GA SAILS COSMIC 7.5M TEST REVIEW
GA SAILS COSMIC 7.5M TEST REVIEW
OVERVIEW
The Cosmic has been refined for 2016, with a new panel layout and less seams for improved strength and lightness. It is an attractive looking sail in its bright livery, and with some of the shortest dimensions in the group, has a relatively compact outline. Rigged on a 75% SDM mast, it is easy to downhaul despite its significant luff curve, the cams popping onto the mast smoothly once some outhaul is applied. Once fully downhauled, the profile of the Cosmic is impressive, locked low and forward in the draft. There is also a good amount of tuning available, the leech opening in just the two upper panels under minimal loading, or down to the fourth batten under maximum tension. Irrespective, the profile of the Cosmic remains deep and locked forward.
BRAND CLAIM
“Responsive! With an improved top end speed whilst still remaining locked in. Light to handle with an extensive wind range capacity. The twin-cam freeride sail that no other can match. With a narrower luff sleeve than the Vapor or Phantom, it remains perfectly simple to uphaul and rotate no matter how much time you might be in the water rather than on it. Great for first time racers and for sailors that otherwise might shy away from cams.”
PERFORMANCE
In light, marginal winds the Cosmic was a stand out sail, feeling compact and balanced in the hands, yet responding superbly to pumping. Easing the sail out as the pressure builds, there is a positive spring to the foil as you pull it back in, channelling power to the board and punching it clear of the water. Settling into a comfortable stance, the Cosmic provides constant useable feedback through both hands, making it super dependable. It can be used to great effect on all points of sail, its locked in shape providing such security that you forget to look for lulls, confident that the sail will keep pulling regardless. This was highlighted particularly when pointing upwind, the Cosmic enabling you to lock in and chose as tight an angle to the wind as you or the board dare. As the wind increases, the Cosmic can be re-tuned to twist and exhaust power smoothly, keeping its composure and balance. It is not super slippery through the air and does seem to reach a ceiling in its acceleration, yet its top speed would be more than enough for freeride sailors and recreational sailing. In transition, the sail’s compact nature plays a positive role, the short boom enabling the Cosmic to rotate quickly, the cams rotating smoothly as it is pulled in on the new tack. Providing balanced handling and dependable power over an impressive wind range, the Cosmic is a perfect example of why twin cams still have a place on the market.
THE VERDICT
Compact, balanced handling and constant dependable power over a staggering wind range, the Cosmic displays the true virtues of a twin cam, making it accessible for even the most novice recreational sailor.
Other sails in this test: