Minimum sail size for Formula Exp 160

[Gades]

Hi there,
I'm thinking of tyring the Formula, but I'm affraid to break it just by learning, so I'm hoping to get the Formula Exp 160 to start with.

I weight around 74 kilos, and will be sailing in a Force 3 and 4. What's the smallest sail that I should get?

Thanks for your help!

[rgugli]

Hey, well, say Force 3-4 is about 7-16 knots (as I compare better here). I weight 70 kilos and for that winds my only sail is Overdrive 11.0. Will say that for recreational use you can go for a smaller sail.

If you want to take the most of that range, say, 7-16 knots the 11.0 will be perfect, but if you dont have too much experience with big sails, then go for a 10.0. Overdrives are very good sails for this purpose, maybe a no cam sail can also be a good choice.

If you are not really confident with big sails, never have tried one or really are scared of it, I should reccomend not less than a 9.0 conventional sail, or maybe a Glide 7.5, as this is a really powerfull sail.

What i mean is that in the first beggining a big sail can feel heavy weight compared to 6.0s or similar, but will give you great range to have fun in very light winds, but still controllable in those 15-16knot days. I think this modern sails can do the job.

ABout the FE 160 is a great board, early planner, good pricing and durable. Best choice for someone that wants to get into Formula.

Best luck!

Ricardo Guglielmino

[Ken]

Gades,

rgugli offers good advice, but what's missing is your skill level and experience. It's difficult to offer advice without this information.

I am a recreational sailor (23 years), but I have sailed and raced formula boards for 6 years. Sail size depends on board type, sailor weight, wind speed, water conditions, sailor experience, racing or recreational use & budget ($).

Provide some of the above information and we can offer better advice.

Ken

[Gades]

rgugli,
thanks for the info on the sails, I'll look into them

Ken wrote:
Gades,

rgugli offers good advice, but what's missing is your skill level and experience. It's difficult to offer advice without this information.

I am a recreational sailor (23 years), but I have sailed and raced formula boards for 6 years. Sail size depends on board type, sailor weight, wind speed, water conditions, sailor experience, racing or recreational use & budget ($).

Provide some of the above information and we can offer better advice.

Ken

OK, let's see:
level of experience, I'm happy sailing with cambers up to 8-8.5, but that's my limit, never tried anything bigger
most of the time I use something up to 7.0

it's for recreational use, but thinking that if I like it and I'm not too bad, I'd try to race

budget, I'm not rich, but I don't mind spending some money, I'd be looking at buying a single sail to start with

board type, as I said, I'm thinking on the Starboard Formula Exp

wind speed, mostly Force 3, once I can handle that then I'd go out with Force 4, anything stronget, for the moment I'd just go with "normal" boards, the water is a bit chopy (Med)

what sails from Severne and North would be suitable for this?

thanks!

[Guest]

Hey, then dont worry...a 10.0 or 11.0 would be good choices, if you have used some 8.5 sails, you will feel the jump, but its nothing complicated to get used to it.

Well, if you want to start racing...then 11.0 can be a better choice. If you still look racing as something really recreational and you will be mostly playing around...10.0 its perfect.

Overdrives are really good sails for this purpose, and are designed around the Formula Experience boards.

Ricardo Guglielmino

[Ken]

Gades,

Given your weight (74kg), I would recommend a 10.0, sail with cambers. In the beginning, you may not plane in 7-9 knots, unless you have good pumping skills.

Get a formula carbon boom, that will fit sails from 8.5 to 11.0, which will take care of your future needs. Add an adjustable outhaul, which will extend the range of the sail.

With the 10.0 sail, you will need a 520cm carbon mast, at least 75% carbon, but preferably 100%.

I am not familiar with North or Severne sails, so someone else will have to jump in.

Combining the mast, sail and boom, you are looking at about $2,100 US for retail prices.

Buy an "Easy Up-Haul" or make one from your uphaul. Advanced formula rarely drop their sails, but if you do, and it is windy, the Easy Up-Haul will save a lot of energy.

It will be worth it - go for it.

[Papounet]

Ken wrote:
Gades,
Given your weight (74kg), I would recommend a 10.0, sail with cambers.

+ 1