Unleashing Speed: The New 1D Formula 18 Sails for 2025
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AMSY: The Science Behind the Sails
At 1D Sails, our in-house Advanced Modelling System (AMSY) continues to drive sail development, a process that has proven its effectiveness since the F18 World Championship in 2019. AMSY is a core part of our design loop, ensuring we stay ahead of the competition.
We start by designing the sail in Smar Azure, and after completing the CFD modeling, we place the sail in a virtual race. This allows us to compare different designs in identical wind and sea conditions, testing every possible setting, sheet angle, body position, and movement. Once we’re satisfied with the numbers, the sail is handed over to our testing teams around the world. We then compare the results—speed, angles, and, crucially, handling. A sail may be fast, but if it’s difficult to trim or find the sweet spot, it’s of limited use. Feedback from these tests triggers a new loop of refinement, making this an ongoing process that keeps us ahead of the curve.
Check out the video at the end of this blog to see the full design process in action!
1D F18DS Mainsails 2025
For the 2025 season, we’ve refined every aspect of our Formula 18 sails—adjusting entry and exit angles, vertical camber positions, and twist. We have changed the foot length as well slightly. These seemingly small tweaks make a huge difference in performance. We’ve stuck with pentex for the sail material, despite testing newer options, as it continues to provide the best balance of performance and durability.
The 2025 mainsail is faster, higher, and boasts a larger wind range, making it easier to handle without sacrificing speed. This performance boost is complemented by a new glueing technology and improved corner construction, which ensures seamless force transitions for a smoother sailing experience.
1D F18 Jibs 2025
Our jib has undergone significant changes in line with the latest class rules. We’re sticking to the smaller head sails with positive leech even on the short luff versions, but we’ve introduced a new jib perimeter for 2025 with improved leech roach and shape. The construction has been upgraded to ensure maximum durability without compromising performance.
We’ve also kept the Pro version jibs, which don’t touch the pole but deliver incredible overall performance—our personal favorite for top-tier racing.
The Fastest 1D Gennaker
We’re excited to unveil our brand-new gennaker for 2025. With a modified shape and refined exit part, the improved leech and twist combine with a more forward pull to create a true downwind weapon. This gennaker works flawlessly on older boats too.
While polyester remains the top-performing material for our gennakers, we’ve developed a nylon version, available in a wide range of colors, to offer even more flexibility.
How to Choose Your Sail Line
We offer multiple sail lines to fit every sailor’s needs, from casual weekend sailors to competitive racers:
• Essential Line: Perfect for weekend sailors who love their F18 and enjoy casual racing.
• Premium Line: Comparable to other high-end brands, ideal for sailors looking for excellent performance at a great value.
• Pro Line: Our top-of-the-line option together with the Alien Line, which includes the 2023 World Champion Pro set and the new 2025 Pro set.
2023 vs. 2025 Pro Sets
If you’re happy with your 2023 Pro set, there’s no need to upgrade—it’s still a fantastic choice. But if you’re looking for even better performance and handling, the 2025 Pro set offers improvements across all wind ranges, with a particularly notable upgrade in the kite’s performance.
Pro or Alien?
This is a question we get asked frequently. As a general rule, if you’re focused on performance in lower to mid wind ranges (or if you’re a heavier sailor), the Alien set is the way to go. If you want a balanced performance across all wind conditions, stick with the Pro set.
Summary
Our 2025 sails have smoother surfaces, better handling, and are faster and higher-performing than ever before. If you’re unsure which set is right for you, don’t hesitate to reach out. Drop us an email or send a chat message, and we’ll be happy to help you make the best choice for your sailing needs.
!! Take advantage of our “Autumn15” promo code for a 15% discount on your new 1D Formula 18 sails. This limited-time offer won’t last, so get your sails today and experience the 2025 performance upgrade!!