Windsurf MagazineNORTH FREE RACE 8.6 2023 TEST REVIEW

The Verdict

The Free Race sail sets new standards in the windsurfing world with its unique blend of rapid acceleration, impeccable stability, and easy handling. This lightweight sail offers exceptional performance, seamlessly adapting to changes in wind and water conditions while providing a thrilling yet manageable ride for the speed enthusiast.

The Lowdown

The North Free Race exudes a profile with a strong nod to its racing sail counterpart, with an added emphasis on user-friendly traits and manoeuvrability, both in terms of board handling and trim. The moderate profile and twist harmoniously merge to generate a package with exemplary performance yet ease of use.

The Free Race leverages a simplified construction with one less batten compared to the North race sail, employing 6 battens across all sizes. This ensures the sail is readily accessible, hastens the power up, and lightens the in-hand feel, facilitating swift and effortless attainment of top speed.

North’s innovative 3Di Molded Technology is central to the design of the Free Race. This 3D moulding process shapes the sail, allowing unlimited shaping or twist irrespective of batten placement.

The 3Di Race sails are a blend of Carbon Dyneema Aramid, a highly engineered combination promising high performance. Dyneema, renowned for its resistance and energy absorption capabilities, is bound together by Aramid.

In a significant breakthrough, North introduces the Air Cam, which utilises inflatable chamber technology to match the intended sail wing profile. This innovation boosts airflow, profile, and stability while reducing weight and enhancing rotation.

The final key feature is the Integrated Batten Pockets with Splitting Battens. The pockets, made from a special machine-laid material, are fully integrated into the sail with a seamless and continuous fibre layout. The pockets then transition smoothly from one piece in the body to two pieces on either side of the air cam, maximising efficiency and flow.

Brand Claim

“A sail that benefits from all the same development as the Slalom Race sail, but that is more suited to your local race.”

Performance

In the world of windsurfing, the Free Race stands as a beacon of unrivalled engineering that exceeds expectations. Akin to the North X-Over we tested previously, it offers a unique experience where every individual fibre of the sail contributes to achieving its utmost potential.

The Free Race does diverge from the familiar springy responsiveness of conventional sails. However, with minor tweaks to one’s pumping style, this sail, by virtue of its lightweight construction, catapults into rapid acceleration without ever feeling overbearing.

Once in motion, the Free Race seems to defy the laws of physics, feeling incredibly light and unperturbed by any gusts or lulls that typically hinder performance. Its ability to maintain this momentum, particularly through lulls, is nothing short of impressive. It exploits the apparent breeze effectively to maintain speed and ensure consistent flow, a trait that sets it apart in the competitive freerace landscape.

In terms of manoeuvrability, this sail is a gyber’s dream. Its lightness prevents any risk of backwinding, and it thrives on being shifted quickly – a feasible request given its featherweight build. It also responds positively to being moved forward early in the gybe. Exiting a gybe with the Free Race feels like a seamless transition, with the air cam’s buttery smooth rotation re-engaging effortlessly, ushering you into new territories of speed.

In essence, the Free Race doesn’t just match the performance expectations of a top-tier freerace sail – it redefines them. Its unique combination of acceleration, stability, and control creates an exciting yet manageable ride, making it an appealing option for those who want to experience the thrill of speed with effortless handling.

WEBSITE: northwindsurfing,com