Windsurf MagazineGOYA MARK 7.2 2023 TEST REVIEW

GOYA MARK 7.2 2023 TEST REVIEW

Verdict

The Goya Mark is a quality freeride sail that delivers impeccable manners across an impressively natural tuning range. Its stunning performance is focused squarely at the heart of freeride windsurfing, making it a great option for both intermediate and advanced windsurfers. With its bold and positive feel in the hands, the Goya Mark is a dependable and versatile sail that can handle a range of conditions and boards.

Lowdown

The Goya Mark is a six-batten freerace sail available in a range of sizes from 5.4m to 8.5m. It is designed with a moderate to high amount of luff curve and lots of skin tension. The sail sets on a 460 mast and has a single x-ply luff panel. The set is very clean, with no blemishes in the panels, and has a quality appearance. Carbon tendons radiate from the clew, and the sail is set according to the rigging dot in the top panel, although the tension can be varied with more tension to make the leech fall away progressively right down to the single inset clew eyelet where the sail then cuts in to allow for a shorter boom, improving the sails swing weight. Available in a Red and Fluo Yellow colourway, the Mark is produced with a monofilm window and monofilm and scrim upper panels, which have been utilised to bring down the material cost whilst maintaining the sails lightweight. Overall this is a sail that screams Goya with its design and is sure to pair well with Goya’s freeride and freerace board lineup.

Brand Claim

“The Mark is the most economical build within the Mark line of sails. Utilizing Monofilm for its main window and panels brings down the material cost, yet makes for a superbly light sail build.”

Performance

Despite its relatively short boom, the Goya Mark feels bold and positive in the hands, generating plenty of bottom-end pressure and torque. It is a full-bodied sail, yet supremely well mannered and positive in the hands, making it a great ally in marginal winds. It is perfect for use with slower planing boards or for passive pilots who prefer not to pump. Once going, the Mark settles into a comfortable stance and feels solid yet dependable, with the centre of effort locked low and forwards.

Despite having relatively little sail area under the boom and a boom rake, the Mark feels compact and user-friendly, making it great for use in all environments, from flat water to blasting in a coastal rolling swell. As the wind increases, the Mark has a good natural range, yet reacts positively to extra downhaul if desired without pulling all the guts out of the sail. This increase in downhaul tension also increases the twist through the trailing edge, letting it retain its manners through an impressive wind range and making it a great option for those who value control and stability over pure speed.