technique

Question
Hi,
I've just bought a 7.9 Tushingham Raptor 3 second hand in very good condition - is this a good sail to progress to from a 6.2 with the intention of going alot faster. I've been sailing for just over a year. also can i rig a 6.2 on a 490 mast? i usually rig it to a 475 and extension.
Cheers

Answer
Hey Phil,

Great to hear that you are windsurfing. The fun is just beginning for you.

Going from a 6.2 to a 7.9 is a not a bad jump in size. Normal changes with larger sails is about .5-.75m. You will be gaining quite a bit more sail area and you will gain more speed if the wind conditions are the same as what you have been sailing with the 6.2. A 7.9 would usually be used in about 8-12kts of wind. A 6.2 would be for about 10-18kts. The way to get the best range out of a sail is adjusting the downhaul. The higher the wind, the more downhaul.

You would probably be able to rig the 6.2 on a 490 mast. The key would be that the ICMS or stiffness rating matches the sail manufacturer's recommendations. There may be something on the sail that tells what your sail requires. If not, try to find a website for the manufacturer for the info.

Here is a site that is free to sign up on and has a great forum for windsurfing info. You can post questions and also search for related posts.  www.iwindsurf.com

Best of luck with your sailing.
Windlover