Information requested on used Mistral

Question
Hello, I just purchased a used Mistral, such a low price, I could not pass it up. It came with board, 2 piece mast, worn sail, and a big bar. The board is marked Mistral Equipe on the nose,  LCS-RX on the side,  and LCS Carbon toward the rear.  How old is this board, and is there a "users manual" around the web for a board such as this? Fins, ropes, mast position, etc. I am not familiar with.

 The sail is in bad shape, what would a "regular sized" sail be for a board like this? I am 200lbs and would be using in light conditions as I am a newb to windsurfing. Located near Columbia river in WA state.
Thanks in advance,
Mike

Answer
The Equip is about 20 to 25 years old. There is no manual for this that I know of.  The Equip was considered cutting edge in its day.  It should still be a good beginners board and for very light wind although it will be somewhat tippy (rocks easily side to side).  Make sure to check the board to see if there are any cracks, chips or repairs that may have been done as this will likely render the board unusable. Many people are duped into buying boards that have had damage and allowed water to enter into the skin of the board  causing the board to take on weight and make sailing very difficult and frustrating.   Keep in mind that the newer boards produced in the last 5 years are much more user friendly and make learning incredibly more easy than the older equipment.   For someone your size I would recommend a 7 meter sail if you are a first time beginner.  You will likely need to purchase a boom to go with that sail since the boom that came with the Equip will probably be toast by now or will not fit the new sails outhaul.  Make sure your mast foot (the part that connects  between the mast and the board) is in good condition and still works.  If the Universal joint looks cracked or worn out replace it before you start sailing. Mast position works like this.  Move the mast forward in the track and put the centerboard down for upwind performance.  Move the mast back in the track and centerboard retracted for downwind performance.  
Use the web to search for how to set up the board as it would be impossible for me to teach you using this website.  Do a search on "windsurfing basics" or something like that and read up on it.  Good luck and good wind.