mast foot (track) position

[john]

Hi,

I used to put it at the middle when using my VMG 8.0 for the Turbo boost 75 which is my only sailboard, still not sure should I remain the same position when using my smallest sail 6.0m.

Thanks in advance

[John I]

A way to figure out mast foot placement for any given kit is to start in the middle. If the board feels a little draggy, pull it back. Or, if the sail touches its bottom batten on the deck or water, pull it back. Also, if the fin washes out because there's too much rail pressure, move it aft.

Conversely, if the board wheelies or rides on the fin too much move it forward. Subtle changes either way can effect your trim quite a bit. Try 2-3 cm changes at any given trial.

As you experiment with the base positions, you'll probably notice that the boom hieght while in the straps changes. Move the boom up when you move the base forward and down for base back.

BTW, smaller sails typically need the base back. I've not spent a great deal of time with the TB75 and a 6.0 as I drop down in board size as well when the wind picks up.

[Steve]

All good points from John. One other thing to add is fin size. A larger fin will require the base to go forward and with a smaller fin the base should go back. With a raked fin or weed fin the ideal position is further back as well. Every time you change one of the variables everything changes. Often the difference with good sailors is their ability to feel these differences.