The Boxer has had quite a makeover for the new
season, with a distinctive new appearance and
unique outline that makes it instantly
recognisable on the water. The wave/freestyle sail
of World Wave Champion Kauli Seadi, it
combines a very high foot shape and short boom
length with a large leech area to make it a very
top-heavy foil. Finished with Naish’s excellent
attention to detail, it is a well-engineered and
durable sail, with particular effort being made to
reduce its physical weight without compromising
its structural integrity.
Rigging and Set
There was some inconsistency in the length mast
the 5.8m was recommended with, so we tried it
on both a 400cm and 430cm. Whilst the lightest
sailor may get away with it on a 400cm, most
would benefit from using it on a 430cm. Setting
conventionally, the Boxer retains rotation in its
bottom two battens, both promoting a bit of
shape in the sail’s profile. Requiring significant
downhaul tension, it prefers quite a loose leech
irrespective of the wind strength, being tuned
predominantly on the outhaul.
Ride and Handling
Incredibly light and neutral at rest, the Boxer
accelerates progressively onto the plane as the
wind increases, the luff tube and thin Dacron luff
panel allowing the sail to breathe and take shape.
Once going, it feels very compact and alert in the
hands, the two larger x-ply luff-panels locking the
tension in the foil and making it skin-tight,
providing the sailor with precise instantaneous
feedback. The centre of effort is very high and
forward in the draft, yet by using the bottom clew
eyelet, the boom is raked back low, making it easy
to lock down for comfortable straight-line cruising.
Not surprisingly, however, it’s in manoeuvreoriented
sailing that the Boxer really excels. Crisp,
reactive and sensationally flicky, it is a dream to
use for freestyle, going completely weightless midtransition,
whilst the battens rotate smoothly and
subtly as it is sheeted in on the new tack. With a
large natural range it retains its manners in severe
conditions, allowing the rider to concentrate on his
own performance rather than worry about
controlling the sail.
For: Supreme handling, feeling beautifully light
and responsive.
Against: Heavier, less sensitive sailors may find the
bottom end lacking.
Verdict
Inspiring the rider to try that next trick or
transition, the Boxer is fantastic fun to use and
comes highly recommended for manoeuvreoriented
sailing in any environment, from flatwater
to idyllic down-the-line.
