Hey guys,

I had a massive stack today caused by the leeward rail of my board catching and diving about 2 foot underwater at about 20 knots....Survived but I can't work out what happened. I was on a JP X-cite 120 with the straps as far back and out as they go, 42cm fin, mast foot just back from the middle and a 8.5m sail in about 20 knots.

If you guys can help with any tips that would be awesome.

What went wrong?
What's the best stance for sailing fast off the wind?
Best technique for the feet to keep the board flat and under control?

Thanks from a Wannbe speed sailor.

Jason.

Jas, not sure where you sail, but a 120 with a 42 and and 8.5.
I (up until recently,) had the 130 and the 110. Best I ever did on the 130 was an 8.4 in about 12-16 knots and a 42 fin.
I think you may need to come down in sail size when its up over 15-16.
That's a lot of area, and with a 42, your going to try to climb up into the wind a tad, which in the end will drive in the leeward side.
Drop the fin down to mid to low 30's
Move the mast foot forward when the breeze gets up, otherwise the nose will want to climb up in front of you and cause all sorts of problems.
All the best

Jas, was the water state choppy ? Did the board get any air and/or do you think the fin let go ? Did you go over the handle bars, if so sounds like you may have rail tripped. I've only had one of those and you have no warning.

Thanks guys,

Haggar, I had just began to bear away and was getting to full speed when it happened. The water was choppy and there was a bit of weed about. I did go over the bars but only after the rail tripped and there was no feeling of spinout.

mineral1, I'm not one for being adventurous so I haven't moved the mast foot since the day I put it on the board...I sail with it just back from the middle all the time 6.2 to 8.5....I may need to start tuning my kit properly. The nose was riding high and with the gusts upto 20 knots was getting flighty at times.

The only times I've tripped a rail, is when the fin has let go, the board goes sideways, and the leeward rail hits the chop straight on. Can also happen in a gybe if you're going too slow and bury too much rail.


Some times there can be chop/wake from a strange direction, if you didn't see it coming that may have done it.

My bet is you spun out. I have had this happen to me and it was caught on video, just a complete slam over the leeward rail. Looking closely at the video you can see the back of the board move just before I went over the handlebars. There was no sensation of fin spin-out/slide - it just went instantly.

- J

Yer I agree with drjukka sometimes it happens that quick you just dont feel the spin out beforehand. Ive had a few of them over the years