Frequently Asked Questions

HERE ARE ANSWERS TO SOME OF THE MORE COMMON WINDSURFING, SAIL AND MAST RELATED QUESTIONS WE RECEIVE.  IF YOU HAVE A WINDSURFING QUESTION FOR SAILWORKS YOU'D LIKE ANSWERED, CONTACT US BY PHONE OR EMAIL.
 

Q: WHY CHOOSE SAILWORKS?

A: Our sails are built to last, priced fairly, and we don't just sell them - we ride them too. If you ever have any issues with your gear, we service what we sell, so you can get back out on the water in no time. Check out our reviews, ask around, or give us a call at 1-877-639-7245. We're always happy to chat about all things windsurfing.

 

Q: WHAT YEAR IS MY SAIL?

A:  Sailworks uses a unique color code identifier on the end of sail bag construction to identify each model year's production.  The list of color codes by year can be found here.

 

Q: MY SAIL HAS TWO CLEW GROMMETS.  WHICH ONE SHOULD I USE?

A:  The dual clew grommets allow you to ergonomically align the boom to a comfortable angle. For example, if you are tall and set your boom in the upper half of the boom opening, then you should use the upper grommet, conversely, if you are short and set your boom in the lower half of the boom opening, then use the lower grommet. Using both grommets will effectively give you middle position, but can potentially pucker the sail between the grommets under strong outhaul tension. There is a minor effect upon the leech tension, depending upon which grommet you use. The upper grommet will make the leech slightly tighter and the lower grommet will make the leech slightly looser. The affect on the leech tension, however, is secondary to getting a comfortable boom angle for good control and leverage over the rig.

 

Q:  WHAT DO THE MCS AND IMCS STIFFNESS NUMBERS MEAN?

A: The MCS (Mast Check System) stiffness number is derived from actual measurements of the mast's mid-point deflection under a 30kg load, divided into the test length of the mast. This MCS value is only comparable the masts of the same length.  The IMCS (Indexed Mast Check System) stiffness number uses the MCS value, but indexes it to 460cm length to make the IMCS stiffness comparable to masts of different lengths.  A more detailed explanation of the MCS bend test and the calculation of the IMCS stiffness coefficient is explained here.

 

Q:  IF A RDM AND SDM MAST HAVE THE SAME IMCS AND CURVE SPECIFICATIONS, THEN WOULDN'T THE SAIL FUNCTION THE SAME WHILE SAILING?

A: First of all keep in mind that IMCS bend test is a static suspension test, which, while very useful for comparing the mast stiffness and curve specifications of masts, does not (and cannot) make any evaluation of the dynamic responsiveness of a mast. There are four factors that will dictate dynamic responsiveness of a mast.

1. Diameter - The diameter of a tubular structure (like a windsurfing mast) plays a huge role in its resulting stiffness.  For a given IMCS stiffness specification, a SDM will feel stiffer and more lively than a RDM due to the inherent stiffness derived the larger diameter and not the fiber layup.  Masts are scaled in stiffness to match the sail size - shorter masts are softer for small sails and longer masts are stiffer for bigger sails.  It is therefore easier to achieve a short/soft stiffness spec. with a RDM, and to achieve a long/stiff spec with a SDM.

2. Layup - The fiber layup and percentage/quality of carbon content will affect the performance of the mast.  The dynamic reflex response of a mast is function of its weight and stiffness. Making the mast lighter and/or stiffer by using more carbon content, or better quality carbon fibers, will make it feel lighter and handle with a livelier response.

3. Fit to the mast sleeve - When you choose a between a RDM and a SDM you are introducing a geometric variable as well.  Even if the SDM and RDM are exactly the same curve and stiffness, the difference in mast diameter will introduce variations in the shape and/or tension distribution of the sail. In the sail design we account for the diameter of the mast in the width of the mast sleeve.  When using a RDM in a sail that can also accommodate a SDM, there will be excess mast sleeve proportionate to roughly 1/2 the net difference in mast circumference.  This effect occurs in the lower half of the mast where the diameters are different.  When under wind load, the excess sleeve width will introduce additional shaping along the leading edge of the sail, causing the center of effort to move forward.   Depending upon how you set the downhaul it can lead to either a fuller mid-section of the sail, or excessive head and leech twist at a "normal" (i.e standard diameter mast) profile, as compared to the same sail rigged on a SDM mast of similar curve and stiffness.

4. Durability -  RDMs are typically built from the same quantity of fiber as SDMs, but because the tooling diameter is smaller the fiber layup will wrap the mast more times, resulting in a thicker wall section on a RDM compared to a SDM.  Masts with smaller diameters and thicker wall sections are more durable, which is why RDMs are the defacto standard for wave masts and other high load/impact rig requirements.

 

Q: WHY DID YOU MAKE THE HUCKER SAILS?

A: The Hucker sails were initially made as custom prototypes for Dale Cook to increase the height and hang time of his jumps. Dale is powerful and aggressive sailor and the Revo and Retro sails were not giving him the lift he wanted for flat water boosting. If you haven't seen a Hucker fly yet, check some of our video clips! The initial Hucker prototype sails were passed around to many Gorge riders in the summer of 2004. It turned out that there are lots advanced high wind sailors who were not satisfied with the jumping capabilities of their wave sails, so Hucker concept became a production sail line for 2005.  In many respects, the Hucker design is a bit of a throw back to late 80s shaping profiles. It has a very high center of effort, so the boom height needs to be raised and the mast step position moved forward to get a good balance. The Hucker loves small, fast high wind boards. Be very wary of the Hucker on a curvey rocker wave boards, which cannot accelerate fast enough and the high centered power of the Hucker becomes challenging to control. Get your Huck on!

 

Q: THE DRAFT FEELS LIKE ITS MOVING AROUND IN MY RETRO. WHAT'S WRONG?

A: Draft instability in the Retro is indicative of insufficient downhaul tension. Increasing the downhaul tension will tighten and stabilize the leading edge of the sail, locking the draft in place and it also allows the head and upper leech to twist twist open, which keeps the center of effort low where its easy to control. For additional power ease the outhaul to increase the depth of the draft. For more info, see the RETRO RIGGING GUIDE and in particular, the downhaul settings instructions.

 

Q: HOW MUCH SHOULD I TENSION THE BATTENS?

A: Keep the battens tightest in the bottom of the sail where the draft profile is deepest, and feather the batten tension back as you move up to each next batten. Additional shape can be forced into the sail with batten tension, so be careful not to over-tensioning the upper battens.

 
Q: WHY IS A SIGNATURE REQUIRED ON DELIVERY, CAN I ASK FOR NO SIGNATURE DELIVERY?

A: Signature on delivery is a mandatory part of the chain of custody requirement with FedEx for full-value shipment insurance. FedEx automatically insures each shipment only to a maximum value of $50, unless additional insurance is purchased. We cannot insure a shipment for its full value against loss or damage without a signature upon delivery. We automatically insure all high value shipments so that both we and our customers are protected. It's not just about theft at the delivery location - loss and damage in shipping does happen. We've been on both sides of it, with and without insurance, and it's an enormous hassle and cost for all involved. We will not ship a high-value item uninsured for no-signature delivery without first receiving a signed waiver from our customer releasing us and FedEx from liability for loss or damage. This situation is not unique to Sailworks, as you will find this to be a common practice for most vendors shipping high-value items.

 

Q: DO YOU HAVE ANY WINDSURFING TIPS OR ADVICE? 

A: Yes, check out our windsurfing tips page here: WINDSURFING TIPS

 

Q: WHAT IS YOUR RETURN POLICY?

A: We will refund the original purchase price, excluding shipping costs, on any new product that is UNUSED and returned with all original packaging for a period of 30 days after purchase.

 

Q: WHAT IS YOUR WARRANTY POLICY 

A: Sailworks products are warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one year to the original end-user. Sailworks will repair or replace legitimate warranty claims at its sole discretion.  This warranty covers the Sailworks product only, and specifically excludes transport and handling costs associated with the warranty service. Contact us or your Sailworks dealer or distributor for additional information on this process.  

 

Q: HOW DO I SET UP MY ADJUSTABLE OUTHAUL SYSTEM?

A: Detailed instructions for setup and use of the Sailworks Adjustable Outhaul System can be found here.