The V8 is Neil Pryde’s twin cam freerace sail,
providing the benefits of the brand’s
distinguished racing program in a more userfriendly
package. Well engineered and detailed, it
incorporates the latest inset boom concept
(intended to help stability and handling), as well
as features such as a Flexhead configuration, an
extended easy access tack fairing, a strap-on tag,
and lightweight mini-battens along the leech
made from thin strips of composite material.
Rigging and Set
Despite looking rather intrusive, the rigging guide
printed on the luff tube of the V8 provides clear
instructions on how to rig the sail, popping the
cams onto the mast after some outhaul and
downhaul tension has been applied. The
provided increments were accurate, the sail
relying on its natural range instead of any tuning
adjustment – any less tension failed to lock the
centre of effort, allowing it to shift around and
affect the sail’s handling characteristics.
Ride and Handling
On the water the V8 feels much smaller than a
7.0m, partly due to the short boom length with its
inset clew cringles, and partly due to its subtle
power delivery. Light and precise in the hands, the
centre of effort is placed quite high and far back in
the sail’s draft yet doesn’t generate a great deal of
bottom end punch. Instead, the V8 comes into its
own in comfortably powered and overpowered
conditions, where getting onto the plane is not an
issue; it’s how the sail performs once there that is
its key. With a definite race-oriented edge, it has a
seemingly limitless top speed, accelerating through
every gust and complimenting the most efficient
slalom board well. Even in the most severe
conditions the sail’s handling is impeccable, the
raked boom angle helping to lock it in place as it
remains supremely light and balanced, the leech
twisting off very smoothly without a hint of flutter.
Slipping through the air it is incredibly efficient and
glides through lulls as if they’re not there, although
the rider has to be conscious of resisting the
temptation to over-sheet the sail, such is its light
handling. In transition the sail’s short boom length
makes it very easy to reposition during manoeuvre
– a particularly welcome asset, especially when
using the V8 in challenging conditions. One of the
more specialist contenders in this group, the V8 is a
scintillating sail to use with the most high
performance boards, combining raw speed with
controlled handling.
For: Top end efficiency and handling.
Against: Subtle bottom end power delivery.
Verdict
The V8 is a true racing thoroughbred, coming
into its own in overpowered conditions where its
speed and handling is enough to partner the
most demanding board and rider.
