Saw this in the French forum:
www.windsurfing44.com/matos/North_Sails/2022/North_Sails_2022_en.pdf
Can't see through a mono film sail very well after a few uses and some caked on salt. The norths look like they could be worse with the tiny window. Still I only need to see what's in front of me as I sail alone.
A 530cm RDM mast!? The longest RDM I was aware of until now is HSM's Ultra at 490cm. The largest sails listed are the two 9.0 slalom sails, which I surely hope rig on a 490cm. I wonder why they thought a 530 would be a good idea?
I like the size legends. Every sail should have that to make it easier for those still on the beach to make a rigging decision.
BTW, Avanti membrane race sails also have small windows.
Select to expand quoteozzimark said..
A 530cm RDM mast!? The longest RDM I was aware of until now is HSM's Ultra at 490cm. The largest sails listed are the two 9.0 slalom sails, which I surely hope rig on a 490cm. I wonder why they thought a 530 would be a good idea?
I would guess that is for the foil sails. The IQFoil 9.0 is a 530, but it's also SDM. In fact I think all the large high aspect foil sails are SDM, like Phantom.
Select to expand quoteaeroegnr said..ozzimark said..
A 530cm RDM mast!? The longest RDM I was aware of until now is HSM's Ultra at 490cm. The largest sails listed are the two 9.0 slalom sails, which I surely hope rig on a 490cm. I wonder why they thought a 530 would be a good idea?
I would guess that is for the foil sails. The IQFoil 9.0 is a 530, but it's also SDM. In fact I think all the large high aspect foil sails are SDM, like Phantom.
Ah, thanks for explaining, I hadn't given thought to the fact that the foil sails are pretty high aspect ratio. Just looked it up, and the IQFoil 10.0 rigs on a 550, wow!
I agree that the pump is also a curious thing. An inflatable pocket along the luff sleeve to hold a specific shape is a novel ideal. If it actually is a pump is part of the cam somehow, I wonder if it activates by flexing of the mast like you'd get going over chop/waves or when you pump the sail when trying to get flying/onto a plane, or does it only pump when switching sides / tack directions?
Select to expand quoteozzimark said..
Ah, thanks for explaining, I hadn't given thought to the fact that the foil sails are pretty high aspect ratio. Just looked it up, and the IQFoil 10.0 rigs on a 550, wow!
Yeah it was funny to me at first that my 9.5 Cheetah rigs on a 490cm but the 9.0 IQFoil HGO is on the 530.
Select to expand quoteBen1973 said..
Was mw sails right all along, inflatable luff sleeves
Ahead of his time.
Select to expand quoteaeroegnr said..
Also note they list a bunch of MDM extensions? Hmm.
Based on these having an identical QR code / serial number sticker at the bottom of these masts as the Slake masts, I reckon maybe a decent chance the North masts will be rebadged/partnership or made by same manufacturer (CST Composites) as Slake who have been pushing the MDM mast concept.
All the mast models are described as RDM. Seems likely the Optima race mast (sizes to 530) should be MDM. Otherwise, why would they need to offer MDM extensions and an MDM to SDM boom adapter? Will be interesting to see sail specs once the website has launched.
