Quote:
>>try to get a good brand such as Neill Pryde, North, or Gastra.
>Don't ignore the sails built by smaller lofts. Both Windwing and Waddell
>sails are designed and tested locally here on the Bay and are considered
>to be every bit as good, or better than sails built by the "Big three".
>Windwing sails are made here, if you want something built in the USA.
>I recommend camber induced race sails, like Neil Pryde World Cup Racing,
>North Prisma, Gaastra Racefoil II, etc. These are the most common sails
>used around here because they offer the best combination of speed and
>acceleration, and handling is not a problem in the types of conditions
>usually encountered on thh Bay. When you're learning to waterstart and carve
>jibes on your transition board you want to be powered up, so make sure you're
>carrying enough sail to be powered up.
Yes, there are lots of good sailmakers around. What I meant to say
was simply avoid 'budget' sails or anything other than fully-battened.
Personally though, although I have had a Windwing 68 CLE for a few years
and mostly liked it, I have switched to Neill Pryde and much prefer
them because thay have more refinement. I like the built-in downhaul
and in-haul pulleys, I like the way the batten adjustment straps
can be velcroed down with the loose end pushed behind a piece
of elasticated webbing, etc, etc...
Again, for someone just learning waterstarts, I would recommend against
cambered sails for two reasons:
1. They are an absolute *** when the luff is full of water i.e
HEAVY.
2. Although cambered sails have more power, they are difficult to
depower.
Cambered sails are virtually unsellable over here in Santa Cruz. Ocean
sailors seem to have decided that they are just not worth the trouble
when you have to cope with beach breaks, waves, etc...
Jim Munro
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