Short Post

Hi

Here is a very short post regarding the Luderitz Speed challenge.  Their site is really interesting for all speed junkies.  If you have not done so, please have a look at it.  The winds so far have not been as strong as in previous years but a few national records have been broken.

A while ago I mentioned Sailloft Hamburg sails in a piece about Patrik boards.  Karen Jaggi was riding the Ultimate model from this maker.

Looking at the speed event pictures, I notice that Patrik is riding speed sizes of the Ultimate.

 

Does this mean that his involvement with Loft Sails is coming to an end?  He is still listed as an international team member on the Loft site but with Karin now part of Sailloft Hamburg, maybe Patrik will join up as well.  Watch this space!


good winds

Severne and Avanti

Hi

Some comments about new equipment.  Firstly I note that Severne is trailing everyone at publishing their 2016 sail line.  Not sure why but there is probably a good marketing reason.  I suppose that once you have your new line published, you battle to sell any current year sails still on dealer floors.

Speaking of new sails here are two 2016 versions of the Avanti models I always covet.  This year they are even better due to the fact that the overhanging batten above the boom on the Poweride has been dropped.  Yay!

The 3 Cam Condor

No Cam Poweride

What I especially like about Avanti’s sails is the use of really high tech scrims.  They are extremely fast and easy to sail (according to every review I can find) and of course, light and strong.  Nice work guys!

Both sails come in sizes 5.8/ 6.6/ 7.4/ 8.2/ 9.0 with the Poweride having an additional 5.2 size at the bottom end.  Batten numbers in the Poweride vary according to size.  Nice!  

Talk to you soon  

GA Phantom 7.8 - 2015 Review and new Fanatic Formula board

Hi

GA Phantom

Gareth forwarded me the link to this review.

http://www.windsurf.co.uk/test/ga-sails-phantom-7-8m-2015-test-review/

Their findings with the Phantom 7.8 are exactly as I would suspect - fast and easy.  As I've said before, Peter's designs have become so good at providing a linear power delivery which gives one huge confidence as you spool up.

Gareth and I were discussing this via e-mail (he is still in the UK but due back here within the next three weeks) and I was saying how suitable these sails are for the non-racing blaster.  The ease makes high speeds such a breeze and if you compare this sail with the Severne Overdrive you will feel the difference. 

The Severne is so fast and performance orientated but with this potential comes a concomitant price - no forgiveness  for fuzzy technique!  You will find that in the gusts, if your technique is not spot-on, (if you sheet out for instance) you will be continually fighting for control in strong conditions. Exhausting and intimidating!

Of some small concern is the tester's finding that the cams on the Phantom are difficult to rotate. I'm sorry to hear this but I am fairly sure that when Gareth's arrives, we will sort any rotation problem out - no problem.

Fanatic have introduced their new Formula Board  

Dan says that he will do with the formula model what he has done with their slalom boards - create a shape as good as the best out there and I believe him.  

Up until last season, if I were in the market for a formula board my choices would have been Mike's Lab, Starboard and Gaastra (in that order).  The big Fanatic didn't appeal some how.  This one however, I have a good feeling about.  Watch this space!

I note that most of the designers test their shapes using Z Fins or Kashy.  I hope that we can test a Zulu fin in one of these machines this season.  Robbie??

Good winds