First Test of 2009 GPS
Posted by Tom
Photos by Bob Gilbert
Wednesday is a sail testing day and yesterday I got to test the first 2009 GPS 6.0 protoype and the new wide boom.
The winds showed around 30mph on Iwindsurf and the tide was good between 1 and 2 feet. I met Eric Beale at Sprecks at 2pm and Bob was there to document the afternoon. The wind proved very gusty and shifty with definate asymetry (different directions at different heights). At times it felt like the wind was blowing down and it was dificult to lift a rig on the beach or waterstart - very strange.
I initially rigged the sail too full as the super wide boom maked it look flatter than it really was. I quickly ended up at maximum downhaul to help deal with the gusts which helped a lot on Starboard tack but made going upwind on Port a real chore. I had meant to put an adjustable outhaul on but did not find the time. After this session I will definately make the time!
Erik Beale and Tom Hammerton discuss the conditions
The water was very rough, but there were a few good lanes that would periodically open up on the lower section of the reef. Unfortunately the wind had about 5 degrees too much east in it and the course was a little too broad. It all came together on one run and I posted a 35.7 knot 10 second run. I was very happy with this as 35 knots had been the stated goal for the day. It was definately a little hairy, but I only had one high speed crash. I did however manage to cut both heels!
Check out my Session below:
http://www.gps-speedsurfing.com/gps.asp?mnu=user&val=28374&uid=2626&cnt=
This is a new personal best for 5 x 10 seconds 34.38knots!
I was totally exhausted by the end of the day but very happy!
Stay tuned for upcoming details of the 2008 Maui Vmax speed ladder Eric, Marc and I are putting together.
Photos by Bob Gilbert
Wednesday is a sail testing day and yesterday I got to test the first 2009 GPS 6.0 protoype and the new wide boom.
The winds showed around 30mph on Iwindsurf and the tide was good between 1 and 2 feet. I met Eric Beale at Sprecks at 2pm and Bob was there to document the afternoon. The wind proved very gusty and shifty with definate asymetry (different directions at different heights). At times it felt like the wind was blowing down and it was dificult to lift a rig on the beach or waterstart - very strange.
I initially rigged the sail too full as the super wide boom maked it look flatter than it really was. I quickly ended up at maximum downhaul to help deal with the gusts which helped a lot on Starboard tack but made going upwind on Port a real chore. I had meant to put an adjustable outhaul on but did not find the time. After this session I will definately make the time!
The water was very rough, but there were a few good lanes that would periodically open up on the lower section of the reef. Unfortunately the wind had about 5 degrees too much east in it and the course was a little too broad. It all came together on one run and I posted a 35.7 knot 10 second run. I was very happy with this as 35 knots had been the stated goal for the day. It was definately a little hairy, but I only had one high speed crash. I did however manage to cut both heels!
Check out my Session below:
http://www.gps-speedsurfing.com/gps.asp?mnu=user&val=28374&uid=2626&cnt=
This is a new personal best for 5 x 10 seconds 34.38knots!
I was totally exhausted by the end of the day but very happy!
Stay tuned for upcoming details of the 2008 Maui Vmax speed ladder Eric, Marc and I are putting together.
posted by Jeffrey, Glenn and Tom at
3/20/2008 10:01:00 AM
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