Help with understanding new sail purchase

[colosurf]

Hi,

I'm getting back into the sport after a 15 year hiatus. I can comfortably water start and stick most, but not all, jibes, so I supposed I'm in the intermediate/advanced category.

I just picked up a bunch of Gaastra Power Speed and Aerotech Ultimate Slalom sails, with a full size range for each brand. I am clueless as to the difference between these two types of sails and would appreciate a little guidance on which type is better for low to medium wind lake sailing.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Andy

[dllee]

What year are your sails. PowerSpeed might be something as old as 1990.
The size of the sail makes more difference than exactly WHAT the sail is. Most sails work just fine at your level.

[outcast]

I think that the Aerotechs are going to be a better bet.

If the Gaastras are flourescent (80's) you can dumpster them, or keep the smaller ones for higher wind days....they will be heavy and inefficient.

BUT>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
1.) I think the Aerotechs are twin cams, and that could make rigging longer and waterstarting a bit harder (have to pop the cams over)...

Biggest bang for your buck is if you aren't frustrated before you hit the water. Almost assuredly you will need more downhaul than you think!

2.) Make sure the monofilm is not too cracked or cloudy (end-of-life)

3.) Check that your mast(s) are compatible..... if in nothing else at least in size, and preferrably in softness and bend curve

Welcome back....just make it easy...3 or 4 sails max Beach or lawn rig everything you want to keep at least once, ....mark stuff with Sharpies, so you can just go when you wanna go

[colosurf]

Thank you for all of the information and the welcome back. It is all very helpful.

The Power Speeds are indeed 1990, and the most of Aerotechs are around 1995. Most of the sails are in great shape, but two are showing some minor delamination between the layers around the window. Othberwise, no cracks, creases or clouding.

Here is the list:

Aerotech
Ultimate Slalom 3.9 (no camber)
Ultimate Slalom 5.0 (double camber)
Ultimate Slalom 6.2 (double camber)
Universal Slalom 6.5 (single camber)
Ultimate Slalom 6.8 (triple camber)

Gaastra
Power Speed 4.4 (double camber)
Power Speed 5.0 (double camber)
Power Speed 5.7 (double camber)
Power Light 6.4 (no camber)
Camber Light 7.2 (single camber)

I am very familiar with sail size/wind decisions, but just do not know much about the particular shape and styles and what to expect out of them. I recognize that I probably will not even be able to tell a difference, but I am still curious.

I would like to pair these down to around four (like the recommendation above) in the 5.0-7.2 range and then unload the rest. Assuming good condition for each, do any particular models stand out as more user friendly, more fun, etc.?

Thank you again for all of your time and advice!

[outcast]

If it was me....7.2, 6.5 and 5.0 ....

keep it simple

[SeaDawg]

Is it just you, or do you have friends that want to get back into or learn to WS the smaller older sails or good to have around for learning.

I agree with outcast 7.2 6.5 and 5.0 are the core of most sail quivers unless you live in a high wind destination.

Welcome back to the sport.

[isobras]

[spennie]

You guys only specified 3 sails. Keep the 4.4 for the occasional cranker, or for teaching, good for both.