I have bought a 2nd hand NP Garda sail 6.2 m2. I don't know the year it came out but I believe it is an old sail, still in incredibly good condition and a very good look, though.
As I look at it, the design is quite different from today's sails, and probably not as efficient, but I bought it because of the excellence of NP products and also because I believe that the difference in technology between older and newer sails , although very significant, can be wholly appreciated mostly by demanding performance seekers , but not by the run-of-the-mill windsurfer, like myself for whom leisurely cruising rather than speed or planing are the main priority. ( Besides, I don't need to spend $ 800 for a sail, just to cruise around)
Having said this, I'd like to be able to trim this sail as best as I can within the constraints of its design, particularly DH and here is where I need some help..
Modern sails, can be DH for more or less wind power by visually referring to the leech tension above the boom : typically, it is recommended to give a strong enough DH to pull the batten away from the mast on the upper part of the sail, ie a loose leech down to the boom, with a flat upper shape to spill the wind effectively. The upper leech tension can then be tweaked by adjusting the DH, while the bottom shape can be tweaked by increasing and decreasing the Outhaul.
Unfortunately, this visual reference is not possible with the Garda's design, because the sail remains tight leeched from the tip down to the boom, no matter how much DH and it doesn't look to be designed for spilling the wind from the top.
I have a 460 cm 65% c.c. carbon mast and I have rigged the sail on my yard, experimenting with various DH, and with the mast extension at 42 cm. The lower shape looks good ( it can be increased or decreased with the Outhaul) but the upper leech remains as taut as a.violin string, even with the mast extension at 42 cm. It might loosen up with a stronger DH, but I don't know if it is designed for it. Also, I wouldn't like to snap the mast.
If anybody is familiar with the Garda, I'd like to have comments and suggestions.
Thanks
Francone
The Garda still needs a bit of down haul but it won't ever have a loose leech.
Just rig it until the seam that runs from the head to the tack is tight.
I really think the new sails are much better and everyone will appreciate them, the Garda is probably better suited to an older style long board these days. Good luck.
