Since a few people have asked me about my new sails, I thought I might as well write a review. The problem is I've never quite thought about formally reviewing a sail, so apologies if it sounds a bit light...
First things first, I personally reckon that if a sail makes it to market, that it's associated with a strong brand name and that the price inspires good quality/performance (ie. no cheapies), then chances are it's a pretty decent sail. In addition, if it looks great and makes you feel good when you rig it up, then you have a serious problem if you don't like it...
Having said that, I suppose each sail feels a bit different, although i'm not sure how much of that is due to perception only.
Now back to my review, well i've been using these sails for about 2 weeks, including an awesome week up in Gnaraloo, with the best conditions. So that's wave sailing paradise, and would make you happy riding pretty much anything.
I bought these sails because I wanted something a bit different, because alberto's shop happens to be on my way all the time (i live in north freo) and because i like red and white sails...
I suppose i got lucky because they also happen to work really well. It's a wave sail, no compromise there. First impression when you unpack and rig up is that it's made of good stuff. I guess it's like pizza, only as good as the ingredients are. It feels strong and you don't have that annoying feeling that the monofilm is going to subdue to your fingernails. It's actually X-ply only, so maybe that's why. The attention to details is also a stand-out, very nicely put together.
You just rig it up the way you rig up modern sails. Lots of downhaul, and in this case, I found that a fair bit of outhaul too was the way. It fell nicer with a flat profile. On water, it gets you going, and I found it quite powerful for a wave sail. The power pull is evenly balanced, but tends to pull forward more than it does backward. Reminded me of Neil Prydes. It's a great wave sail, feels really good in the bottom turns, giving you a nice acceleration when you lean forward into your curve. Top turns nicely, although because it's quite powerful, you need to be well positioned to have a smooth and tight top turn. But i think that's a skill not a wave sail feature ;-)
Going out felt good too, it's probably softer than what I have been used too, ie. it's not a sail that's extra rigid. It still keeps a very nice profile and the top twist works as it should. I got a very good wind range out of it, out of pure laziness, but it was manageable.
In short, I really enjoy it and I'm happy with it. If i could have a chat to Francisco Goya, I would point out a few possible improvements. The X-ply is great for durability/strength but not that good for visibility in your bottom turn. It's also probably slightly heavier and the sail can feel a bit heavy. But i'm not sure if that's in absolute or relative terms, or relative to my arms...
In brief, it's a safe bet, as expected, if you want a wave sail and you just enjoy up north and down south, and kite anywhere in between.
Obviously, that's very subjective, i've been using one kind of sail for almost 10 years (Ben's / or Severne's as now called) but I didn't feel short changed.
If you want a more inspirational review, read Josh Stone's:http://www.mauiwindsurfcompany.com/news.cfm?id=85
Happy sailing,
Laurent
aka WWA webmaster (who should spend more time updating it than writing reviews)
aka LOL
Yep - I invested in a set of these aswell and totally agree with LoL very user friendly well made sails.
I rig em all on a skinny except the 5.7 which I put on a regular mast for a bit more stiffness in lighter winds - works well.
I own a 5.0 and a 4.4 since August this year. Have used them a lot and am stoked. The sails are the lightest i've ever used, despite their bomb-proof construction. Goya sais something about them using minimum stiching in design (no additional fancy layers and sewing).
The sail has a quite even depth, giving you an on-and-off feeling of power, exactly what you need in a pure wave sail. Powers up when you need it and depowers easy on the wave.
There are quite a few good sails on the market.
The only comment i could make is that the 4.4 would be better with a 370 mast for it being the smallest sail in your quiver.
Cheers
...and here's your chance to own it!
I am selling my 4.7 because I just bought a 4.4 and it's now redundant. Only used a few times, looks brand new. Check the other section of the forum for more details.
Cheers,
LOL
Got another rev from Windsurf mag (UK)
Goya 5.3
At a glance
After a much anticipated launch, the Goya wave sails have arrived in the UK and visually looks as if the were worth waiting for! Clean and eye catching, they are designed for use in any conceivable wave environment, by riders of any style or ability. The 5.3m is recommended for use with a 430cm mast, although its feels can be softened with more twist by using a 430 bottom section with a 400cm top piece. With no material added purely for aesthetics and minimal seam joints, every effort has been made to reduce the Goya’s physical weight whilst maintaining its strength and durability.
Rigging and set
Using a Goya RDM 430cm mast, the 5.3 has lots of luff curve and requires a significant amount of downhaul, generating masses of leach twist to meet the trimming guide marks situated very close to the leading edge in the top panel of the sail. Setting flat, it retains rotation in its two lower battens, the power deliver adjusted by varying the increment of positive outhaul according to the downhaul.
Ride and Handling
On the water the Goya possessed a very smooth and compact feel in the hands, despite being one of the tallest sails in the group. Light and balanced at rest the draft fills evenly as it is sheeted in, generating steady progressive power instead of forceful grunt. Driving from a low forward position the Goya has a real ease and softness to its ride, perfectly poised and centred in the hands as it absorbs any harsh feedback from chop. When overpowered the tight skin tension in the drat and efficient twist amount to superb control levels, allowing the rider to confidently go for their manoeuvres as they would for under normal power. Not surprisingly, the Goya scores incredibly well in transition, uncourtly suited to fast fluid styles in cross/cross-off conditions, going neutral and allowing the rider to get lower, driving off the front foot to commit the board through the turn. In cross-on waves, it remains very capable but doesn’t have the same drive through the short sharp corners as foils with pre-shape built in. equally capable for hight wind bump and jump sailing, the Goya’s precise, composed handling makes it rewarding and enjoyable to sail with others are struggling.
For
Extremely light precise handling. Top end stability.
Against
Not for the heavier sailor that likes to feel a lot of grunt through the hands.
Verdict
Combining smooth progressive power with dependable stability and impeccable handling, the Goya 5.3m is an excellent performer, particularly recommended for use in cross/cross-off wave environments.
Ciao! A*
