Sails (m²) for Flare (98l) or Kode (86l)

[Honu]

Hi folks,

I would like to invest on a new 2009/10 sail (Xover) like NP Firefly for instance, but I do not know the size I should take for sailing a Kode (86l) or a Flare (98l) on fresh or salted water with about 15/17 knots.

I am aware that there is a lot of relation between the board (volume, surface in contact with water...etc) but also the sail (surface, power...), the wind (velocity or force) and if you ride on fresh/salted water...but I do not want to go deep in this :)

I would like you to give me some concrete exemples about which sail (m² and brand) you use with a similar boards, weight and wind as descibed...I am 175cm for 74/75kg and ride on fresh/salted water. So far, I havn't sorted out which board I will use (next problem for me :) ) but let assume it is a flare 98l or Kode 88l.

Thanks guys.

Honu.

PS: I know that this info (or a guess) is on NP website, but nothing deals about the board they used for making this table.

[PrydeMan]

I have 2010 Flare 106 and 98 and I'm getting a 2011 kode 86 replace my kode 94 in the 2011 shipments. I also sail NP Fireflys and combats. I'm 80kgs and sail in salt water.

I find the Flare 98 works well with a 5.7m down to a 4.7m on flat water. A 5.3m or 4.9m firefly is perfect with this board. Next season I will use the flare 98 for light wind bump and jump with the 5.7m and 5.3m fireflys and step down to the kode 86 with a 5m combat.

The fireflys are great sails. I like the 2009 model over the 2010 for feel, but the 2010 is some what stronger. I'm upgrading my to the 2011 in the first shipment as the new ones look great.

The new flares look even better. A 2011 flare with a green/yellow firefly would look the part on the water.

[Honu]

Hi PrydeMan,

Thanks for your quick reply. For the new Flare and Firefly...I know tath they gonna match well :)...but I am afraid by the price of NP...so I will go for a 2009 (second hand).

Then, how much knots do you need for sailing your 5.7 with your flare (and kode if you have already tried)?

Cheers.

[PrydeMan]

For the Flare 98 using a deep profile on the 5.7m firefly (SDM mast) I can get going in about 15knots with little pumping and sailing broad to get planing. The Kode 86 I have not tried, but i would guess closer to 20knots. The flares thick tail helps in bottom end planing.
At my home beach on cross shore days the wind is a bit up and down or gusty. This is why I went the Flare to help with the lower drops in the wind to keep me planing and for old school short board tricks. I to sail Futura 93 and 111 for slalom.
The kodes I use more for bump and jump when the wind is a bit stronger and steady.

If you wanted something in between a freestlye and bump and jump board go for the Kode 94 with number of different of fins.

[Honu]

Thank you very much for that...
I think I will go for a flare 2011 and a firefly...I have to start now to save money :D
Cheers mate.