Question:  I have a Simmer x-flex (5.0) and Goya Eclipse (5.3) that rig on 400 cm mast. Any input on Simmer RDM10 vs. Goya Direct Drive for these sails? Am I missing something sailing them on my old NoLimitz “original” skinny? I’m 165’s.

Answer: Thanks for your mail and question. Simmer mast should be OK.

Nolimitz original skinny 400 is stiffer in the top, softer in the bottom than the Goya mast. This will make your sails a bit tighter in the head, and softer (flatter) in the bottom.

At your weight (165) the sail will feel ok, in light to normal wind, but will start to feel overpowered more quickly in strong wind compared to how it feels on a more flex top mast.

Flex top promotes low stable draft and progressive leech twist- this allows you to rig the sail fuller in light wind (low stable draft for power, open head for control) and allows you to add a bit of outhaul as the wind increases giving easy control when powered up (open head helps here also).

Stiff top/Soft bottom masts don’t have as much range as a flex top mast.

I am not alone with my mast bend strategy- Naish, North Sails, Ezzy, Simmer (at least when I was designing them- now I’m not sure) among others all tend towards flex top.

Hope this info helps!

Please let me know how you go.

Cheers,
Jason

Leave a Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.