{"id":25,"date":"2020-02-17T03:23:00","date_gmt":"2020-02-17T03:23:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aquaticglee.com\/?p=25"},"modified":"2023-07-27T04:00:48","modified_gmt":"2023-07-27T04:00:48","slug":"windsurfing-sails","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aquaticglee.com\/windsurfing-sails\/","title":{"rendered":"Windsurfing Sails & Rigs Sizes, Best Brands+ Buy Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A sail plays an important role when windsurfing. It is\nthrough the sail, usually attached to a rig, that the ability to move on the water\nsurface is derived from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The market offers different types, designs, sizes and brands of windsurfing sails. If you\u2019re intending to replace your old sail or buy a new one, following is discussion on the sails, their role, parts, types, review of some of the best plus what to look for when shopping used or new sails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What a Windsurf Sail is + Role<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A sail is a flexible construction in most cases created from fabric or other membrane materials. It makes use of wind power to propel during windsurfing<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"windsurfing-sail
Photo of a sail<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The role of a sail is to yield a forward-pushing force through\na combination of lift and drag. This will be determined by the angle from which\nwind will hit the sail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The functioning of a sailboard depends on the conditions of\nthe wind, how skilled the rider is as well as the intentions of the sailor. The\nsail therefore will either hydroplane or sail<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Based on history<\/strong>, the use of sails was first depicted around 3200 BCE in the ancient Egypt where boats sailed in the Nile River. It is believed that the Sumerians used square rigged sailing boats during this moment hence establishing the sea trading routes as far as in the Indus Valley.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a Sail made up of?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A blend of woven materials normally in a three- or\nfour-sided shape is what makes up windsurf sail. The materials include; canvas\nor polyester cloth, laminated membranes or bonded filaments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Windsurfing sails are available in three materials: Dacron,\nMylar, and Monofilm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dacron:<\/strong> This is China\u2019s Polyester fiber. It is lightweight\nbut can stretch out of shape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mylar:<\/strong> Coated dacron. Holds shape better than\ndacron, but is subject to delamination(peeling off) over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Monofilm:<\/strong> Newer material which holds its shape\nbetter than mylar. Monofilm is clear, allowing good visibility, and strong. It\nis the sail material of choice on many of the newer boards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Initially, the sails were made of linen which was believed to be good resistance of the Ultra Violet rays, rot and water absorption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, back in the 19th<\/sup> century, the creators decided to use cotton since it was in plenty. In the late 20th<\/sup> century, these natural fibers were replaced by synthetics which are used till date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Size and Range Chart<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Normally, the size<\/strong> of the sail ranges from 3 square\nmeters to5.5 square meters in the case of the wave sails. Although, the race\nsails come in sizes of 6 square meters to 15 square meters in different ranges.\nYou are advised to use sails with the size of 0.7 square meters for kids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Following is chart by Neil Pryde showing wind range in regard\nto sail size and wind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"windsurf<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Note: the blue color is the usable range while the green is the\nideal wind-range based on an 80kg windsurfer. This is dependent on water\nconditions, rider skill level and the size of the board in use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Parts & Designs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Following is are illustrations showing parts of a rig which\nis composed of a sail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Parts<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"illustration<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

There are two designs<\/strong> of a sail; camber induced\ndesign and the rotational type. Camber refers to symmetry between two acting\nsurfaces of an aerofoil and therefore, camber sails have 1-5 camber inducers.\nIn most cases, beginners\u2019 sails are normally lighter and easy to use in light\nwinds as they have no battens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, rotational sails have battens that extend\nat the back of the mast. They move round the sides of the mast when jibbing.\nAdditionally, unlike cambered sails, they provide less power and stability in\ncases where you are sailing straight. However, when maneuvering the directions,\nthey are normally lighter and easier to use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The difference between a windsurfing board<\/a> and a windsurfing sail is that in a board the mast is supported on a board deck while in a sail the mast is self-supported. Therefore, the sailor must hold the mast as there are no rigs to support it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a sail, you are responsible for controlling the direction by moving the mast and entire sail to alter the wind forces which may act against the fin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Types<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Normally, sails are of different kinds depending on the type of windsurfing activity you are undertaking, either for recreational purposes or competition. The types of windsurfing sails include the following;<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wave sails<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This class of sails is made for stronger winds, which makes them seem smaller than any other sail type. Just as the name suggests, they are made to be used in waves hence have their panels well designed to ensure that no breakage in case of strong waves of force applied when you kneel on them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, the battens used in their profile are normally strong to prevent snapping in cases when waves break on the sail. Moreover, they have short boom with very little or no surface below it to avoid any destruction by the waves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Slalom sails<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Unlike the wave sails, these are made to be used in conditions of light winds when you need to propel at high speeds. Additionally, they are built with light material so as to accelerate their speeds since they are normally small in size.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite their light material being an advantage in terms of increasing your speed in water, it has a demerit in that they are fragile and in case of any accident in the sea they can be easily swept by water. Furthermore, some of these sails are designed to have cambers that calm down any unnecessary turbulence that may occur in the mast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Free ride sails<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Free ride sails, commonly known as lightweight sails are those used with lighter winds. However, unlike most of the sails, this class is hardly used for competition purposes.[2]<\/a> They are commonly used for fun and socialization or recreational purposes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beginner sails<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This is another class of sails which greatly depends on the size, age and weight of the sailor.[3]<\/a>  In this case, the sail to be chosen is required to be of a soft material which in most cases is usually Dacron and Polyvinyl Chloride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Light material is of great importance as it prevents you from getting exhausted faster while in use. Additionally, this is so as to prevent hurting individuals as well as enabling you feel comfortable and safe while still in the sea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the case of kids, the choice greatly depends on the age. Soft sails for kids help them gain and build their confidence. Furthermore, you are advised to choose a sail that is easy to control making your sailing easy and fun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Freestyle sails<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This type of sails class is ideally used on flat waters; however, it also makes use of moves and tricks from other sail types such as in wave competition. Generally, it involves using of jumping tricks on water where most sail and board moves are practiced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are almost similar to wave sails, however; they are wider and have a greater capacity which is specified for carrying out acrobatic tricks. For sure, you can\u2019t miss watching this type of sails since is one of the most interesting styles that comprise of simple and tricky improvised rotations using a board and a sail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Olympic windsurfing sails<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The equipment comprised of a high-level technology rig with mast and boom and a wide style board that made it easier for the competitions to be held in any condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Its stability provides a high concert locked in feel in planning conditions. However, it also performs in non planing conditions due to its light weight and high performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

RS: X allows for the participation of both men and women hence attracting the best windsurfers to the event. Although, it is rare to find this type of sail or practically put them in use unless you are participating in this competing class.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are however other types of sails such as the in-between sails that are usually made of a mixture of two of any of the above kinds. For instance, a freestyle-freeride or wave-slalom windsurfing sails are example of in-between sail among others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Choosing the Right Windsurfing Sail<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Windsurfing sails wear faster than boards and therefore need to be replaced more often. Be it you’re just beginning<\/a> or a pro, or just don\u2019t purchase any sail but instead look for some factors and features that will work for your specific needs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some guidelines to use when you need to purchase one;<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Windsurf Sails Battens<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The battens are basically the rods that support the\naerodynamic profile. In terms of the sail’s performance, the foil profile is\nflatter and softer whenever the battens are loose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Following is a video explaining the types of battens and\nwhich are best for achieving the right tension as well as the most suitable for\nrepair and replacement<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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