Sail Selector
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When choosing a sail, all you need to do is decide on the style
of windsurfing you enjoy, and the conditions in which you'll be
sailing . Most sail companies make a number of different
models: wave,
"bump n'
jump", freeride,
and race
sails. Wave and "bump n' jump" sails are built
tougher using reinforced materials such as
Spectra
X-monofilm to withstand the greater forces which are
inflicted upon them by water, bodies, etc... in more variable
conditions. Because of this beefier construction they tend to be
slightly heavier, but this is not usually a problem due to their
smaller size. Freeride and race sails tend to be built
lighter and with the emphasis being on getting the most power out
of the sail in lighter winds. They may or may not have cambers.
They are usually cut lower in the foot
than wave sails for better power, while wave sails are cut higher
to allow the rider to do tricks or ride waves.
Quality materials, design, and workmanship make a big
difference in overall durability of a sail. A well designed
sail will perform better in a broad range of conditions, a poorly
designed sail will distort in higher winds making it harder to
handle. High quality sails are less likely to fail out on the
water, and are also going to last much longer. Look for
consistent stitching, sticky-backed
dacron tape at the seams where monofilm
is used, extra detail work, and the use of high quality materials.
Some high quality materials to look for are heavy duty grommets,
specifically designed materials like Spectra
X-monofilm or other durable/ light materials. Also ask
your friends about which sail brands have held up well for them.
Frequently asked Questions
What size sail should I get?
Sail sizes are usually measured by area in square meters.
Windsurfing sails range from about 2.5 to over 10 square meters.
Generally the lighter the wind the larger the sail you will need
to get you going. Smaller people will need smaller sails
than a larger person in the same wind conditions. Advanced
sailors will normally want larger sails to get them planing while
beginners prefer a smaller sail that is easier to handle.
5.5m2 is a good "average" sail size that most
people will need. If you live in a high wind area (like the
gorge) this may be your largest sail, but if you live in a low
wind area (Florida) it may be your smallest. In either case
you will eventually want to have a quiver of multiple sail sizes
to use in various wind strengths. In the smaller sizes
(under 4.5) one half square meter spacing is recommended between
sail sizes but in the larger sails it is possible to jump a full
square meter. Jumbo sails (larger than 7.5) are generally
reserved for advanced sailors and racers who need the the power to
go fast in very light winds.
| Wind strength |
Average sail size* |
|
0-5
5-10
10-15
15-20
20-25
25-30
30-35
35+ |
Stick with golf or Mt. biking
9.0-11.0
7.0-9.0
5.5-6.5
5.0
4.5
4.0
3.5 |
According to Windsurfing
Magazine (June 2002), here is an average of sail sizes most
commonly sold in different areas of the country: Gorge: 4.6, San
Fransisco: 5.5, Maui: 5.0, Corpus Christi: 6.7, the Midwest: 7.0,
Florida: 7.5, Hatteras: 5.5, New England: 6.8
What is the difference between a cambered race/slalom sail
and a non-cambered wave sail?
A cambered race/slalom sail will have anywhere from 2 to 4 camber
inducers. Camber inducers are added to the batten where the
batten comes to the mast. they form a rigid supported pocket
in the sail (deepest at the luff sleeve close to the mast).
This rigid draft makes the sail very stable when overpowered and
also gives it great low end power in light winds. However
cambered sails are usually harder to rig and not as easy to handle
as wave sails are. Cambered sails will generally be
made entirely of monofilm
in order to save weight and tend to be
available in larger sizes. Wave sails are generally made of
more durable materials such as vinyl, Dacron (usually colored
fabric) and some plain or reinforced monofilm. they don't
have the rigid draft of a cambered sail but when rigged correctly
are still very stable when overpowered. They usually have
one or no cambers to make them easier to handle in wave/bump and
jump conditions or for doing freestyle maneuvers. Most
beginners find wave sails to be easier to use, rig and more
durable as they develop their skills while cambered race/slalom
sails are better suited to those looking for high performance in
larger sails and lighter winds.
More frequently asked questions:
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