My memory is a little foggy (coffee hasn't kicked in yet) but is not vectran highly UV sensitive? If it is, than the reason for the stripping would be as UV protection..
OK... check first, then write. From the Doyle Sails UK web site:
Vectran
Vectran is a polyester-based high performance LCP (liquid crystal polymer) produced by Hoechst Celanese.It is naturally gold in color and has a modulus similar to Kevlar 29, but suffers negligible strength loss with flex.This is a benefit in endurance applications and for cruising sails where durability is key. Additional advantages of Vectran fiber include zero creep, high chemical and abrasion resistance and high tensile strength.Although it was initially though that Vectran’s UV resistance was lower than those of the Aramids or of Spectra, it has been shown that, over an extended test period, the UV degradation of Vectran levels off after roughly 400 hours of exposure, while the Aramids and Spectra continue to degrade.To learn more about the latest developments in Vectran sailcloth, refer to A Case for Vectran.And, for technical information about the fiber, click here.
From Neil Pryde Sails web site:
VECTRAN: The latest new high modulus yarn on the scene, Vectran is a polyester based liquid crystal fiber manufactured by Hoechst Celanese. Vectran has a modulus comparable to Kevlar but due to its molecular composition has better flex and abrasion resistance, although its UV properties are worse. Vectran also does not creep. These characteristics make Vectran an interesting candidate as a performance fiber, although it is more expensive than either Kevlar or Spectra.
I have no interest in either loft, nor a bias preferring their sails. They just came up quickly in my google search.
Conclusion: Stripping is for UV protection.
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