elips4sun shade sail

The elips4sun is a motor-operated retractable sail awning with an ellipsoidal cut. Its lateral tapering and convex outer edges give it a silhouette that cannot be mistaken for a triangular or rectangular sail, while also providing additional fabric width. The canopy is supported by a single mast from which four tension cables extend. This leaves only one stand pipe on the terrace, keeping the space underneath clear. This product line is intended for terraces, hotel and restaurant areas where shading is also meant to contribute to the overall design; it was awarded the Red Dot Award: Best of the Best in 2014 and the R+T Innovation Prize in 2015.

The sail is moved by a Somfy tubular motor located inside the shaft. During extension, special aluminum profiles developed by Bahama arch the fabric three-dimensionally; when retracted, they lay flat against the shaft again, ensuring the retracted system requires little space. The radio-controlled Sunea 60 io with a handheld transmitter is standard; alternatively, Bahama supplies the hard-wired LT 60 Taurus, which can be integrated into an on-site KNX control system. Wind sensors, sun sensors, and rain sensors are available as accessories. We consider the wind sensor to be the most sensible addition because it retracts the sail even when no one is at home.

The fabric used is WeatherMAX 80, a yarn-dyed and impregnated polyester fabric weighing approximately 270 g per square meter; it is breathable, highly water-repellent, and rated UPF 50+. The panels are adhesive-fixed before sewing and stitched with TENARA thread. The tension cables are 4 mm thick. For the elips4sun, only the oval ID 175 mast is suitable, featuring a profile of 75 to 105 by 175 mm, available in heights of 3,000, 3,500, 4,000, and 4,500 mm with an installation angle of 0 to 90 degrees; the slim, round ID 110 is not approved for this sail. The mast is made of powder-coated aluminum in White Aluminum similar to RAL 9006 or Anthracite similar to RAL 7016, with a matte fine-structure finish.

There are 19 dimensional combinations available, ranging from an extension of 4.5 m by a width of 4.0 m to an extension of 6.8 m by a width of 6.0 m. Due to the design, the extension of the elips4sun is always equal to or greater than the width. The largest standard size covers approximately 41 square meters. Custom dimensions are possible and calculated upon request, as are double-sail systems on a common shaft. The clew width—the width of the sail tip at the mast—can be chosen as 1.8 m or 2.7 m; this also determines how far the mast must be positioned from the sail. If space is limited, a clew shortening option is available as an accessory.

Every sail is covered with WeatherMAX 80. Four colors are standard and available at no extra charge: Silver 95, Oyster 11, Taupe 92, and Graphite 94. In addition, Bahama offers thirteen special colors: Beige 16, Sand 14, Toast 13, Chocolate 80, Pacific Blue 22, Royal 24, Captain Navy 25, Black 90, Moss 36, Forest Green 30, Yellow 40, White 10, and Light Charcoal 91; the 2026 price list charges a surcharge of 16 euros per square meter for these, with the area calculated as extension times width. Color representations on screens are not binding. If you are undecided, we will send you material samples before you make a final decision.

Wind stability at C4sun includes a load-relief mechanism in the mast: internal dampers absorb wind pressure, while sliding deflection pulleys guide the tension cables quietly. Because the elips4sun hangs from only one mast, the entire tension is concentrated at this single point; therefore, the foundation is particularly important here. To be honest: unlike for its large umbrellas, Bahama does not specify a wind speed in kilometers per hour for the C4sun sails and does not grant a separate wind warranty. The sail must be retracted during storms, heavy rain, and snowfall. For large areas and windy locations, Bahama recommends the Power Package with two synchronized motors; it is already included for some of the largest dimensions.

Statutory warranty and Bahama's terms and conditions apply; there is no specific wind warranty for the sails as there is for the large umbrellas. Wearing parts such as tension cables, deflection pulleys, and motors can be reordered through Bahama, and a replacement fabric is produced as a new custom order to your dimensions. Bahama offers cleaning, impregnation, and maintenance as a service; according to the 2026 price list, this costs 260 euros net plus 34 euros per square meter, excluding disassembly and installation, and requires the customer to ship the sail (without profiles) to Bahama. For the winter break, a protective cover for the shaft and sail is available in Graphite-colored WeatherMAX 80 with a Velcro fastener for 320 euros net.

Bahama has been manufacturing in Reichshof in the Oberbergisches Land region since 1950; the C4sun sail line, launched in 2011, has been part of the company since 2018. The fabrics are produced in collaboration with one of the leading German sail manufacturers: the panels are cut using CNC laser cutting, precisely adhesive-fixed before sewing, and stitched with TENARA thread. Bahama handles the insertion of the profiles and final assembly by hand in-house. Every system is manufactured only after your order is placed and to your specific dimensions.

If you are interested in the elips4sun, please write to us via the contact form. It is helpful to include a photo of the area, the dimensions, information about the wall structure, the planned mast position, and a note regarding where the power supply is located. We will then calculate the complete system for you, including mast, mounting, shipping, and installation. And if a rectangular square4sun utilizes your space better or a smaller dimension is sufficient, we will let you know.

With the elips4sun, I first wondered if the curved shape was just for effect. It isn't: The lateral tapering keeps the fabric taut, and because only one mast is required, the area underneath remains truly unobstructed.

Something that is easy to overlook during the planning phase: for this model, the extension must be at least as large as the width. If you want to shade a wide but shallow terrace, you are better off with one of the square sails – I prefer to say that now rather than later. And the clew width of 1.8 or 2.7 m is a factor in how far the mast must be positioned from the wall. It is best if we clarify such dimensions over the phone.

The elips4sun sail fabric is WeatherMAX 80, a solution-dyed and impregnated polyester fabric, not acrylic. In most cases, it is sufficient to brush off the extended sail while dry and remove leaves or pollen before retracting it. For more stubborn dirt, clean by hand with lukewarm water, mild soap, and a soft brush, rinse thoroughly, and let the sail dry completely while extended. Never retract it while damp, otherwise mold stains will form.

Do not use high-pressure cleaners, abrasive agents, solvents, or chlorine on the fabric. The high-pressure jet destroys the HydroMax finish and damages the seams, and it is precisely this impregnation that ensures water beads off instead of soaking in. After a few years, the impregnation wears off; this is normal. Bahama will then accept the sail for cleaning, impregnation, and maintenance, according to the 2026 price list for 260 euros net plus 34 euros per square meter, excluding disassembly and assembly. The sail should be sent in without profiles for this purpose.

The mast, shaft, and brackets are made of powder-coated aluminum and stainless steel. A damp cloth with clear water is sufficient; polish or abrasive cleaners are not needed. Once a year, check the 4 mm thick pull ropes, the pulleys, and the tightness of the fasteners. Please do not grease or oil the pulleys on your own; instead, contact us. Near the coast and in salty locations, Bahama offers the V4A extra protection with more corrosion-resistant components.

Over the winter, the sail should be rolled up clean and completely dry and remain retracted; the WeatherMAX 80 winter protective cover wraps around the shaft and sail with a Velcro fastener. Do not leave the sail extended when snow or ice is expected. Creases and fold lines in the fabric occur during rolling, are unavoidable with any retractable sail, and do not constitute a defect; they generally disappear once the fabric has been under tension for an extended period.

The elips4sun is a custom-made product. It is manufactured only after you place your order, to your exact specifications, at the Bahama factory in Reichshof. You should allow several weeks for this; we will provide a binding date in the order confirmation. Experience shows that it takes longer during the peak season between April and July, so if you would like to sit in the shade in the spring, it is best to order in the winter.

A C4sun is not installed by the customer: assembly is carried out by Bahama technicians or trained specialist partners, and we will coordinate the date with you and the installer. Shipping and installation costs are added to the price shown above. For sun sails, freight costs depend on the sail width and your zip code area, ranging between 379 and 740 euros net in 2026, and we calculate installation based on time and materials. We will inform you of both before you place your order so that you know the total amount.

The price does not include the mast or the ground mounting. Depending on the surface, the mast is placed on a concrete foundation, a Krinner screw foundation, in a ground sleeve, or attached to the building via wall clamps and a mast bracket. The foundation itself and the 230-volt power connection must be provided by the customer, as must a suitable load-bearing surface. We will specify exactly what is required in your case in the quote, so that there are no additional costs later.

Delivery is made by freight forwarder to the curbside. The shaft and sail are long and bulky, so the access route and a storage area should be cleared, and someone should be available to assist with unloading. The easiest option is to link the delivery directly to the installation date, as the material will be in good hands on that day anyway.

Because every sail is custom-made, there is no right of withdrawal. That is precisely why we take our time beforehand: we will go through the dimensions, mast position, color, drive, and mounting with you before the order goes into production. If you are unsure, it is better to reach out one time too many than one time too little.

• Bahama – 2026 Catalog