Sailboat Running Rigging: Line Core Materials Compared

What’s the “core” of a sailboat line—and why does it matter? In this video we break down core vs cover, how modern double-braid sailboat ropes are built, and how different core materials change stretch, strength, handling, and price. You’ll learn: - Why older 3-strand rope didn’t need a core (and why modern lines do) - What the core does vs what the cover does on sheets/halyards - The differences between Dyneema core, Vectran core, blended cores, and all-polyester double braid - A common racing upgrade: stripping the cover on sheets (and sometimes halyards) to reduce weight and improve light-air performance - Examples discussed include: high-tech race lines, mid-budget club racing lines, and everyday cruising double braid. Advanced Sail Trim: https://www.nauticed.org/sailing-courses/view/sail-trim?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=91NvCYpR0yg Free Sail Trim Course: https://www.nauticed.org/sailing-courses/view/basic-sail-trim?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=91NvCYpR0yg R&W Rope: https://www.rwrope.com 00:00 - What a rope “core” is (and why it exists) 00:41 - Modern rope design: matching line to boat + performance needs 01:03 - High-tech example: Dyneema core (Endura Braid) + why the cover matters 01:40 - Another upgrade: Vectran core (New England Ropes VPC) 01:52 - Mid-tier performance: mixed-fiber cores (Marlo D2 Club) 02:23 - Everyday cruising choice: polyester double braid (Sta-Set / XLE) + cost vs performance 02:52 - Racing trick: strip the cover to reduce weight (how it’s done) 04:22 - Free Basic Sail Trim Course (CTA) #sailing #sailinggear #boating