help? total and complete newb

Question
Ok so little back history..i have only windsurfed once in my life last summer on vacation and had a complete blast doing it,then last winter i had the opportunity to buy a windsurfing board ,sail, mast, and....handle area(i have no idea what you call it. forgive me) for 40 bucks. I said why not and went for it.

anyways, i was told all i needed was mast footing however i am ..completely inexperienced and not exactly sure what i should buy. I read some people saying i needed an extension? as well with the mast foot. Then i also ...read a little blurp about rigging? like ropes and stuff?

in short, im completely confused lol any help any one or you can give me would be great. I have a friend visiting in the middle of aug. and she wants to use my board >.< so im trying to get everything i need by then.

Thanks so much
-Sarah

Answer
Hey Sarah,

There should be two ropes on the boom (handle), one to get the boom attached to the mast and one on the other end for the clew of the sail. The mast foot is what connects the mast to the board. It also serves to downhaul the sail. Go to Chinooksailing.com to see mast bases and extensions. To determine if you need an extension, slide your mast into the sail (luff sleeve). If the sail reaches the bottom of the mast or longer, you will need an extension. You may get away with a short extension but I would recommend at least a medium as this will allow you to rig other size sails without having to buy another extension. The extension will come with a rope for downhauling the sail.

Not knowing what all you have for parts and what type of boom you have (clamp on or tie on), I'll direct you to a fairly lengthy answer that should help you get through the rigging of your sail. Look for 'Running ropes on the sail' from Kimberly.

As for your mast base, check your board to see if you have a long slot in the top of the board. If so, you have a standard mast track and any standard base will work. Go for the rubber u-joint type vs. mechanical. If you board only has a couple of holes, I would need to know the make and model of the board to determine if you can find a replacement mast base. If you can send a pic of your gear, it would help.

Also check out windsurfingmag.com under instruction/ beginner and read all the tips given there for some great learning advice.

Hope this helps.
Keep on sailing,
Windlover