First time out on the 2014 Severne OD R5 today.

7.0 OD R5 on 2014 iS117 with 39 Select. The wind was only light to begin with (around 12 knots), then built to 18knts.

First impressions are that the sail is very light, very smooth, rotates very smoothly in the gybes and tacks, and is just ONE SWEET RIDE! I did need to rig it with 2cm more downhaul than printed on the sail, as I could feel the leech not twisting off and driving me into the wind. More downhaul helped, and I was lovin it.

I've come from Severne Reflex sails and was suspicious of the move to the OD, but I reckon it's going to be more than OK.

I've got two of these in 7.0 and 8.6 and if the 7.0 gets me going in 12 knots on fresh water, then the 8.6 should have awesome light air drive.

Some pics:

got the R4's... sensational sails But what's with the adjustable head on the 5.1's

Nice, I've just got the 7.0, 7.8, and 8.6 but have not had the opportunity to get them wet yet but can't wait , thanks for the review

When you guys are done with them send them my way.
Love my Overdrives.

Select to expand quote

tobyr said...
When you guys are done with them send them my way.
Love my Overdrives.

Hey Toby, used the 7.8 on Sunday @ Melville, very impressed, I don't think you will be getting mine any time soon

Select to expand quote

Aus06 said..

I've come from Severne Reflex sails and was suspicious of the move to the OD, but I reckon it's going to be more than OK.

I have sailed the OD's a bunch. They are really slick sails. To be honest I would recommend them over the R5's if you are not racing as they are almost identical in top speed, rig much easier, less cams/battens (ie, less parts that could potentially break) and did I mention they rig easier? There's a really nice balance between stability and power... they are super quick off the wind - I was quite surprised when I first jumped on them!

Hi Damo, Don't be like that, there will come a day, you know it's true.

New sails have arrived
Big change for me this year after being on loft since 2007.
Really looking forward to trying these sails, they look amazing rigged up.
Ive got a 7.8, 7, 6.2 in Overdrives R5 and a 5.6 Reflex R5

Stayed tuned

7.8 Overdrive R5

Awesome looking sails mate! Love the pose too.

Looking good Vando. Keen to hear how they go in comparison too. Got a response from Loft and basically Australia won't be getting any 2014 models into country as they believe it's too late into our season. Damn shame as I love my Blades.

Meant to add are you using rdm's or sdm's Vando?

they are arriving here in two weeks Saucisse !!!

Select to expand quote

Aus06 said..

Some pics:

Need some LC200 pics also.

Select to expand quote

sausage said..

Looking good Vando. Keen to hear how they go in comparison too. Got a response from Loft and basically Australia won't be getting any 2014 models into country as they believe it's too late into our season. Damn shame as I love my Blades.

Meant to add are you using rdm's or sdm's Vando?

G'day Snags,
That's a bummer as I was really looking forward to expanding my loft quiver this year. The 2013 RB's are just fantastic sails. I was speaking to Patrick Diethelm recently and he mentioned in passing that he may do the 2015 order for but that doesn't help us loft guys now. Bummer.

Back on topic: I've recently sailed locally with Robbie Radis who works for Severne, specifically on the Overdrives and he's been smoking on them. It looks/sounds like a definite improvement over the previous incarnation. Might have to ask for a demo....

Select to expand quote

seanhogan said..

they are arriving here in two weeks Saucisse !!!

Apologies for off topic but any idea if we can buy Loft from NC dealer and get it shipped?

Vando
What masts are you using?

Great stuff.

Look at all these awesome Overdrive R5's getting around the country. Can't wait to hear the reviews from people as they get them out on the water...

Select to expand quote

quatro25 said..

Aus06 said..

Some pics:

Need some LC200 pics also.

Huh? Check out carsales.com if you want to buy it...

Arrh... wondered why the wind has shut down lately Vando.

Select to expand quote

Ian1 said..

Vando
What masts are you using?

I'm using the Severne SDM90% but I will try them on my Loft mast as well.
One of the reasons I picked the overdrive was the option to run RDM with them.

Yer Tony my fault no wind

Excellent stuff guys, great photos. I have always had Reflex sails since the first models up to the R4. This season I decided to change to the OD5. Chris I was also a bit worried going from the Reflex to OD but I am sure now it was the right decision. There are quite a few of us in Tassie now with OD. Our new OD5 sails will be in the state next week, cannot wait One of the Tassie guys did over 45 knots on a OD4 a couple of weeks ago so no doubt these sails work well Nice one Vando

Severne SDM 90% is the pick of the masts for the OD for sure.

It'd be great to get feedback and tuning tips from the OD users, especially those coming from Reflex sails. My 7.0 was rigged the other day with 2cm more downhaul, but only in moderate winds. I'm keen to get it out again to see if that will be the norm.

I've also deliberately only ordered 7.0m and 8.6m to really use the full wind range of the sails. Keen to see how this goes too.

I use to jump from a 8.6 down to a 7 but got a 7.8 one year and loved that size.

Rigged the 7 and 6.2 today, I agree maybe the 7 could do with a tad more.
6.2 Looks sweet .

Select to expand quote

vando said..

Ian1 said..

Vando
What masts are you using?

I'm using the Severne SDM90% but I will try them on my Loft mast as well.

I used the SDM90% all season in 2013 on the PWA. They are great masts.... they feel exactly like a 100%.

Select to expand quote

SeanAUS120 said..

vando said..

Ian1 said..

Vando
What masts are you using?

I'm using the Severne SDM90% but I will try them on my Loft mast as well.

I used the SDM90% all season in 2013 on the PWA. They are great masts.... they feel exactly like a 100%.

The SDM90 look really good Sean and is what i will be using, just interested how they look on other mast as well

Any additional feedback from the AUS contingent who have been using the Overdrive R5? I am awaiting delivery of my quiver 7m to 9.5m to the UK which replaces my OD R4's and hopefully should be here within the next 10days to be used mainly on 2014 IS 90/107 and 117.....

Also interested in any 2014 NCX feedback too....

Rgds
Al

Had a great blast on the 7.0 OD and 6.0 NCX yesterday, both on the iS117. The wind was very gusty and it was one of those days where you want the float (iS117) but you also want to cope with the gusts.

The 6.0 NCX is a dynamite sail. I am very impressed with the speed and stability from a no cam sail.

The 7.0 NCX has great bottom end, awesome acceleration, great top speed and rotates really well in the transitions. At times I was over boarded yesterday, and I could feel the sail 'moving' more than the Reflexes I am used to. Whilst this was a bit surprising, it was nothing to be worried about. Had I been on my Futura 93 in those gusts, then that movement would have disappeared as the board speed would have been faster.

I have not updated gear for 3 or 4 years, and often it is hard to pick up the improvements. But this year I am noticing HUGE improvements in both the boards and the sails - and I'M LOVIN IT!

Thats great to hear Chris

Select to expand quote

NWF said...
Any additional feedback from the AUS contingent who have been using the Overdrive R5? I am awaiting delivery of my quiver 7m to 9.5m to the UK which replaces my OD R4's and hopefully should be here within the next 10days to be used mainly on 2014 IS 90/107 and 117.....

Also interested in any 2014 NCX feedback too....

Rgds
Al

I have the 7, 7.8 and 8.6 and have had the opportunity to use all of them.
I guess all I can say is that you won't be disappointed, I have used the Overdrives since 2007 barring the 2013 models and can confidently say they are the best yet., bottom end is great, rotation effortless and endless power, they keep pulling like a cheap hooker
I rig them on the Blueline masts without issue and normally add 1-2 cm more downhaul, they are just a really nice sail and a credit to the Severne team, a quality product

And how is the top end (owerpowered) stability compared to R5?

Thanks for your findings guys as I was interested on your feedback. As I had originally decided to upgrade to Reflex R5's this year, after spending last few seasons on OD's but then decided against the decision and stick with the faithfuls.... Mainly due to cost, hassle factor and my local sailing conditions and fitness..... I will be tuning up against Reflex 5's mind you this season and as long as I appreciate the factors of wind range etc of both models I am sure i won't be disappointed. I am also a big fan of the NCX range too and I hear SV have risen the bar once more..... So have a couple of those on order too.

Always appreciate feedback.

Select to expand quote

NWF said..

Also interested in any 2014 NCX feedback too....

Rgds
Al

I have the 7.5 NCX ... absolutely my favourite sail in the Severne lineup. It's incredibly stable for a no-cam... I've used it up to 30 knots in ocean swell (mainly cause I was too lazy to rig a smaller, cammed sail). It's swayed my whole way of thinking about cammed sails; I really don't think they are necessary unless you are racing where you need more acceleration out of the turns etc.

I'm using the NCX all the time these days :-)

Select to expand quote

SeanAUS120 said..
It's swayed my whole way of thinking about cammed sails; I really don't think they are necessary unless you are racing where you need more acceleration out of the turns etc.
I'm using the NCX all the time these days :-)

Completely agree. I have 7.5, 6.5 & 5.5NCX, my only cammed sail is a 5.0 for a proper speed sailing session at the PiT, Inverloch or when LG is on.