It’s important to realize how much correct sail tuning can affect performance and your fun on the water. Downhaul tension and the overall luff curve of the sail is affected by the downhaul measurement, so it is very important to achieve the optimal setting for your session.
You probably know about the luff measurement marked on your sail, for example 12cm, and you set your base to 12cm. But did you know each manufacture might have slightly different measurements, so if you are using a different brand extension this could be crucial. So although not noticeable to the eye, a centimeter can make a large difference So use this method to confirm your specs.
When designing sails, manufacturers measure the downhaul from the bottom of the mast to the perpendicular projection of the bottom corner of the sail pulley. That information is
then printed in the sail.
The downhaul is one of the most crucial steps to rigging. It controls the shape of your windsurfing sail and can’t be changed while sailing. Finally, confirm that your tack pulley is as close to the base pulley as possible.
Check out the video where Artur Szpunar of Maui Sails explains how to tune and measure your downhaul settings according to the sail specification box.
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