7.5 NO-CAM FREERACE 2022 SAIL TEST
LIFE IN THE FAST LANE
Light summer breezes and a test schedule focussed around foiling disciplines has meant that much of our time of late has been spent airborne on a foil one way or another, be it wing foiling or wind foiling. So getting back onto a conventional board with a fin, and locking down into a committed stance for a fully charged blast, has allowed us to get reacquainted, and fall in love with the carnal sensations of windsurfing all over again!
(Please note the Point 7, North and Neil Pryde were tested slightly later as catch-up tests, due to delivery issues so they not included in the original overview summary)
EDITOR: TRIS BEST // SECOND TESTERS: ROB YORK AND SCOTT STALLMAN PHOTOS: OLLIE ROGERS LOCATION: PORTLAND HARBOUR
Skimming over the surface of the water, the board clattering and chattering underneath as you walk the tight rope between heroic speed … and spectacularly losing control! The addictive breath-taking sense of acceleration as a gust hits and you turn the board off the wind; or the eye-ball sucking gravitational pull as you fully commit to an aggressive carving gybe, before being projected out the other side, like a cannonball from a gun. There is nothing that beats the exhilaration and experiences our wonderful sport provides. And these no-cam sails are the ‘easy street’ to experiencing all this. They’re quick to rig, user-friendly and adaptable to different riding styles or conditions, and in some cases provide the top-end stability and performance more akin to a full-on race sail. We look at seven of the latest designs currently available … with more to come in catch-up tests, so keep your eyes peeled in future issues and online at windsurf.co.uk.
FINDINGS
Over the years there has been a great deal of experimentation regarding luff curves. A pronounced luff curve was once the given method for ensuring structural stability, but as mast and material technology improved, it forged the opportunity to reduce a sail’s luff curve and use alternative methods to lock in stability instead. Today, most brands seem to be adopting a moderate luff curve – a sort of halfway house, used in collaboration with other concepts, such as pre-shaped panels, one-piece full-length luff panels, or highly stretch resistant materials in the sail’s chord. Regardless of the scheme employed, all brands without exception are trying to broaden their sail’s wind range. This, however, has led to more divergences in the market, when brands choose to focus around natural range (i.e. a wind range on one setting), or tuneable wind ranges. Ultimately there is a strong argument for both … and it can only be a good thing to have variety, for consumers like you and I to choose from. And herein lies the key – you. Before deciding which sail sounds exciting and ‘right up your street’, it’s worth briefly analysing the style of rider you are. Do you have the time to experiment with the sail’s set? Do you enjoy tinkering and playing with the sail’s settings according to the conditions, and the board it’s used with? Or are you time poor and looking for plug and play success. Rig and go? If this sounds familiar, it may be that a sail with natural range is more suited for you.
SUMMARY
Starting with the Duotone E_Pace, and this sail is unique amongst the group, professing a 3-in-1 concept where it’s tuneable range also accounts for use with a foil. Soft in power delivery and with genuine versatility in its application, it demands some time spent playing with its tuning to understand its undeniable potential. At the other end of the scale is the Goya Mark B – an engine boasting plug and play simplicity. Downhaul it so that the leech’s looseness reaches the dot; fix the outhaul on the single clew eyelet and get out on the water! Crisp and lively in the hands, it’s a great freeride champion, embodying the fun and freedom the discipline stands for. The Fire from RRD is another sail with good natural range … but when the wind turns on, so does the Fire! Fast, efficient and electric off the wind, it’s a real weapon for those that love to drag race with their peers. The Loftsails Oxygen is another freerace contender that thrives on being properly lit, its size and rider-focused power finding most favour with those that like to be involved throughout and tend to sail overpowered. That leaves two all-rounders – the much-improved Matrix from GA Sails, and the Rapid from GunSails. The GA retains much of the bottom-end prowess of its predecessor, yet has more balance and stability as the pressure builds, capable of keeping up with most here if asked. The Rapid is more compact and subtle in its power delivery, gathering pace, life and performance as the wind increases. And at its knocked-down retail price, it represents value that is hard to argue against. Finally, there’s the NCX from Severne – a real slalom thoroughbred … but without the cams. Much more high aspect than any other sail on review, its light handling, instant acceleration and straight-line speed make it feel quite special when in use. There are some fantastic sails here in this group – power sources that can’t help but reaffirm why we love this sport so much. Enjoy!
THE LINE UP