RRD equipment

Question
Dear expert,
Please recommend the correct placement of the UJ for RRD Spitfire 138 l , model 2006.
I am intermediate sailor, 75 kg and sail usually marginal winds with big sails 8-9 sq m.
I have never sailed before such a short board - 250 sm and I am not comfortable placing it to the front as the regular boards. Does the size of sail affect the placement ?
regards

Answer
Hi George,

Regardless of board size or sail size, placing the mast forward or back depends upon the conditions you are sailing in. If you are powered up, you can move it further back for more speed, or move it forward for better upwind ability.

The position of the mast will affect the wetted surface of the board. More forward, more surface, more back, less surface. The weight of the sail is shifted by the mast placement. This also affects your placement as your body will be more forward or back depending upon the mast.

As for the correct placement for your new board, you will have to experiment with that based upon the conditions and the size sail you are on. I'm thinking that you will need a fairly steady wind (~8-12kts) to sail the new board with 8-9 sq m. sails. Anything less may make the board feel like it is sinking. Many newer boards have less volume in the front and having a large sail all the way forward will make the nose sink. If the winds are marginal, try the mast about the middle of the mast track. Then move it slightly forward or back to find the right balance for the conditions. Each move should only be about 20-30mm.

Sorry about the delay in my reply. I did answer this a few days ago but for some reason it didn't process through properly.

Hope this will help,
Windlover