GOYA MARK PRO 7.2M 2019 TEST REVIEW
GOYA MARK PRO 7.2M 2019 TEST REVIEW
OVERVIEW
The 2019 Mark Pro retains the same dimensions as its predecessor, yet has again been refined and evolved for the new season. Tested here on an 85 RDM mast, it sets with a considerable amount of luff curve, using the dot at the tip of the top panel’s mini-batten for tuning guidance. There is plenty of pre-shape in the sail’s panels, extending up to batten three but also low down in the sail, locked and accentuated further by tensioning the tack strap. The result is a high skin tension throughout, the leech loosening along its length (particularly in the upper panels), whilst all but the batten immediately below the boom pull away from the mast completely. Available solely in yellow-black, it is tested here in its standard construction, with scrim used around the perimeter of a monofilm window, flanked on the trailing edge by coloured monofilm. There’s an even more durable option in the Mark X (yellow and fuchsia in colour), which is exactly the same as the Mark in all but the use of wide spaced x-ply in the window and scrim in the upper panels. The usual features are all in place, such as the unidirectional carbon stretch control system, ripstop luff tube material and moulded tack fairing. The material scallops that extend from the leading edge of each batten pocket, into the x-ply luff panel are also a neat touch, cleaning up the visuals and completing the air of quality about the Goya.
BRAND CLAIM
“Delivering impressive low end torque and acceleration combined with easy handling when super powered, the Mark Pro allows you to focus on your line and tactics rather than managing your sail.”
PERFORMANCE
With such a forced stable profile in the Mark, it comes as no surprise that it feels solid and balanced in the hands from the off. There is however a fair bit of excess material in the luff sleeve, providing the movement and flex to allow the sail to swell as the pressure builds, easing the power delivery and making best use of marginal conditions. It is pumpable, albeit requiring a competent, dynamic technique to really force the sail’s structure to break and squeeze the board forward, such is the innate stability and focus of the sail’s sweet spot. Alternatively, adopt a more casual approach and let the sail do the work for you! Once going, the Mark quickly settles into a comfortable locked in stance, the lowered clew eyelet helping to rake the boom angle and emphasise the Mark’s locked in nature. The leech of the sail twists beautifully, connecting the whole sail area and giving the sense that every part of the sail is working together to drive and accelerate the board further. It has natural efficiency, feeling fast and loose in the hands, and accelerating positively with every gust that hits. In the gybe, the Mark provides precise sturdy power to enter a corner in confidence, the short boom allowing it to be re-positioned quickly and effectively. In the tack the camber of the sail doesn’t permit it to go neutral so requires input from the rider to stop it pulling away from them mid-transition. As the wind increases, the Mark does begin to feel its size, yet return to the beach for a re-tune and its upper wind range can certainly be extended. We actually downhauled the sail beyond its recommended setting, helping to release the leech a little more without impacting too much on the depth or position of the draft. And with its stability locked, the Mark’s speed and efficiency are free to be explored at will, its direct delivery becoming more apparent and popular amongst the assertive riders.
THE VERDICT
Solid in nature and precise in its delivery, the Mark rewards riders with a bold powerful riding style, providing performance across a wide tuneable wind range.
Other sails in this test: