hi, just a question for the formula racers out there. Comparably how are formula boards meant to go versus the older 90s race boards with centre board. How does this vary in planing v. non-planing conditions.

Also are are their any tips for getting a formula board to point higher on upwind race legs, again in both planing and non-planing conditions.

Thanks.

Hi Mattn. There are a number of others out there that will be better at explaining this than me, but the basic idea behind the whole Formula concept is that it is a planning class race board. So you need to be planning otherwise you don't get up wind and it ain't much fun either! Raceboards do plane also, but they are a displacement long board and so are able to make to windward(with the dagger board down) when not on the plane.
When on the plane & heading up wind on a Formula board, the idea is to be hiked out with the sail racked back across the body & driving the board forward off the fin. So in essence; sail raked back, body weight leaning forward, arms stretched out straight and lots pressure on the back leg leveraging off the fin, whilst railing the board. Simple really!
Check out some of the more technical details written by David Howe on the Balmoral Sailing Club web site. There's some info there about regular Saturday sailing if you'd like to come down for a visit and have a chat also?
http://www.balmoralsc.com.au/index.php/classes/formula-windsurfer