They are just testing them at the moment. Given how light the S1 already is, a three batten will weigh next to nothing.
I'm not sure if I'm convinced about 3 batten sails for a heavier sailor (that likes to be powered up). My SWAT's from last season don't have anywhere near the same range as the other Severne sails so I can only assume the 3 battens are less again. I'm not complaining about the SWAT's - they're excellent and I would buy them again.
I like the look of the 3 batten sails that have the batten cross over the boom (start below boom at mast, end up above boom on leech) meaning there isn't the big amount of sail cloth above the boom with no batten..
Would be keen to try, I know Tim W really likes the 3 batten HSM.
Cheers
I guess if there testing them I'd say they think it might be the future. I'm a heavier guy and ride the 4 batten s1 (2013)and love them I recon they are the best sails I've used. But will admit there top end is not very good. Maybe a 3 batten for light wind sailing would be perfect. A light sail in light wind is amazing in the hands when trying to generate power.
Thou it is always good to note its not the number of battens that determine a good sail. There are great 4 and 5 batten sails going around.
If they work I'd prob buy a couple of bigger ones and a blade 4.5
I read somewhere that Koester switched to Severne because he would be able to have more input into sail development (as well as not wanting to switch his board sponsor). Apparently he is working on a 2.2kg 5.3 wave sail... perhaps the weight reduction will come from reducing the number of battens.
Yeah not convinced either, I run '13 S1's as well and while I love the sails, as others have said their top end is not fantastic, they are quite a soft foil with the 4 batten setup. Obviously you would have to design a 3 batten sail quite differently but 3 battens can only ever provide so much support. That said can't really knock anything too much unless you try it right :)
Select to expand quotesiny said..
Oh man I'm still on 5 battens . So old school
Just keep your 5 battens for another 2 years and you will be cutting edge again.
Select to expand quotestehsegler said..
I read somewhere that Koester switched to Severne because he would be able to have more input into sail development (as well as not wanting to switch his board sponsor). Apparently he is working on a 2.2kg 5.3 wave sail... perhaps the weight reduction will come from reducing the number of battens.
The sponsors stickers on his sail would nullify any reduction in materials in sail design.
Maybe they should concentrate on lightweight decals 
Been on S1s for a few years now and love them, wondering if this will be a new line or replacement? Cmon Ben, spill the beans 
