Looking for advice on a light wind sail to rig on a 460 RDM

pariah99 · Joined: 31 Dec 2011 Posts: 8

Hey all,

I recently got into windsurfing thanks to my local sailing club. I ended up liking it so much that I plunked down some cash to get my own kit. I bought an ezzy freeride 6.5, which covers most of the range I need on windy days, but I want to get more planing days next summer, so I was thinking of getting a bigger sail.

I have a 460 RDM that I rig my 6.5 on, and I was wondering what your guys' advice would be regarding a sail that would get me planing in 9-12kt conditions. The weather we have here (Lake Mendota, Madison, WI) tends to be pretty gusty, so I would prefer a sail that has a little range, but most of all I want to be able to get on a plane without too much fuss.

As far as my experience level. I have a lot of sailing experience (outside windsurfing), but I only started this past May. I'm currently in the footstraps/harness, waterstarting, and working on getting my gybes down. I've been out on a couple of days where it's been gusting to 35kts and having a blast.

Here's my current kit, :
-Tabou Rocket 125L
-Powerex 460 RDM 100% carbon (constant curve)
-Aeron V-Grip 180-230
-Streamlined RDM extension 10-30cm
-44cm/34cm fins

I was looking at the ezzy zephyr, but I was concerned that it was primarily designed as a longboard sail. My board and fin are probably big enough to handle it, but I wanted to get a couple second opinions. If you guys have any advice, I would very much appreciate it.

Thanks in advance!

capetonian · Joined: 11 Aug 2006 Posts: 1197 Location: Florida

Not sure that they will get you planing in 9 knots, but there are lots of options in the 7.5 size in the freeride category that fit on a 460 mast. Hot Sails Maui makes a 7.5 Liquid that fits on on 460 RDM. Goya also makes a 7.5 Freerace sail designed around an RDM mast. Gaastra Pilot 7.5 also fits on a 460, though I think that sail is designed more for an SDM than an RDM. Ditto the Aerotech Phantom 7.5.

coachg · Joined: 10 Sep 2000 Posts: 3550

I would add to capetonian's list KA sails, Loft & Sailworks. They should all work with your mast. All the brands make a 6 batten freeride sail which should work fine for what you want.

The size limit for your mast is probably going to be around 7.5 meters which is going to be on the small side for getting on a plane in 12 kts unless you are very light. I'm sorry, but getting onto a plane in 9-12 kts without much fuss is formula wind. You are looking at a lot of work-pumping-with your kit & a 7.5 at anything other than a feather weight in 9-12 kts.

I'm not saying don't get the 7.5, it will increase your planing threshold by 2-3 kts over your 6.5 but it will still be under powered in 9-12 kts.

Coachg

U2U2U2 · Posted: Sun Jan 01, 2012 3:06 pm Post subject:

given your P/X mast and the requirements
I think the Zephyr would made a fine choice. the 44cm fin should be fine on the Rocket.

Of note it does have a long boom, while still rigging on the 460.

Mention of the HotSails Liquid 7.5m, your mast would work OK with this, a softer top would be better.

I have reservations about the planing threshold in 9kts as well as
capetonian, to do that I feel you would need a specialist light wind board as well.

BTW how heavy are you ??

SeaDawg · Joined: 12 Sep 2002 Posts: 384

Coach is right! A 6.5 is great work horse sail. If you expect to see alot of 10-15 knts. Plan on buying a 490 mast. My Ezzy 8.5 Infinity gets alot of use in light winds. You may also want a 430 mast and a good 5.0 to round out your quiver.......

Ugly_Bird · Joined: 04 Nov 2008 Posts: 335

jingebritsen · Joined: 21 Aug 2002 Posts: 3371

my main sail is the aerotech phantom 7.5. rigs on a 460 rdm with 28cm ext, or an SDM 460 with 30 cm ext. the rdm application has tons of tensioning range.

warning, the zephyr is a long board sail. its target use is for long boards and performs like that. i've used it on a short board, a firend's, when he asked me why it felt so bad on his short boards. the draft is high, and one spins out quite easily, no matter how flat one trims the sail. becomes very physical in the upper end of a typical 7.5 wind range.

U2U2U2 · Posted: Mon Jan 02, 2012 10:13 am Post subject:

John your assessment may be correct on the Zephyr,

but the OP states a light wind sail, but does express some concerns already similar to yours.

can see nothing wrong with a 7.5 Ezzy freeride then..........

ask David

3-phase · Joined: 26 Jan 2007 Posts: 481

KA Koyote is a good sail plenty of power in light wind, very efficient sails with speed and control. Low wind ability and early planing is A+. 7.8 and 8.2 will fit on a RDM 460 mast.

http://www.windsurfing.kasail.com/products-page/sail-2011/koyote/

www.windsurfdeal.com

Question ask gear@windsurfdeal.com new and demo should be available.
Some older years models fit 460 cm mast too.
Aloha
Jurg

greyghost · Joined: 06 Oct 2015 Posts: 151

depending on your weight, you might consider a 8.0 instead.
I think 8.0 to 6.5 might be a better gap in general. I run 8.5 then step down to a 7.0.

I just checked out Sailworks site. Although their retro 8.0 cites ideal mast as 490, it also lists 460 cm as an alternate. This probably depends on your weight, ie if you're lighter, than it should be fine. I'm sure other manufacturers have 8.0 that might fit as well. (just checked Ezzy, didn't realize they did not offer an 8.0)

edit: i just saw that Rocket 125 liter, rated up to an 8.0
not sure if that is true life 8.0, or more practical 7.5
maybe someone who has tried an 125 Rocket could offer their opinion