Cannot figure what are the foil differences between upwind and slalom set up (considering an average 80 kg people in 9-18 kts) .
I was thinking slalom front wing and stabilizer are smaller (for given wind) as well as the fuselage length. But i keep seeing Starboard people using long fuselage while other brands suggest shorter ones.
Doubts also in board width / foil . Thin masts doesn't like very wide ofo boards? While thick masts need wide boards to be better handled when the going gets rough?
I suspect cammed sails are mandatory for upwind stuff. Is it true also for slalom?

I would like to know this, as well. Seems like most of the race foils are intended for upwind downwind courses??

For some reason, I had the impression these race foilers are using their standing race foil kit for slalom but when the wind is lighter. But it would make sense that the dedicated foils for slalom (if there is such a thing) would be different than the upwind/downwind race foils.

Starboard has a foil slalom dedicated foil board now. video about slalom setup:

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WillyWind said..
Starboard has a foil slalom dedicated foil board now. video about slalom setup:

Woah. That was a lot of info. How much of that stuff is from the IQ? Just the mast.

Stands to reason....lower drag foil, smaller deeper sail, slightly narrower board, shorter foil mast, maybe same fuze.

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WillyWind said..
Starboard has a foil slalom dedicated foil board now. video about slalom setup:

Yeah, there also Tristan and Seb videos from Starboard team. All of them suggest to mainly use the 115cm fuselage....
If i've rightly read and understood, other brands suggest shorter fuselages for same goal.
I think first racing kits were settled for upwind racing. Now we're "in between" moments and both nrands and sailors are testing.
Not yet sure thick mast/wide board is THE ONLY way to go for downwind racing.
Meanwhile, if someone wants to add his experience...

If they are suggesting the regular 115 vs the + or ++ then that makes sense. The longer length adds pitch stability but you don't need the forward wing placement for slalom. You would probably run an even lower stab angle as well to minimize foot pressure change with speed and allow more rake.

Hi guys,

A few things that I've picked up so far. Hope it helps -

- upwind downwind fuses have the front wing as far forward as possible. This makes the wing more 'powerful' as you have a lot of front foot pressure and allows for high upwind angles
-slalom fuselages have the front wing further aft which helps stay more in control on reaches and also provides a tighter gybe radius. The length pf fuselage seems to be a personal preference as the longer the fuselage the more stable in pitch it is but it will take longer to react to changes
- upwind downwind boards have straight rails as this parallel stance is more comfortable for upwimd sailing. Wider boards provide more leverage and hence better pointing ability. However a bigger board can be harder to unstick in lighter winds. Some sailors don't use back footstraps as your foot can move quite a lot on downwind legs
- slalom boards have a stance to make sure you are locked in on a reach in the back footstrap.

yeah, I don't figure the relation between mast thickness and board width. Or better, i think poweful stuff for sure helps in upwind racing but is it the same when you have to go for it? Once you succeed to start foiling, arent't you better comfy using narrower stuff during gybes and stuff? Don't thinner masts allow for less drag?

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w100 said..
yeah, I don't figure the relation between mast thickness and board width. Or better, i think poweful stuff for sure helps in upwind racing but is it the same when you have to go for it? Once you succeed to start foiling, arent't you better comfy using narrower stuff during gybes and stuff? Don't thinner masts allow for less drag?

I always thought the mast are made as thin as possible to make it lighter and with less drag regardless of the type of foiling.

Thin and narrow is fast, but might flex and provide less lift.
Long mast provides lift, but also drag and control problems.
Compromise.