New to the Tushingham range last year, the
Wedge is their specialist freestyle sail, available in
only two sizes – 5.8m and 6.6m. Sitting neatly
alongside the Storm (which has been completely
redesigned for 2006 – look out for the review next
issue!), the Wedge is aimed for more
instantaneous response and acceleration,
providing the impetus for that next trick. Built to
their usual high standards, it incorporates all the
attention to detail you’d expect on a Tushingham,
including their new alternating batten pocket
system, intended to ensure the sail’s symmetry
on both tacks.
Rigging and Set
There is a large range of tuning adjustment
available on the Wedge, playing the outhaul
according to the downhaul. On minimum setting
it requires little downhaul, with evidence of preshape
in its bottom section and twist in its top
two panels. Applying more downhaul, the leech
opens progressively and the sail’s profile flattens
off, particularly above the boom.
Ride and Handling
On the water, the Wedge accelerates onto the
plane positively, the extensive play in the luff-tube
and Dacron luff panel allowing the sail’s skin to
stretch and adopt a powerful profile. It’s a very
upright sail in appearance thanks to its minimal luff
curve, whilst the high centre of effort pulls the rider
over the board – an excellent position from which
to enter manoeuvres. That said, the clew eyelet
has been positioned low, raking the boom back at
an angle and providing excellent control in variable
winds. Tuned for strong winds, the Wedge remains
perfectly behaved and is very comfortable for long
periods of use in harsh environments, the sail’s
breathable nature absorbing much of the impact
from chop. Light and balanced in the hands, it has
a very manoeuvrable nature; whilst we wouldn’t
say it’s sharp or immediate in response, it goes
neutral as the battens push back round the mast,
making it easy to reposition before the power
returns smoothly. A fun and enjoyable sail for
manoeuvre-oriented sailing, the Wedge has the
ease, control and handling to cater for freestyle
through to light wind wave sailing.
For: Easy manoeuvre handling across a very
impressive range.
Against: Not the most efficient in a straight-line for
freeride drag racing.
Verdict
The Wedge combines that now distinctive
Tushingham feel (soft, easy and superbly
controllable), with excellent handling and
useable power to make it a very fun and
practical sail for manoeuvre-oriented sailing.
