on mast/board protectors...
The mast and the board make contact with each other when the rig is washed in white water.

This contact can cause damage to both the mast and the board.

Most all sails are constructed with a built-in protector on the mast pocket bottom.

These protectors are usually neoprene or thin foam, and are usually only 20cm or 30cm in height.

Board/mast contact can occur as much as 50cm up the mast, well beyond the average protector.

The protector design from The Loft is a full 50cm high and is built with 8mm thick closed cell foam for real protection!

The Loft protector has a Velcro opening which allows the tack to be completely and easily exposed while rigging and unrigging.

The tack eyelet (and pulley hook) are also covered and padded, with a separate velcro access.