windsup users - is it me or the equipment?

swchandler · Joined: 08 Nov 1993 Posts: 10588

anna1, although it's unlikely that the 4.8 will get you planing in the very light wind conditions you've been experiencing, it will still give you the ability to learn sail handling and necessary tacking skills in the turns while being easy to uphaul.

In planning for the future, I would recommend picking up a larger RAF sail in the 5.7-6.3 size range. In the old days, that was the general range of standard sail sizes that usually came with the longer boards of the time. My F2 Strato came with a 5.7.

I would be sure to get a more traditional sail with 5-6 battens, because that will add to the sail's stability and its ability to handle more powered conditions. Also, it's likely that you will need a longer mast (430cm) to go with the larger sail, and in addition, you need to determine whether your existing boom can handle the longer clew length.

Good luck with lessons, if you elect to take that path. While taking lessons, you might find that ABK will have some larger sails to test out that will help you decide what to buy.