wire to make temporary repairs at sea. Within a week only a couple of original fittings were still OK. Eventually had new attachments made when in the islands. End of that problem.
The Dacron used for the main was very stiff, heavy on the resin. With time it became softer primarily around the reinforcement patches. Then after only 3 1/2 years tore the sail for the first time when folding it on the boom. Its as if the material had fatigued over time loosing all its strength.
HOW CAN IT BE POSSIBLE THAT THE QUANTUM SAIL DACRON LOST ALL ITS STRENGHT AFTER ONLY 3 1/2 YEARS ???? ON AVERAGE I GET ABOUT AN 11 YEAR LIFE OUT OF A MAIN.
I take good care of my sails covering them up when not in use, so its not a UV problem. My only conclusion is that VERY POOR QUALITY DACRON WAS USED.
I am in the Philippines at present. My Quantum main is 4 years old now. Material strength has gone from paper strength to toilet paper strength. The main is definitely no longer fit for a passage.

Very disappointing to say the least. Getting quotes on a new main sail.

Alan Hoeneisen
Yacht “Bebinka”
May 2008

UPDATE:

Hoist the main when at anchor. Just in case its blowing outside decide to put in a reef. The fold falls to port so I push it over the boom to starboard, only to my great surprise my hand goes right threw the sail. When I look at the sail, with the sun behind it, can see rays of light coming threw all over the place. Each ray is a new failure point. When the sail goes its not a clean tear, the material kind of shreds.

What does Quantum Sails say about this? I have no idea, for up to date they have not bothered to answer any of the numerous e-mails I sent them. They just don't want to know. I may not be an expert on dacron, but do know a lot about 3rd rate material. The material used by Quantun is Junk. They have a major problem.

PS Talk about a small world. In Borneo anchor next to Salland, a Belgium yacht that just happened to also have Quantum sails manufactured in Cape Town, South Africa. His jib had the same problems as my main sail. According to Michel it was 3 years old . Wonder how long till his main falls apart.