580 or 550 epic on the VMG 12.5 for best upwind performance

[Koen B-12]

Hi Steve,

you told me earlier that the 550 EPIC (Triana) would work also on the 12.5 VMG, but that with the 580, the leech would be a little tighter and a little more deeper profile below the boom.

Would this mean that with my 90kg, the 580 would give me better upwind performance or would it only influence the windrange usage of the 12.5?

Can the same be said for the 11m VMG, rigging it on the 520 or 550?

[Steve]

Hi Koen:

The 580 mast on the 12.5 will give the sail more stability and upper end control. I do not think it will be any faster with the 580 until control with the 550 becomes an issue. At this point you will probably be faster on an 11.0 anyway. The sail will pump better with the 550 and give it better low end for those who are willing to pump. For ultimate range in the 12.5, the 580 mast is probably better for the sailor over 90 kg. I think we will have a better feel for which mast to use and when after some more time is spent on these sails combined with the 2004 boards and fins.

Merry Christmas
Steve