Rigging is just one of those things a windsurfer has to deal with. Proper rigging can make or break a windsurfing session, and one small variation in the adjustment of your windsurfing equipment might ruin your day.
Boards, sails, and masts are diverse creatures and they all function differently. Regulate your gear in small increments, and when you find settings that you really like, write them down!
The uphaul is the thick rope that is used to pull the sail out of the water. It is often made from tubular webbing with elastic bungee cord in it to keep it out of the way (against the mast) when not in use.
Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a beginner, this small but important piece of equipment is either a thick knotted rope or length of slightly elasticized webbing used to pull up or ‘uphaul‘ the rig. In the beginning, you will use this to get the sail out of the water. As you progress, it will be useful to get you out of a tight spot if the wind dies and you need to get your sail out of the water in a pinch.
The mast foot fits in the bottom of the mast, and includes either a tendon, rubber or mechanical universal joint windsurfing mast base. This joint either connects straight into the board’s mast track, or to a deckplate, bolted into a slot in the board’s deck.
The universal joint allows a rig to be inclined or held at any angle to the board, and it is this device that endows a windsurfer with the unique ability to steer simply by moving the rig around. The mast base may also include an adjustable mast extension, or one can be added if the mast proves to be too short for the sail. [Read more →]
The windsurfing boom is a piece of equipment that attaches to the mast of a windsurf board, providing structural support for the sail. Early booms were tied to the mast using rope, but many newer booms utilize a clamp mechanism for attachments. Booms are often referred to wishbone booms due to their symmetrical shape and are constructed of aluminum or carbon fiber. The windsurfing boom is used to steer and control the speed of the sailboard. Windsurfers will either grip it directly in their hands or use harness lines to control motion.
Mast Length vs. Sail Luff:
Ideally sails should be rigged on exactly the right size mast so that not only is the curvature and stiffness right but also the diameter at each point of the sail is correct. This is especially important with inducers and cams which are designed to fit snugly around a mast of a given radius. If the mast is too large they can become hard to rotate and if the mast is too skinny they just rattle and leave the luff sleeve out of shape. [Read more →]
Carbon Content:
Masts are available in different percentages of carbon ranging from 15% carbon to 100% carbon. No mast is truly 100% carbon, as it contains fibers (carbon, fiberglass or Kevlar) mixed with resin to bond it all together. As a general rule, the higher the carbon content, the lighter the mast will be and the quicker it will respond to return the sail to its optimum position.
What is a mast for and why should I care about carbon content and stiffness?
Good question!
Without knowing what the mast does how can we make sure we get the right one? The mast provides a sail with three things; shape, response time and flexibility. Changing any one of these elements makes for a drastically different feel on the water. So let’s get right to the bottom line and de-mystify THE MAST ! [Read more →]