2014 Severne Overdrive R5

First time out on the 2014 Severne OD R5 today.

7.0 OD R5 on 2014 iS117 with 39 Select. The wind was only light to begin with (around 12 knots), then built to 18knts.

First impressions are that the sail is very light, very smooth, rotates very smoothly in the gybes and tacks, and is just ONE SWEET RIDE! I did need to rig it with 2cm more downhaul than printed on the sail, as I could feel the leech not twisting off and driving me into the wind. More downhaul helped, and I was lovin it.

I've come from Severne Reflex sails and was suspicious of the move to the OD, but I reckon it's going to be more than OK.

I've got two of these in 7.0 and 8.6 and if the 7.0 gets me going in 12 knots on fresh water, then the 8.6 should have awesome light air drive.

Some pics:

Nice, I've just got the 7.0, 7.8, and 8.6 but have not had the opportunity to get them wet yet but can't wait , thanks for the review

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tobyr said...
When you guys are done with them send them my way.
Love my Overdrives.

Hey Toby, used the 7.8 on Sunday @ Melville, very impressed, I don't think you will be getting mine any time soon

Hi Damo, Don't be like that, there will come a day, you know it's true.

Awesome looking sails mate! Love the pose too.

they are arriving here in two weeks Saucisse !!!

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sausage said..

Looking good Vando. Keen to hear how they go in comparison too. Got a response from Loft and basically Australia won't be getting any 2014 models into country as they believe it's too late into our season. Damn shame as I love my Blades.

Meant to add are you using rdm's or sdm's Vando?

G'day Snags,
That's a bummer as I was really looking forward to expanding my loft quiver this year. The 2013 RB's are just fantastic sails. I was speaking to Patrick Diethelm recently and he mentioned in passing that he may do the 2015 order for but that doesn't help us loft guys now. Bummer.

Back on topic: I've recently sailed locally with Robbie Radis who works for Severne, specifically on the Overdrives and he's been smoking on them. It looks/sounds like a definite improvement over the previous incarnation. Might have to ask for a demo....

Vando
What masts are you using?

Arrh... wondered why the wind has shut down lately Vando.

Excellent stuff guys, great photos. I have always had Reflex sails since the first models up to the R4. This season I decided to change to the OD5. Chris I was also a bit worried going from the Reflex to OD but I am sure now it was the right decision. There are quite a few of us in Tassie now with OD. Our new OD5 sails will be in the state next week, cannot wait One of the Tassie guys did over 45 knots on a OD4 a couple of weeks ago so no doubt these sails work well Nice one Vando

I use to jump from a 8.6 down to a 7 but got a 7.8 one year and loved that size.

Rigged the 7 and 6.2 today, I agree maybe the 7 could do with a tad more.
6.2 Looks sweet .

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SeanAUS120 said..

vando said..

Ian1 said..

Vando
What masts are you using?

I'm using the Severne SDM90% but I will try them on my Loft mast as well.

I used the SDM90% all season in 2013 on the PWA. They are great masts.... they feel exactly like a 100%.

The SDM90 look really good Sean and is what i will be using, just interested how they look on other mast as well

Had a great blast on the 7.0 OD and 6.0 NCX yesterday, both on the iS117. The wind was very gusty and it was one of those days where you want the float (iS117) but you also want to cope with the gusts.

The 6.0 NCX is a dynamite sail. I am very impressed with the speed and stability from a no cam sail.

The 7.0 NCX has great bottom end, awesome acceleration, great top speed and rotates really well in the transitions. At times I was over boarded yesterday, and I could feel the sail 'moving' more than the Reflexes I am used to. Whilst this was a bit surprising, it was nothing to be worried about. Had I been on my Futura 93 in those gusts, then that movement would have disappeared as the board speed would have been faster.

I have not updated gear for 3 or 4 years, and often it is hard to pick up the improvements. But this year I am noticing HUGE improvements in both the boards and the sails - and I'M LOVIN IT!

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NWF said...
Any additional feedback from the AUS contingent who have been using the Overdrive R5? I am awaiting delivery of my quiver 7m to 9.5m to the UK which replaces my OD R4's and hopefully should be here within the next 10days to be used mainly on 2014 IS 90/107 and 117.....

Also interested in any 2014 NCX feedback too....

Rgds
Al

I have the 7, 7.8 and 8.6 and have had the opportunity to use all of them.
I guess all I can say is that you won't be disappointed, I have used the Overdrives since 2007 barring the 2013 models and can confidently say they are the best yet., bottom end is great, rotation effortless and endless power, they keep pulling like a cheap hooker
I rig them on the Blueline masts without issue and normally add 1-2 cm more downhaul, they are just a really nice sail and a credit to the Severne team, a quality product

Thanks for your findings guys as I was interested on your feedback. As I had originally decided to upgrade to Reflex R5's this year, after spending last few seasons on OD's but then decided against the decision and stick with the faithfuls.... Mainly due to cost, hassle factor and my local sailing conditions and fitness..... I will be tuning up against Reflex 5's mind you this season and as long as I appreciate the factors of wind range etc of both models I am sure i won't be disappointed. I am also a big fan of the NCX range too and I hear SV have risen the bar once more..... So have a couple of those on order too.

Always appreciate feedback.

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SeanAUS120 said..
It's swayed my whole way of thinking about cammed sails; I really don't think they are necessary unless you are racing where you need more acceleration out of the turns etc.
I'm using the NCX all the time these days :-)

Completely agree. I have 7.5, 6.5 & 5.5NCX, my only cammed sail is a 5.0 for a proper speed sailing session at the PiT, Inverloch or when LG is on.