1
Lay out the sail
Lay the sail starboard side up, mast sleeve on the right. Choose a calm, preferably sand-free area and unroll the sail downwind. Check that all zipper tabs are open before inserting the mast.
Loftsails Rigging Guide
Rigging Guide
A good session starts with a well-rigged sail. Begin with the recommended specs printed on your sail and adjust after your first few uses as the materials settle. Every rider has a personal trim sweet spot, so take a moment on the water to experiment.
Note: All printed measurements are guidelines -- not absolute rules.
Switchblade · Racingblade · Formulablade · Skyblade · Raceboardblade
Step by step
Rigging Sequence
Camber sails: Switchblade, Racingblade, Formulablade, Skyblade, Raceboardblade
2
Check the Tekcams
Confirm the Tekcams match the mast type you plan to use: Large Tekcam3s for SDM masts, Reduced Tekcam3s for RDM masts.
3
Insert the mast
Slide the mast into the sleeve above all battens, bypassing every cam.
Warning
If battens end up on both sides of the mast before downhaul is applied, batten or sail damage may result.
Check the sail mast top plug is fully seated in the mast top. Check the mast joint by feeling through the sleeve. If the mast joint feels loose, retape it before continuing.
4
Set mast extension
Adjust the extension to the recommended length. Thread the downhaul and apply firm tension -- enough to bend the mast so the boom can be mounted, but not yet full downhaul.
5
Set boom length
Adjust the boom to the recommended length and attach it at your preferred height. Chest to shoulder level is a good starting reference.
6
Apply full outhaul
Pull the outhaul to firm, full tension. This draws the Tekcams back and away from the mast -- essential before seating the cams. Loose outhaul at this stage will make cam seating difficult.
7
Fully release downhaul
Release all downhaul tension completely. A relaxed mast curve is what allows the Tekcams to seat without force.
8
Set the Tekcams
Set Tekcams into position on the mast by pushing up on the cams from the lower side with one hand and down on the sail batten inside the mast pocket (cam zips open, enter boomhole) for each cam.
Warning
Do not over-apply pressure! If cams do not easily go into place, apply more outhaul tension and less downhaul tension.
9
Apply full downhaul
Once all cams are seated, apply full downhaul tension. When powered up in the water, full downhaul is the correct setting for most conditions. Use the Trim Diamond on the sail head for visual reference.
10
Check batten tensions
Use the Loftsails batten tensioner key included in the mast pocket. Lower battens carry more profile and need firmer tension. Upper battens are flatter and need less. Avoid over-tensioning cam battens -- it can impair rotation.
11
Set outhaul
Adjust outhaul to suit your current windsurfing conditions.
Pro Tip
Remove cams manually by reversing the sequence rather than letting them snap off the mast. This protects the cam rollers and extends sail life.
Camber Sail Rigging
Complete setup guide for Blade sails
Step by step
Rigging Sequence
Non-camber sails: Purelip, Wavescape, Windscape, Oxygen, Escape
1
Lay Out the Sail
Lay the sail starboard side up, mast sleeve on the right. Choose a calm, preferably sand-free area and unroll the sail downwind.
2
Insert the Mast
Slide the mast into the sleeve from the tack. Use the molded Loftsails label above the boom cutout as a guide -- keeping the sleeve slightly open helps the mast travel smoothly. If it becomes difficult to push, move to the boom cutout and guide the mast from there. Once the mast tip is fully inserted, finish from the tack.
Warning
Don't force the mast from the tack alone; it stresses the sleeve and can cause damage.
Check the sail mast top plug is fully seated in the mast top. Check the mast joint by feeling through the sleeve. If the mast joint feels loose, retape it before continuing.
3
Set mast extension
Adjust the mast extension to the recommended length. Thread the pulleys and downhaul to spec using the Trim Diamond on the sail head for visual reference.
4
Apply full downhaul
Downhaul to spec using the Trim Diamond on the sail head for visual reference. When powered up in the water, full downhaul is the correct setting for most conditions.
5
Set boom length
Adjust the boom to the recommended length and attach it at your preferred height. Chest to shoulder level is a good starting reference.
6
Apply full outhaul
Outhaul to the recommended spec. Pull lightly to reach neutral tension, then add 1-1.5 cm of positive outhaul.
7
Check batten tensions
Use the Loftsails batten tensioner key included in the mast pocket. Lower battens carry more profile and need firmer tension. Upper battens are flatter and need less. Avoid over-tensioning battens -- it can damage your sail.
Tuning & Trim Tips
Get the most from your Loftsail
Fine adjustment
Tekcam Spacers
Your sailbag includes 4 to 6 Tekcam spacers. These can be placed between the cam and the front edge of the mast panel to refine the leading edge profile.
- Spacers promote a cleaner, more defined leading edge shape
- Adding spacers makes cam rotation slightly stiffer -- test on the water before committing
- Maximum 2 spacers per Tekcam is recommended
- Cam pressure on the mast can also be adjusted via the Tekcam spacer system -- if rotation feels too stiff, remove a spacer first
SDM vs RDM masts
RDM: cams rotate more easily, rig feels more forgiving, suits smaller sizes and rough conditions. Generally recommended for sizes 7.0 m² and smaller. SDM: produce a slightly fuller lower body profile, better upwind performance in flat water. Generally preferred for sizes 7.3 m² and larger.
Pro Tip
The Tekcam3 system accommodates both; choose the cam set that matches your mast before rigging.
After rigging
Trim Your Sail
Downhaul and outhaul are your two main performance levers. The range between ideal light-wind trim and ideal strong-wind trim for a given sail size can be as much as 3-4 cm on each. Small adjustments make a real difference -- experiment on the water.
Light Winds (Trim Soft)
- Release downhaul 1-2 cm
- Release outhaul 2-4 cm
- Harness lines back 2-4 cm
- Boom slightly higher
Strong Winds (Firm Trim)
- Full downhaul tension
- More outhaul -- sail flatter
- Harness lines forward 2-4 cm
- Boom lower for control
Firm downhaul softens the outhaul effect; releasing downhaul tightens it. If you lengthen downhaul significantly, you may need to adjust boom length by one step accordingly. Avoid excessive outhaul -- it makes the sail unstable and "gutless."
Pro Tip
All Loftsails sails feature dual clew eyelets. Upper eyelet: firmer leech, better for light winds or upwind sailing. Lower eyelet: more twist and control in high winds or downwind runs.
Keep it running
Care & Maintenance
Check the mast joint
Before applying full downhaul, feel through the sleeve to confirm the sections are fully joined. If a gap is felt, stop and re-seat. Tape the joint to keep it secure and block sand entry.
Keep sand away
Sand degrades cam rotation and accelerates wear on the mast pocket and rollers. Never anchor the rig by driving the mast top into the sand. If sand enters the pocket, rinse thoroughly before next use.
Clean the Tekcam rollers
Keep the cam rollers and the mast contact area clean. Deep scratches on the mast will impair rotation and may void the warranty.
Store correctly
Always roll and store your sail clean, dry, and sand-free.
Release batten tension
If storing your sail rolled up for an extended period, release tension on the battens -- especially the lower battens, which carry the most load.
Diagnostics
Troubleshooting
Increase batten tension using the key. Lower battens typically need more tension than upper ones. Ensure downhaul is at full recommended tension.
Add more outhaul tension and confirm downhaul is fully released. The mast should be in a relaxed curve. Never force a cam -- if it resists, the conditions aren't right, not the cam.
Check for sand in the cam area and rinse clean. If spacers are fitted, try removing one. RDM masts rotate more easily than SDMs. Also check batten tension on cam battens -- over-tensioning reduces rotation.
Add downhaul and outhaul. Move the baseplate back and raise the boom slightly.
Increase downhaul to open the leech and flatten the sail. Add outhaul and move harness lines forward 2-4 cm. Moving the baseplate forward increases board control.
Add outhaul and downhaul. Move baseplate forward. An RDM mast or a softer mast closes the rig down more easily.
Add outhaul and downhaul. Move baseplate and footstraps forward. A softer mast reduces the lifting force on the tail.