WHY IS THE LOFTSAILS 2016 SPEED BLADE SO FAST?

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The speed design brief is short: Top speed at the very upper end of the wind range.

Spindler-designed Blades have a high-octane development history, setting three absolute World Speed Sailing Records back in the 90s (Royal Yachting Association).

Loftsails Speed Blades went through recent years of development working with Patrik Diethlem- who set the fastest time at the Luderitz 2014 event by more than a knot.

The 2016 Loftsails Speed Blades are an evolution.

Monty and Erik Beale (first over 40knots) collaborated, with Erik bringing in huge speed experience and added methodical, analytical approach.

Their work together produced the new Loftsails 2016 Speed Blade designs that contrast to the 2015s from the leech exhaust re-design. (Similar to advancements made in the racing ranges.)

There is also added performance thank to wider use of monofilm.


Erik Beale’s Speed Blade as used in Namibia

POWER-TO-WEIGHT RATIO

At the 2015 Luderitz event Erik broke his PB 5 times and was the fastest of the [men’s] 80-kg. rider-weight bracket, making him the fastest-per-kilo-of-bodyweight male competitor, which proves the advances made.

The evolution passed controlled testing in Tarifa. The 2016s proved they are better suited to deep downwind courses and exhibit generally more comfortable, easy speed.

MAST ADVICE

SDM 430 is a good 5.9 option for larger speed sailors.

RDMs are good options for lighter riders!

Main Photo: Roger Orvang