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.
2 Mayıs 2009 Cumartesi
Severne Blade 6.2m
The Blade is Severne’s power wave sail designed
around the demands and aggressive riding style
of Scott McKercher. Impressed with the
performance of the 4.7m and 5.3m versions
tested earlier in the year, we were interested to
see how the 6.2m handled, being the largest in
the range. Built to withstand considerable abuse,
it utilises the brand’s new aramid reinforced
Metalex-II material, along with various grades of
Kevlar x-ply to give it a very bold eye-catching
appearance on the water. Well-engineered with
excellent attention to detail (including the latest
fold-over seaming in the foot), it incorporates
everything you expect from a high-quality product.
Rigging and Set
With a good tuning range on both downhaul and
outhaul, the Blade boasts masses of pre-shape
throughout and requires significant outhaul
tension to allow the main two battens to rotate
smoothly. Loose in the top two panels, the leech
is tight in its mid-section irrespective of the
tension applied.
Ride and Handling
Supplying masses of constant forward drive, the
Blade has a stunning bottom end, capable of unsticking
the most stubborn hull. The centre of effort
is incredibly low and forward in the draft,
transferring every bit of power directly to the board,
leaving the sail to feel perfectly balanced in the
hands. The clew eyelet is also very low,
encouraging the rider into a very locked and
commanding stance, ideal for covering great
distances. In severe conditions, the Blade’s
stability remains rock-solid, the effort not shifting
for a moment, and sailing through a gust you can
physically feel the sail accelerate in the hands,
pinning the board down to maintain control in
confused sea states. Providing such constant
energy, the Blade is best suited for more decisive
riding styles, never once going neutral or letting
the rider cruise at half speed. This is the same in
transition, the sail’s low-down power lending it to
expressive carving manoeuvres, rather than ‘on-off’
flicky stunts associated with ‘new-school’ freestyle.
For: Low-down drive, balance and control over an
impressive range. Durability to handle the harshest
surf break.
Against: Constant power and high-energy return
may unnerve the intermediate.
Verdict
The Blade is a sensationally stable sail,
providing constant balanced power over a
massive wind range. Ideal for decisive riding
styles, it can be used to great effect in any sea
state, with the straight-line comfort to match its
superb wave riding capabilities.
around the demands and aggressive riding style
of Scott McKercher. Impressed with the
performance of the 4.7m and 5.3m versions
tested earlier in the year, we were interested to
see how the 6.2m handled, being the largest in
the range. Built to withstand considerable abuse,
it utilises the brand’s new aramid reinforced
Metalex-II material, along with various grades of
Kevlar x-ply to give it a very bold eye-catching
appearance on the water. Well-engineered with
excellent attention to detail (including the latest
fold-over seaming in the foot), it incorporates
everything you expect from a high-quality product.
Rigging and Set
With a good tuning range on both downhaul and
outhaul, the Blade boasts masses of pre-shape
throughout and requires significant outhaul
tension to allow the main two battens to rotate
smoothly. Loose in the top two panels, the leech
is tight in its mid-section irrespective of the
tension applied.
Ride and Handling
Supplying masses of constant forward drive, the
Blade has a stunning bottom end, capable of unsticking
the most stubborn hull. The centre of effort
is incredibly low and forward in the draft,
transferring every bit of power directly to the board,
leaving the sail to feel perfectly balanced in the
hands. The clew eyelet is also very low,
encouraging the rider into a very locked and
commanding stance, ideal for covering great
distances. In severe conditions, the Blade’s
stability remains rock-solid, the effort not shifting
for a moment, and sailing through a gust you can
physically feel the sail accelerate in the hands,
pinning the board down to maintain control in
confused sea states. Providing such constant
energy, the Blade is best suited for more decisive
riding styles, never once going neutral or letting
the rider cruise at half speed. This is the same in
transition, the sail’s low-down power lending it to
expressive carving manoeuvres, rather than ‘on-off’
flicky stunts associated with ‘new-school’ freestyle.
For: Low-down drive, balance and control over an
impressive range. Durability to handle the harshest
surf break.
Against: Constant power and high-energy return
may unnerve the intermediate.
Verdict
The Blade is a sensationally stable sail,
providing constant balanced power over a
massive wind range. Ideal for decisive riding
styles, it can be used to great effect in any sea
state, with the straight-line comfort to match its
superb wave riding capabilities.
Rushwind Move On 6.0m
The Move On is Rushwind’s crossover sail,
designed for use in the manoeuvre-oriented
disciplines of wave, freestyle and freemove. With
all the structural strength you’d expect in a
modern sail, an emphasis has been placed on
providing uncomplicated enjoyable performance,
giving the Move On a clean functional
appearance. Physically light, it is quite a tall
looking sail on the water, thanks to its minimal
luff-curve and short boom length, being the only
6.0m we had on test that is recommended for
use on a 460cm mast.
Rigging and Set
Easy to rig, the Move On depends largely on
downhaul, requiring only a minimal amount of
positive outhaul tension. Setting conventionally, it
has quite a flat profile, with just a hint of shape in
its bottom section, the leech twisting
progressively whilst the bottom two battens retain
rotation around the mast.
Ride and Handling
Easy and neutral at idle, the Move On’s battens
pull away from the mast as the wind increases,
taking up the play in the luff-tube to adopt a much
deeper profile. Accelerating smoothly to a
comfortable cruising speed, the sail’s centre of
effort is positioned high in the draft, pulling the
sailor into an upright stance over the board.
Feeling light and balanced in the hands in its wind
range, the Move On is an ideal freemove sail for
tutoring the intermediate/competent sailor into
planing conditions and techniques, combining a
dependable progressive power delivery with easy
handling. In well-powered conditions, however, it
does begin to show signs of fatigue, the sail’s
stability compromised as the centre of effort creeps
to the trailing edge – a movement that no amount
of retuning seemed to halt. As such, the Move On
is best suited for marginal/comfortably-powered
conditions, where its early planing and easy
manoeuvrable nature can be fully appreciated.
For: Price, rigging ease and freemove potential in
marginal/comfortable conditions.
Against: Poor top-end stability. Awkward to roll!
Verdict
The Move On is a straightforward freemove sail
ideal for intermediate sailors progressing into
planing conditions, looking for as much ease
and enjoyment on the water, without any time or
hassle spent rigging.
designed for use in the manoeuvre-oriented
disciplines of wave, freestyle and freemove. With
all the structural strength you’d expect in a
modern sail, an emphasis has been placed on
providing uncomplicated enjoyable performance,
giving the Move On a clean functional
appearance. Physically light, it is quite a tall
looking sail on the water, thanks to its minimal
luff-curve and short boom length, being the only
6.0m we had on test that is recommended for
use on a 460cm mast.
Rigging and Set
Easy to rig, the Move On depends largely on
downhaul, requiring only a minimal amount of
positive outhaul tension. Setting conventionally, it
has quite a flat profile, with just a hint of shape in
its bottom section, the leech twisting
progressively whilst the bottom two battens retain
rotation around the mast.
Ride and Handling
Easy and neutral at idle, the Move On’s battens
pull away from the mast as the wind increases,
taking up the play in the luff-tube to adopt a much
deeper profile. Accelerating smoothly to a
comfortable cruising speed, the sail’s centre of
effort is positioned high in the draft, pulling the
sailor into an upright stance over the board.
Feeling light and balanced in the hands in its wind
range, the Move On is an ideal freemove sail for
tutoring the intermediate/competent sailor into
planing conditions and techniques, combining a
dependable progressive power delivery with easy
handling. In well-powered conditions, however, it
does begin to show signs of fatigue, the sail’s
stability compromised as the centre of effort creeps
to the trailing edge – a movement that no amount
of retuning seemed to halt. As such, the Move On
is best suited for marginal/comfortably-powered
conditions, where its early planing and easy
manoeuvrable nature can be fully appreciated.
For: Price, rigging ease and freemove potential in
marginal/comfortable conditions.
Against: Poor top-end stability. Awkward to roll!
Verdict
The Move On is a straightforward freemove sail
ideal for intermediate sailors progressing into
planing conditions, looking for as much ease
and enjoyment on the water, without any time or
hassle spent rigging.
North Sails Duke 5.9m
Reading the literature provided, it is clear that
North Sails have big hopes for the 2006 Duke,
pitching it squarely at the tricky crossover
wave/freestyle market. Designed for use in any
environment, the whole range (4.2m-6.9m) can be
rigged on a 430cm, making it a very practical
option for the travelling windsurfer; and whilst
particular effort has been taken to reduce its
apparent weight during sailing (including a
reduced batten count and revised twist pattern) its
structural strength is ensured through North’s use
of high quality materials and attention to detail.
Rigging and Set
The 5.9m Duke has a great deal of pre-shape, the
depth of which can be set by playing the outhaul
against the downhaul to display a very impressive
tuning range. Using the accurate VTS increments
provided, the leech twists off smoothly as more
downhaul is applied, whilst the two bottom
battens retain significant rotation, irrespective of
the amount of outhaul tension.
Ride and Handling
With its full profile, it came as no surprise that the
Duke generated good steady constant drive in
marginal conditions, the combination of Dacron
and x-ply in its luff-panel making it very pumpable,
feeling soft yet precise in the hands. The centre of
effort is around head height, pulling the rider up
into a manoeuvre-oriented stance, whereas the
clew eyelet is low, allowing the rider to lock the sail
in and cover distance without trouble. Feeling
supremely compact and light in the hands (due in
part to its short boom length), the Duke provides
the power and inspiration to explode into
manoeuvres; indeed, it is one of the few preshaped
sails we would quite happily use for
freestyle, the softness in the sail dampening down
the battens’ rotation, making it smooth and subtle
so that the power doesn’t become overbearing
mid-transition. In over-powered conditions, the
Duke can be retuned to exhibit its exceptional
stability, remaining balanced and focussed at all
times. Suiting any rider style, ability and weight,
the Duke is a stunning all-round contender.
For: Precise useable power, light handling and
exceptional wind range.
Against: To get the most out of the Duke you have
to be prepared to experiment with its set.
Verdict
Combining constant power with light balanced
handling, the Duke is one of the most versatile
and practical sails around, capable of putting its
hand to any discipline, from freeride to wave
riding. It comes highly recommended.
North Sails have big hopes for the 2006 Duke,
pitching it squarely at the tricky crossover
wave/freestyle market. Designed for use in any
environment, the whole range (4.2m-6.9m) can be
rigged on a 430cm, making it a very practical
option for the travelling windsurfer; and whilst
particular effort has been taken to reduce its
apparent weight during sailing (including a
reduced batten count and revised twist pattern) its
structural strength is ensured through North’s use
of high quality materials and attention to detail.
Rigging and Set
The 5.9m Duke has a great deal of pre-shape, the
depth of which can be set by playing the outhaul
against the downhaul to display a very impressive
tuning range. Using the accurate VTS increments
provided, the leech twists off smoothly as more
downhaul is applied, whilst the two bottom
battens retain significant rotation, irrespective of
the amount of outhaul tension.
Ride and Handling
With its full profile, it came as no surprise that the
Duke generated good steady constant drive in
marginal conditions, the combination of Dacron
and x-ply in its luff-panel making it very pumpable,
feeling soft yet precise in the hands. The centre of
effort is around head height, pulling the rider up
into a manoeuvre-oriented stance, whereas the
clew eyelet is low, allowing the rider to lock the sail
in and cover distance without trouble. Feeling
supremely compact and light in the hands (due in
part to its short boom length), the Duke provides
the power and inspiration to explode into
manoeuvres; indeed, it is one of the few preshaped
sails we would quite happily use for
freestyle, the softness in the sail dampening down
the battens’ rotation, making it smooth and subtle
so that the power doesn’t become overbearing
mid-transition. In over-powered conditions, the
Duke can be retuned to exhibit its exceptional
stability, remaining balanced and focussed at all
times. Suiting any rider style, ability and weight,
the Duke is a stunning all-round contender.
For: Precise useable power, light handling and
exceptional wind range.
Against: To get the most out of the Duke you have
to be prepared to experiment with its set.
Verdict
Combining constant power with light balanced
handling, the Duke is one of the most versatile
and practical sails around, capable of putting its
hand to any discipline, from freeride to wave
riding. It comes highly recommended.
Neil Pryde Search 5.8m
The Search is Neil Pryde’s most powerful wave
sail, designed primarily for making the most of
typically on-shore European conditions.
Described as combining excellent early planing
with dependable top end stability, it is said to
have a wide wind range, making it the all-round
sail of choice for the larger members of the Neil
Pryde team. Made to Pryde’s usual high
standard, it is an attractive looking sail, with
improved detailing for the new season, such as
an easy access tack fairing and the brand’s own
strap-on to hold the rolled sail in place. Having
found the 5.4m Search very much freeride in
nature when tested in Tenerife, we were
interested to see how its larger sibling would fare.
Rigging and Set
Setting with a staggering amount of pre-shape,
the Search has a fairly tight mid-leech, only falling
away significantly in the upper panel with the
mini-batten present. With a short boom and
relatively little luff curve, it is quite a tall looking
sail, requiring moderate downhaul before finetuning
it on the outhaul.
Ride and Handling
Providing a steady constant forward drive, the
Search further benefits from a lot of play in its luff
tube, letting it breathe and adopt a particularly
deep profile as the wind increases. The centre of
effort is low and forward, transferring the power
effectively to the board, and forcing the most
stubborn hull from the water. Once going, it is
supremely balanced in the hands, and comes into
its own when used in confused coastal conditions.
When many other sails begin to misbehave, the
Search continues to drive the board forward,
pinning it down whilst its soft nature absorbs much
of the shock from chop, allowing the rider to
maintain their ideal stance. Not the most efficient
or rapid through the air, it nevertheless has a very
impressive natural range, dealing with variations in
wind strength superbly. For such a full-bodied sail
it also feels surprisingly compact and manageable
in transition (thanks largely to its short boom
length), the constant power making it ideal for the
heavier sailor or more decisive riding style.
For: Low-down manageable power ideal for
handling the harshest coastal conditions.
Against: Lighter sailors will find the constant drive
overbearing in transitions.
Verdict
Feeling much more all-round in this larger size,
the 5.8m Search combines manageable power
with balanced handling and excellent manners,
making it a joy to use in harsh sea states.
sail, designed primarily for making the most of
typically on-shore European conditions.
Described as combining excellent early planing
with dependable top end stability, it is said to
have a wide wind range, making it the all-round
sail of choice for the larger members of the Neil
Pryde team. Made to Pryde’s usual high
standard, it is an attractive looking sail, with
improved detailing for the new season, such as
an easy access tack fairing and the brand’s own
strap-on to hold the rolled sail in place. Having
found the 5.4m Search very much freeride in
nature when tested in Tenerife, we were
interested to see how its larger sibling would fare.
Rigging and Set
Setting with a staggering amount of pre-shape,
the Search has a fairly tight mid-leech, only falling
away significantly in the upper panel with the
mini-batten present. With a short boom and
relatively little luff curve, it is quite a tall looking
sail, requiring moderate downhaul before finetuning
it on the outhaul.
Ride and Handling
Providing a steady constant forward drive, the
Search further benefits from a lot of play in its luff
tube, letting it breathe and adopt a particularly
deep profile as the wind increases. The centre of
effort is low and forward, transferring the power
effectively to the board, and forcing the most
stubborn hull from the water. Once going, it is
supremely balanced in the hands, and comes into
its own when used in confused coastal conditions.
When many other sails begin to misbehave, the
Search continues to drive the board forward,
pinning it down whilst its soft nature absorbs much
of the shock from chop, allowing the rider to
maintain their ideal stance. Not the most efficient
or rapid through the air, it nevertheless has a very
impressive natural range, dealing with variations in
wind strength superbly. For such a full-bodied sail
it also feels surprisingly compact and manageable
in transition (thanks largely to its short boom
length), the constant power making it ideal for the
heavier sailor or more decisive riding style.
For: Low-down manageable power ideal for
handling the harshest coastal conditions.
Against: Lighter sailors will find the constant drive
overbearing in transitions.
Verdict
Feeling much more all-round in this larger size,
the 5.8m Search combines manageable power
with balanced handling and excellent manners,
making it a joy to use in harsh sea states.
Naish Boxer 5.8m
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.
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.
Gaastra Remedy 6.0m
The Remedy is promoted by Gaastra as the ‘one
sail that can do it all’ – quite a bold statement
backed by the fact that it is Matt Pritchard’s sail of
choice when competing in Super-X, the most
diverse discipline around today. Eye-catching
with its new graphics, it remains quite a hybrid
sail in its structural layout, drawing upon
elements from various quarters. With a
manoeuvre-oriented configuration below the
boom, it then has a decidedly freeride outline
above the boom, incorporating five battens to
enhance its top end stability. Finished with
excellent detailing, including their fold-over
seaming and foot beading that extends beyond
the clew, it is a very well engineered sail.
Rigging and Set
Possessing quite a lot of luff curve, the Remedy
needs a fair degree of downhaul, making all the
battens completely pull away from the RDM used.
At rest, the sail sets flat with only the slightest
amount of shape evident, and whilst there is a lot
of skin tension in the body of the sail, the leech
twists off progressively along its length.
Ride and Handling
Rather than providing constant low-down power
like a pre-shaped foil, the Remedy remains flat and
neutral at idle, only inducing power as shape is
pulled into it. With a small Dacron luff panel and a
lot of play in its luff tube, it has a soft yet precise
nature, the leading edge breathing whilst the high
skin tension in the rest of the panels make it feel
crisp and reactive in the hands. With an excellent
natural range on one setting, the Remedy
accelerates to an impressive top speed,
comfortably locking down to cover ground and
efficiently dealing with fluctuations in wind strength.
It has stunning top end stability, never pulling the
rider’s stance out of shape, whilst its behaviour in
manoeuvres is exceptional, going completely
neutral once sheeted out to enable effortless
repositioning. As a one-only sail to cover all
disciplines, from freeride blasting right through to
light-wind wave sailing, it is one of the finest
examples yet, and comes highly recommended.
For: Wind range, handling, efficiency and top end
stability.
Against: Heavier or more forceful sailors may find
the Remedy’s bottom-end grunt lacking.
Verdict
Breathable yet precise; light and manoeuvrable,
yet supremely stable; easy yet high-performing
… the Remedy is one of the most versatile and
complete 6.0m sails we have ever tried and
comes highly recommended.
sail that can do it all’ – quite a bold statement
backed by the fact that it is Matt Pritchard’s sail of
choice when competing in Super-X, the most
diverse discipline around today. Eye-catching
with its new graphics, it remains quite a hybrid
sail in its structural layout, drawing upon
elements from various quarters. With a
manoeuvre-oriented configuration below the
boom, it then has a decidedly freeride outline
above the boom, incorporating five battens to
enhance its top end stability. Finished with
excellent detailing, including their fold-over
seaming and foot beading that extends beyond
the clew, it is a very well engineered sail.
Rigging and Set
Possessing quite a lot of luff curve, the Remedy
needs a fair degree of downhaul, making all the
battens completely pull away from the RDM used.
At rest, the sail sets flat with only the slightest
amount of shape evident, and whilst there is a lot
of skin tension in the body of the sail, the leech
twists off progressively along its length.
Ride and Handling
Rather than providing constant low-down power
like a pre-shaped foil, the Remedy remains flat and
neutral at idle, only inducing power as shape is
pulled into it. With a small Dacron luff panel and a
lot of play in its luff tube, it has a soft yet precise
nature, the leading edge breathing whilst the high
skin tension in the rest of the panels make it feel
crisp and reactive in the hands. With an excellent
natural range on one setting, the Remedy
accelerates to an impressive top speed,
comfortably locking down to cover ground and
efficiently dealing with fluctuations in wind strength.
It has stunning top end stability, never pulling the
rider’s stance out of shape, whilst its behaviour in
manoeuvres is exceptional, going completely
neutral once sheeted out to enable effortless
repositioning. As a one-only sail to cover all
disciplines, from freeride blasting right through to
light-wind wave sailing, it is one of the finest
examples yet, and comes highly recommended.
For: Wind range, handling, efficiency and top end
stability.
Against: Heavier or more forceful sailors may find
the Remedy’s bottom-end grunt lacking.
Verdict
Breathable yet precise; light and manoeuvrable,
yet supremely stable; easy yet high-performing
… the Remedy is one of the most versatile and
complete 6.0m sails we have ever tried and
comes highly recommended.
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