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Freestyle sail trim

Created by Obelix Obelix  > 9 months ago, 20 Feb 2020
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Obelix
Obelix

WA

1149 posts

20 Feb 2020 1:50pm
Hi guys,
I use a recent 2 cam 6m sail, but would prefer a camless on the open ocean.

I have an oldish 6m Arrows Trixx in a goood condition but, given it's a freestyle sail, not sure about the trim.
Any special considerations when dealing with freestyle sails?
Thanks
Basher
Basher

590 posts

20 Feb 2020 4:56pm
That's a difficult question to answer because the sail you are talking about is very old and freestyle sails have moved on since then.

For a start it would be rare to see any freestyler on a 6m rig. The modern way to rig a freestyle sail is also to use little downhaul, with the sail set with a tight leech for better acceleration. We then use smaller sails than others would choose for blasting. This is the opposite from a slalom sailors approach - where some (wrongly) say 'you can never have too much downhaul'.

What I would suggest is you use the sail with different downhaul settings and see what feels right.
You could also post a photo, because most sails have a setting that looks about right.
NotWal
NotWal

QLD

7435 posts

20 Feb 2020 11:24pm
Taty Frans mentions a little bit about freestyle sail set.
LeeD
LeeD

3939 posts

21 Feb 2020 12:35am
Basher is correct.
Top freestyler's usually use .7 to 1.5 meter smaller sails than rec experts, tight leach but deep draft when filled.
Pumping is needed, but a light feel when going is needed.
Mark _australia
Mark _australia

WA

23526 posts

21 Feb 2020 7:33am
That age freestyle sail is less dedicated to f/style.
Set it like you would a wave sail and it wouldn't be far off
Obelix
Obelix

WA

1149 posts

21 Feb 2020 4:49pm
Cheers guys.
I used it some time ago while learning so didn't care (or understood the need) to trim.
I remember using it on a 165L board and going pretty well.

Being over 100kg, I generally go to a 6m when the winds are over 25 knots.
With what you all said, a freestyle 6m may be a bit too powerful for that.

Waiting for some wind to try it again.
Will do what you suggested and not down haul it like a slalom sail.

Mark, I wouldn't know how to set up a wave sail.
I can imagine it should be set with not much down haul (?)
da vecta
da vecta

QLD

2515 posts

21 Feb 2020 8:34pm
Select to expand quote
Mark _australia said..
That age freestyle sail is less dedicated to f/style.
Set it like you would a wave sail and it wouldn't be far off


True
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