SEVERNE NCX 7.5M 2013 TEST REVIEW
SEVERNE NCX 7.5M 2013 TEST REVIEW
BEST FOR
Aspiring racers of any size or shape looking for a durable sail that’s capable of taking some knocks and challenging those hungry for speed on their path towards the next level of performance. Suitable for any board, especially wider shapes requiring drive.
RECOMMENDATION
When planning where to fit into a quiver, choose your sizes wisely as there’s plenty of wind range in this powerful beast. Although always growling in the background, on test we had it purring from 12 to nearly 30 knots
BRAND POSITIONING
Severne say the NCX is “Built on the Severne race sail platform, the NCX delivers accessible race sail performance without cams”. Either side of the NCX in the extensive Severne range are the 2-cam Turbo and the crossover Gator.
OVERVIEW
Outline: Compact, lower aspect plan shape. Dropped clew and moderate cut foot.
Build Quality: : It’s clear to see the love and commitment Severne put into their products and the NCX is no exception. Details such as alternating batten pocket placement from side-to-side, seamless panels, impressive abrasion protection and stretch control all underline the value for money.
Rigging and Tuning: Setting with a very full shape, we got the best performance by setting with lots of downhaul (loose to around batten 4) and only minimal (1-2 cm) outhaul. Even at the higher end of the range, just a couple more cm of outhaul would suffice.
PERFORMANCE
Low End & Acceleration: Instantly powerful and with a sensation of being bigger than it actually is the NCX smoothly pulls into action.
Top End: To be frank there’s so much speed you have to ask yourself why you want cambers at all? In top gear there’s always more to come – if you dare.
Gybing & Manoeuvres: The light weight is most noticeable initiating and exiting turns. Not the most forgiving to novice gybers but with a little commitment it’s not overly technical to master. No cams to pop or kick either!
Handling: Extremely balanced with a pretty high and middle pull and excellent behaviour in rougher water. The leech can be rather loud and lively. One of the shortest boom lengths on test but if anything it felt longer due to the radical clew cut-out.
THE VERDICT
Fast, light, powerful, stable and solidly built- it’s hard to believe this is how far cam-less sails have come. With none of the stress of wide-sleeved rigging and a fair bit of throw-about-ability to boot, the NCX always seems to have revs to spare.
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