I tend to prefer the feel of my mast track forward of half way (3/4 up) coz it keeps the board more stable when Im fully powered up in 25kts and a bit of chop. However, I just been reading about loading and now understand that my front foot could well be pulling harder on the strap due to my mast pisition. Or, could it just be my technique? ...aI havent been back in the sport long. Although I can carve gybe and waterstart, it seems my biggest issues are the simplest ...i.e. mast foot position and getting comfortable in my harness lines (though I think Ive finally got them set in the right position and length).
It seems theres a crap load of contradictory information on mast foot position. I know though, that forward provides control, windward ability, keeps the nose down in chop, lowers the boom, and backward gives more speed (generally speak7ng, but not always), can lead to spinout due to power disti toward the back of the board, earlier planing (Im not convinced on this one though) and is generally better for out of control down wind runs.
I tried to revive a 2010 thread on a similar topic, but it was closed. Anyone care to chime in please and talk about foot loading and mast track position? I dont sail under 20kts, so getting planing is never an issue (just slogging to the wind line sometimes).
Cheers gang.
Nige
I used to spend a bit of time at the start of each session fiddling around with mast base position and boom height to get the weight evenly balanced on both feet but have since decided that board trim is more important. Even weight on both feet is only important if you are sailing square, as upwind and downwind your weight will be unevenly placed anyway. It can be nice for really long runs as it prevents one leg getting tired. Getting the board trim right usually gets the weight evenly balanced anyway. The settings for board trim vary according to conditions, sail size, board etc so I find it is something I have to fiddle with every time I sail if I want maximum performance. 1 cm change in mast base position can make a lot of difference to performance and comfort.
