Sport Today

I'm considering the purchase of a 1992 Mistral Energy CHS.  This
board is considered a high speed course/slalom racer (9' 0",
105 liters, 8kg).   There also is a higher priced Energy XR model,
same size, different material.

Has anyone sailed either of these boards that would like to share
his or her impressions?  I'm interested in the speed, maneuverability,
and durability of these boards.

Last week during a sailing session a friend of mine showed up with his
brand new energy. I gotta tell you, its awsome looking! It has a very
flat bottom and very sharp rails. It was also very lightweight. We both
couldn't wait to try it out.

I rigged a 6.0 (1 cam). He rigged a 6.2 (2 cams). We both weigh 165 lbs.
The wind was gusty from 15 knots to about 20 knots.

I was on my '92 presto (BIC). I don't want to sound braggish or anything
but I spanked him with the presto. We are both about the same ability I guess.
However, when the wind picked up he had a slight edge over me. The energy
accelerates very well. In medium to higher winds its fast! In lighter
winds (below 18 knots) it can't keep up with floatier boards like the presto.

The m***is if you want to go fast in high winds get the energy. Otherwise,
get a floatier race board.

BTW, the presto is 9'2 122 liters and 19 lbs.

--

AT&T Bell Labs       {  att!mtgzz!felixc  }       a rad board, rad waves,
Middletown,NJ        {    (908)957-5081   }       and a company sickday!"

I'm ready to get my first shortboard, and I'd appreciate recommendations.

Profile:  I'm about 175 lb.  I mostly sail on San Francisco Bay (primarily
Alameda and Berkeley).  I can waterstart fairly well, but can't jibe yet.
On my current transitional board (a Fanatic Bat) I'm having a very hard
time getting back into the straps.  I want to get better, of course, but
I don't have time to sail nearly as much as I like, what with work and
family, so I'll probably continue to be a sort of "intermediate" sailor
for awhile.  I'll probably keep the Bat, and have just the one short board I
buy now.  (Or, maybe I'll get rid of the Bat and get a course board?  hmmm)

I've looked at a Bic Astro Rock, a Fanatic Ultra Rabbit, and a Mistral
Shredder.  I've only sailed the Shredder.  I liked it, but it's hard to
compare because I've got so much to learn yet in terms of shortboard
technique.

Any advice or experience will be appreciated.  Thanks in advance.
--
Jerry Fiddler
Wind River Systems