Sails 101

[DanWeiss]

[pueno]

[Flyer01]

Very helpful comments. As I originally mentioned, I've got Severne Focus 8.5 and 6.7 sails now. I'm looking for something in the 5.5-6.0 size range quite possibly used for flat water and maybe some bump and jump in the future, but no wave sailing. Here are some specific makes and models I would consider:

-Severne Focus
-Neil Pryde Hellcat
-Sailworks Retro

Obviously, these sails are at a broad range of prices. How would you compare them?

[swchandler]

Have you thought about the mast you would use for the new sail?

If matched with an existing mast that you now use with your Severne sails, I would think that you would be well placed to go with the Severne Focus. However, you didn't mention whether you're really satisfied with your existing sails.

Overall, on the bigger picture, you need to consider whether the existing mast(s) you have now will ultimately work satisfactorily on a Neil Pryde or Sailworks sail. Needless to say, if a new mast is part of the deal, price accordingly.

[isobars]

Don't overlook Loft and Northwave. Both are great sails, and the latter is Made in the USA (Hood River).

Mike \m/

[Flyer01]

To answer those questions:

I'm reasonably pleased with the Severne Focus sails, but I can see they aren't going to be the most durable sail out there. In terms of performance, I'm content with them, but I haven't tried any other modern sails, so I'd like to pickup something, possibly a couple years old, that would demonstrate what a more sophisticated sail would do for me.

Masts: Currently, I've got a 460 mast for the 6.7 and the 8.5, so I'll need to get a 400 or 430 mast to suit anything in the 5.5-5.9 range. Probably looking to pick that up used, too.

[NickB]

I've got a 2009 Hellcat and like it OK, but I don't think I'm able to tune it to its full potential on my 460 Fiberspars nor on my 490 NoLimitz, and would probably like it better on the recommended NP mast (X6 I think, pricey). It creases very easily though, and the upper mast sleeve is a real bitch to get your SDM mast through.

A few weeks ago I got a used 2008 KA Koyote, and I love it so far. It's very light (1+lb lighter than some competition, compare on the mfr sites), rigs easily and withstands abuse. Great range through simple outhaul tuning and great in gusts. You might want to check out their 5.9, seems like it'd suit your needs. Watch out if you buy used, 2008 or above has all x-ply, 2007 did not. 2008 and 2009 models are exactly similar except for aesthetics, so you can't go wrong with those years.

Nicolas

[rsanrafael]

[ittiandro]

I am considering a deal on a HSM Superfreak 8.0 of an older generation.
On the bag, it bears the description " Soft crossover". What does SOFT mean?
From what I can see, the battens are not full length, about 3/4 and some, at the leech end, are very short.

Also, the Dacron lower panel(s) seem to have a considerable shape built into them.
If this is what SOFT means, what are the advantages ( or disadvantages?).
I would be using it as a free ride sail in light winds.

For one thing, it might be heavier to uphaul because its shape may collect more water than other sails.

Any comments?

Thanks

Ittiandro

[LeeD]

SuperFreak 4.5 is my choice of sail in that size. I have Voodoo's, Zetas, Reefs, Bash's, and Interface Waves in 4.5 also, but the Freak is in the van.
Weighs more than all the other 4.5's on land. Feels lighter than them all in the water. Never notice it getting any extra water after landing jumps, so the water gain thing is a myth. I sailed in the days of Dacron sails, and water retention was never a problem, you just shook the sail by pumping to get planning, the excess water just flies off it immediately.
Yes, short battens in center, long at the two tops, for a nice soft feel, great low end, and controllable but not too fast top end.