Wind range expansion is the cutting edge of progressive sail design; get more from your equipment...

TRIM IT!

Sails from The Loft are designed to be trim sensitive so you can maximize your performance envelope with less gear!

Optimising trim for high performance windsurfing is a learning process which has no limits! Improvements in one area will compliment trim improvements in other areas. Your windsurfing performance will expand as new trim configurations are experienced.

FEEL IT!

Download expanded [Trim Guide 2007 (PDF)]

Harness lines are your power transfer, so their position and length directly affect rig performance. Finding the right position for the harness lines on the boom is a question of balance.

Lines too far forward will limit speed by keeping the sailor too far forward on the board and not allowing full power transfer. In this situation the back arm becomes fatigued.

If the lines are too far back catapults are more likely and the forward arm becomes fatigued.

Try sailing with no hands! If the lines are in the correct position, you will be able to sail for some moments with no hands! If you reach for the boom first with your back hand, the lines should be moved back. If you reach for the boom first with the front hand, the lines should be moved forward.

Lines that are placed further apart may give windsurfers a feeling of greater stability. Wide lines (30cm+) comfortably harness the sail's power and are generally better suited to beginning windsurfers.

Harness lines placed close together on the boom will make the power transfer very direct, demanding greater attention be paid to to the rig´s position relative to the wind. Racing & competition-oriented windsurfers usually opt for lines set close together, as close as 5cm.

Harness line length also influences windsurfing performance. 24cm to 26cm is the average harness line length. Overly short lines limit speed potential. Bodyweight is your power generator. Bodyweight too close to the rig, and maximum power is unavailable. Overly short lines (less than 25cm max from boom) also limit reaction time as the windsurfer encounters changing wind and sea conditions. Overly long lines may cause arm fatigue and rather wet windsurfing as the sailor makes frequent contact with the water.

Outhaul tension affects harness line position. Soft (powerful) outhaul will need harness lines set farther back. Hard outhaul (flat for strong winds) will bring correct harness line positions forward.
A loose fitting harness affects negatively power transfer and windsurfing performance. Keep your harness tight!