freeride sail best size for Atom

[bzh56]

Hi,
I have just bought an Atom (wood) as I was very curious about the concept. I am normally into slalom and after a knee injury, I have decided to shift from speed at all costs to comfort, freedom on water, freeride...It seemed that the Atom was an original option. My smaller sail for this board is a Goya Freesurf 6.2 and I am looking at a light wind freeride sail - Mauisail Pursuit. With my profile (88kg, 180cm and good windsurfing experience), which size would you best recommend between 7 and 7.5? I will use the board with straps. I am tempted to go 7.5 and I would like to check with you first and get your feedback. Also I have not tried to Atom yet so how much wind would I need with a 7 or a 7.5 in order to get to planning?
Thanks in advance for your feedback.
Cheers,
Emilio

[joe_windsurfer]

do NOT know the Atom - from what i found it is only 99 litres ??
and for light winds they speak of it handling 9m sails ??

what is your definition of light wind
with a bum knee, will you only do waterstarts or ??
the difference between 7-oh and 7.5 is minimal
based on james douglass' sail calculator there is a difference of one knot
7.5 should be good to go around 15 knots for your weight
if you are in steady solid winds - even less wind is required
i use an MS-2 8-oh cammed sail in winds 20 to 40 kph on a 160 liter 79 cm board
under that i use a CAT longboard with the same sail
i weigh a bit more than you though - 100 kilos ...

sounds to me you may need more sail than 7.5 if Atom is a sinker !!

btw the MS Pursuit is okay with constant curve or hard top masts ONLY - no NP !!

lotsa luck !!

[bzh56]

Hi Joe, thanks for the heads up. I will use a MS SDM 100% carbon 460cm, which I share with my TR6 and 7s. I get similar feedback from thewindsurfingshed.com.au who also recommends the 7.5. I am still keen to get some feedback from the Starboard team. thoughts anybody? Cheers.