What do I think of the gear I use, what conditions does it work best in and what are the limitations?..
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I usually sail with the Icons -the 'allround' and 'test winning' wave
sail, but decided to have a change. I figured that 95% of my sailing is
'down the line' as I always drive to the best spots and on a forecast
(the only exception being Rhosniegr which is sometimes going off when
everywhere else is becalmed and cross on)
And
the Mission is of course the DTL sail with 'Hookipa heritage'. I'd also
heard good things about the Mission from lighter sailors..
So,
what did I think? Well, to be totally honest I think they're bl**dy
awesome. I've just done 2 days of sailing in conditions in which they
really shouldn't excel - onshore small waves and then flat water
blasting/freestyle, and I'm loving them. Sure they don't have the grunt
of the Icons, but they're super easy handling and still have enough
pull to get you planning early and enough stability for blasting. There's a
good range of outhaul settings too, without making the sail feel
awkward. I'm converted -asuming they excel when it's DTL too ofcourse!
I
am comparing to the '010 Missions with the '09 Icons though, and I believe
they've all changed quite a bit for 2010, so it's not really a
'like for like' Icon/Mission comparison. This years sails rig with less
downhaul (see the less floppy leach in the pic) and apparently feel
lighter and more springy anyway.
Anyway, apologies for the pimp,
but it's perhaps worth considering the Missions even if you're not
sailing big waves all the time, especially if you're a lighter sailor
(I'm 77kg's) and you're not keen on Xply (otherwise you want the
MissionX)
And ofcourse they still have the Simmer build quality! (about to get dragged over that infamous South Kernow reef unscathed).
I might also add that since I've been sponsored by Farrell, I haven't snapped a single mast or boom on any of my sails (wave or speed!). Which is quite an achievement considering where I go sailing!
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This is a radically different shape; much shorter and stubbier - looks
kinda sharky with the bulbous nose. Feels like it has slightly more
volume than the 09, wider, has bigger more drivey fins and certainly
felt more comfortable wobbling round on the 5.6 in no wind. I like so
far! (after a light wind day)
After a very wavey offshore day at Bantham...
It hasn't lost the '09's magic bottom turn (similar rear end) but seems
to have improved on the tighter turns. I'm guessing it has moved
slightly towards the 'newer' school of thinking; tighter turning, more
drivey, better cutbacks and able to fit into the pocket better for more
'surfy' style. Not sure I buy into a lot of that, as personally I think
you can't beat good old verticle attack and lip smash, but it's good to
mix things up and the new shape does seem to have advantages without
compromising it's bottom turn (And will be even more appreciated by
those who prefer to S turn all over the show and for less than ideal
conditions)
The only downside seemed to be a bit of tricky
trimming when trying to get into the waves as the nose had a tendency
to pearl dive. But then the wind was fully offshore and you needed to
surf the board on the nose to get into the waves, so bit of a one off
probably. Once you could sheet in and use the sail and get your weight
back it was fine and dandy.
A big thumbs up and I can't wait to try the smaller ones.
Update: I've now sailed the 85 quite a bit and I'm starting to get to know it pretty well. When it's windy I've been putting 16's in the back. In the small stuff it rips and it's a very good float and ride board too. In the bigger stuff, I still have a soft spot for last years 85 (I still have it) -it's easier to sail due to the narrower outline and extra nose and seems to project off the lip better. But it definitely needs more wind and waves to get the best from it.
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Xcel 5mm Infinity Drylock |
This is a serious piece of equipment! There's been some debate on the forums of late as to which suits are best and whether windsurfers have to wear smoothskin -well I've tried a lot of wetsuits over the years and this one wins hands down. In the last 2 yrs I've owned or tried 3 of the other top brands, so I'm pretty well qualified to judge and the Xcel is far and away the warmest, stretchiest and most comfortable (yes, I'm sponsored by them, but I approached them as my first choice knowing how good they were from friends) You can actually feel how hot your midsection is. I honestly believe the reduced area of smoothskin is made up for by the better quality materials and better fit, plus if you're doing a lot of swimming in big surf in winter they're far less tiring and they'll last longer. (especially if you have a large dog that likes to greet you with a clawed hug as you come out the water!)
Surfers actually have the same issues we have (wind chill included), all be it with a lot more sitting around waiting for set waves and most surfers choose Xcel. Just don't wear it too early in the year or you'll cook..
The proof is in the pudding as they say..
 
This is me sailing at Saltburn in the North East of England in a 30mph North Easterly wind on a 2 degree centigrade day in January (without adding windchill!). Also wearing the Hooded polypro vest, 3mm boots and palm-less mitts!
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This came as bit of a surprise to me! I've been using DaKine harnesses for a couple of years now and despite the annoying metal buckles (hard to release or adjust while sailing) I really thought they were the best out there. So this freebie from Farrell came as bit of a shock. Although Simmer aren't renowned for their harnesses, it's actually quite a bit better. It's seriously super comfy, doesn't move about at all and you can easily adjust the spreader bar and pull it right in tight where you want it. I've also used the Gaastra harnesses which are quite similer but a bit more restricting to movement (some may prefer the extra support). The Simmer seems to have it nailed for me, I'm well impressed.
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My longstanding Arrows carbon booms were starting to look a bit ropy,
so I needed to find some replacements. After a bit of research these
came out tops. Farrell Oshea imports them (along with Simmer sails).
So far they've been a great purchase - I bought 1 long carbon one for
speed and a couple of shorter ones for wavesailing. To be honest there
isn't much to tell between the carbon and Ali (which says a lot for the
Ali) -the only thing I notice when sailing is the front end comes
slightly further round on the Ali ones and can be under your hand when
preparing for a spock. Overall though they're ace; a good profile,
lightweight, stiff and a good narrow grip.
The locking system works well and none of the grip has come away. Highly recommended.
I might add that I bought these before being sponsored by Farrell and they're still going strong over 2 yrs later!
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