Speed Board Questions

Having had my first real fun adventure into flat water speed sailing recently, I have a few questions for the experienced Speed Sailors and sail and board designers.

• Is mast track placement forward used to counter heavy following chop at the end of a run? Will this help or hinder the overall feel.
• What is the modern thinking around speed board design is shorter 222 lengths still the go or are speed boards getting longer again and why?
• I want to try to use my speed board more in higher wind rough water locations as well. Are there any fin and setup recommendations for high wind rough water speed board use?
• Will using my speed board more in higher wind rough water locations be good training for true speed days? Or is it better to ride high wind slalom board.
• My sail is working very well I think, but what is the key things to look for in flat water speed runs, is it different to high wind rough water rigging?

Many thanks for any input

mast track for me is as far back as poss every time unless the wind drops then i take it forward

don't worry too much about length if the board and fin are good you'll be fine
I believe a fin that gives you a bit more lift is good in chop

my speed boards are 42 cm wide 44 and a 50 if its choppy i use my 50 as it gives me more stability, the narrower ones feel too lose causing apprehension =slow speeds.

the only thing i change is the tack strap tight as... if its flat and a bit looser if its choppy just 2 d power the sail a bit again giving me more stability trust comfort = greater speed

I'm no expert but this is what feels good to me go out experiment if something doesn't feel right change it and try n fix it even if its still not right you feel what it did and in this way you learn what works and what doesn't

In regards to speed board from my experience there designed for flat water so go seek some out and enjoy the ride

thanks Leo,

I will give your feedback a try. I think my next big area of improvement will come from some aerobic fitness and strengthening so that I can sail longer and stronger on the big days.

cheers Russ

me too

• Will using my speed board more in higher wind rough water locations be good training for true speed days? Or is it better to ride high wind slalom board.

maybe this would interest you, here is my reflection on that specific question:

www.andersbq.com/2012/07/is-speedboard-always-faster-than.html

Thanks Anders,

Interesting read mate, all I need now is to get the wind back Tassie has been windless of late

cheers Russ

Thanks for the link Anders. I really like your site.