IFS™ Integrated Furling Structure

OneSails IFS™ Integrated Furling Structure
The next generation of furling sails.

OneSails presents the IFS™ (Integrated Furling Structure), a new style of headsail and downwind sail construction which uses continuous fibre technology to create sails which can be furled without the use of a heavy and expensive anti-torsion cable.

IFS™ sails are designed to incorporate a net of continuous structural fibres, laid directly on to the sail’s luff, effectively replacing the cable. The advantages of this technology are considerable. A wider range of sail shapes can be set and furled with sail handling eased by the reduction in weight.

Thanks to the lower halyard tensions needed, 30% - 35% less than used with anti-torsion cable, it’s possible to avoid the need for a 2:1 halyard, reducing the sprit load and improving safety.

The IFS™ is a new sail concept with important advantages noticeable both when racing and cruising.

  1. Improved aerodynamic performance.
  2. Structure integrated within the sail which allows furling without an anti-torsion cable.
  3. Lower halyard tension by 35% when compared to a traditional sail with cable.
  4. Without a cable the sail’s luff can be designed to project forward and to windward, improving performance at wider angles.
  5. Easy to handle because the furled sail is light and can easily be folded to fit in its bag.
  6. Stable leech profile even if measured as a gennaker according to ORC and IRC rules.
  7. Lighter sail (without anti-torsion cable).
  8. Bespoke finishing and accessories.
Definitions Code TWS (Knots) TWA (Degrees) Material
from to from to
C0 IFS 2 18 55 120 Membrane or Laminate
Code 0 Upwind C0 IFS Upwind 2 15 50 110 Membrane or Laminate
Code 0 ORC/IRC C0 IFS IRC 2 20 60 125 Membrane or Laminate
Definitions Code TWS (Knots) TWA (Degrees) Material
from to from to
AF0 3 18 65 130 Laminate or Nylon
AF1 0 10 75 135 Nylon
AF3 10 25 95 140 Nylon
AF5 14 28 100 145 Nylon
Cruising asy IFS Cruising Asy 5 25 95 155 Nylon

ORC WORLDS 2019: the One Sails’ "secret weapon”.

The convincing win of Italia Yachts' 11.98 at the recent ORC World Championship conceals a little secret called “flying jib”, unveiled today in the words of Sandro Montefusco, helmsman, sail designer, and winner of the World title on board “Sugar 3”.

“The idea we shared with Matteo Polli, designer of the Italia 11.98 - explains Sandro - was that of adding a multi-purpose headsail to the inventory, which could be used in the offshore races, since there were two such courses scheduled in the race program. We have therefore decided to sacrifice one of the five headsails allowed on board to build this flying jib: furling, with self-sustaining luff (cableless) thanks to OneSails’ IFS exclusive technology, attached to the bowsprit and hoisted with the masthead spinnaker halyard. We have increased the headsail area by 20m2 compared to the biggest jib, and thanks to the midgirth above 61% the rating penalty was quite moderate. The flying jib proved very efficient in light air and tight sailing angles, to the point where up to 5kts TWS our VMG was better with this sail than with the J1!. This was the sail which won us the offshore race. Built with OneSails’ proprietary Vektor2™ Carbon technology, the flying jib is a sail which gives medium to heavy displacement boats a definite performance advantage in light air, and can also be effectively used for reaching with more wind.”

“Our self-sustaining IFS headsails - adds Dede de Luca, OneSails’ CEO - are proving to be winning sails in many aspects, and are becoming more and more popular thanks to the combined performance and rating advantages they provide, plus the reduction of loads and simplicity of use when compared with more traditional furling headsails. OneSails has proven once more to be at the forefront of R&D, not only when it comes to new technologies, but also when innovation, design and teamwork are what matters.”

IFS™ Tips & Tricks

  1. The sail doesn’t need too much luff tension for proper effective furling, just tight enough to make it straight.
  2. The best furling is achieved when sailing dead downwind, reducing the apparent wind to a minimum.
  3. When furling, the sheet should not be completely eased, it is better to keep a slight tension on it, accompanying the furl.
  4. It is advisable to always furl the sail in the same direction, as the top will furl more smoothly and tightly.
  5. Before hoisting again, make sure the top hasn’t unfurled, which can happen during the dropping and stowage.
  6. Once the sail is unfurled, halyard tension can be adjusted according to the sailing angle (tighter for reaching, looser for wider angles).
  7. Although the sail doesn’t require a lot of halyard tension, the integrated IFS™ structure can withstand heavy loads so care should be taken not to over tighten the halyard in order to prevent damage to the furler and other fittings.
  8. The sail should not be left hoisted when furled with the apparent wind exceeding around 12 knots.

Why choose OneSails

1. Exclusive technology.
For over 10 years the OneSails design team have developed exclusive technologies to make one-piece continuous thread sails a reality for cruising and racing boats.
2. Performance.
Features like weight, shape control and deformation resistance means better performance compared to traditional panelled sails.
3. Quality.
Sails are designed and manufactured to the very highest standards from carefully selected components to ensure the very highest quality and durability. 4T FORTE™ membranes are exclusively made in Italy. All the assembly process is completely made in a unique factory ensuring the meeting of all the required standards.
4. Design.
The best sail shapes are the result of continuous analysis and experience. OneSails is at the forefront of the sailmaking industry, continually investing in research and development to ensure that the very best sail shapes are available. The success of this approach is confirmed by the vast array of racing trophies OneSails clients have won, competing at National, International and World Championship level.
5. Service.
A core activity for every OneSails Loft is providing first class service, support and assistance. As part of our service commitment, each OneSails Loft has a team of experts on hand to ensure that we can deliver on our service pledge. In addition to a growing number of principle lofts, the OneSails Group has an extensive network of service centres strategically placed worldwide's coast line.
