German Surf loved the gator 6.0!! Ironically its full xply (but smart Severne developed LIGHT XPLY (Severne are developing more sial materials than anyoy other sail manufacturer- all of the performance and durability without the heavy dull stuff)
GERMAN SURF, March 2008
SEVERN GATOR 6.0
On Land:
It shows a strong, in comparison deep profile in the lower part of the body and tight battens that sit directly on the side of the mast. The very harmonious sail twist ends in a lot of loose leech in the upper part of the sail. The Gator concept was designed with the smalls sizes (5.3 and smaller) as wave oriented sails, and 6.5 and larger for flat water and low-end performance. The sizes 5.5 and 6.0 should fit in between.
On the Water:
The Severne Gator conveys a slalom feel, just as expected from checking the profile on land. Similar to the current freeride model, the NCX (test in SURF 11-12/2007), it has a very light feel paired with high performance. This model was not designed to be a freestyle sail in particular, the real advantage lies in it's broad range performance. From early planing to top speed, no sail can follow the Gator permanently. Whoever is looking for blasting sail without cambers can't miss out on the Gator. The trim range of this sail is enormous and yet it is easy to handle when trimmed for light wind. The profile is locked in as if invisible cambers were to stabilize the battens on the mast. During maneuvers there is a noticeable tension on the battens which rotate tight around the mast. The bottom most batten rotates only after sheeting in. The battens push a little belly into the sail during maneuvers, even in the flattest trim. During freeride maneuvers such as jibes, 360's and duck jibes however, the light tension on the battens does not interfere. On the opposite; the Gator can convince now with it's light weight and quick acceleration out of the turn. We rate it therefore highly as freeride Maneuver sail.
SUMMARY: A very light feeling sail with "slalom feeling" stable and fast.
