Sail and mast size

Question
Hi Windlover,
I have bought a Neil Pryde Combat 4.5, and as I'm a student - I'm on a budget! Ideally I'd like a 90-100% 370 mast, but I'm struggling to find a good deal.
Is it possible for a 4.5 to be rigged on a 400 mast? If so, what are the limits?

Thanks in advance
Hollie

Answer
Hey Hollie,

I'm not sure if the Combat has an adjustable top on it. If so, a 400 mast should work fine. Even if it is not adjustable, if the sail specs are asking for a 370, a 400 should still work as long as the stiffness rating matches the sail spec. Look on the bottom of the sail for the specs. The main difference you may notice using a 400 mast (if the sail top is not adjustable) is that the clew may end up being a bit higher off the board and the boom opening may be a little higher. If you can rig the sail on a 400 at a shop somewhere close, you will be able to determine if the boom height adjustment will still work for you. Then say thanks and go find a deal on a 400.

As for limits, most sails recommend a specific length mast because they have designed the sail to shape properly with a given bend (stiffness) over a specific length. The bend is about the same on a 370 and a 400. If your sail has an adjustable top, you could possibly rig it on a 430 or 460 but it may not rig or perform quite like it was designed. It's always best to stay within at least one length difference of the spec. The stiffness is the most critical for staying in spec as this creates the shape of the sail.

Hope this helps.
Keep on sailing,
Windlover