FrenchToast said..
I sail in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. 1h north of Milwaukee; 2:30h north of Chicago. You might be right regarding how little wind there was. Maybe 9-10 knots? I cannot imagine getting this kit on a plane in less than that. I had similar session 2 days ago and it took me at least 8-10 pump to get the board up and going. Once it is on a plane tho, the kit is going through lulls fantastically well. I really tok the wind to die down for the board to come off.

More impressions:
About a week ago, I went out in 13-14 knots it seemed. The V8 was set to release plenty at the top with medium+ outhaul. Even overpowered in gusts, the sail was balanced; it was tiring but manageable. The board was flying over the chop and swell. I think the Falcon can easily be rigged with a 8 or 8.5 in stronger wind and still provide a controlled ride. The boom length being this short, I even managed to waterstart after a failed jibe (the luff sleeve wasn't yet full of water though). I used a 57cm slalom fin (stock is 50cm). Doesn't seem to make a difference upwind and I haven't had enough TOW to see if it provides more early planing lift compared to the 50cm. I managed to spin out a couple of time upwind with the 57cm though. Maybe putting too much foot pressure... don't know. Fully powered, the Falcon Lightwind is fast but doesn't seem to be as fast as my 124L AtomIQ. I need a gps tracker to verify. Regardless, I've been on the water planing with a smile in conditions I wouldn't have bothered heading out to the beach. The kit is doing exactly what I was hopping for. The 9.4 V8 is delivering substantially more power than my 8.5 Lion3 obviously.

Next winter, I have to try foiling on rental gear and if conclusive, I might put a foil on the falcon for new lightwind experiments! If anyone has done this on a JP, Fanatic or RRD lightwind, let me know how it went.

FrenchToast said..




Ha! We might have crossed paths: I also sail on Winnebago mainly during westerly wind days. Often launching in front of WindPower or at Deadwood Point. See ya there and let us know in a new post your experience with the new foil kit.

FrenchToast said..
For those outside the US who were not able to watch my short video on my first time on the Fanatic Falcon lightwind, here's a new link:

The music publishing company kept on blocking the original vid. Hopefully this version will stay clear.

I sailed this board in very different conditions over the last 4 months and pushed it in 17-18kn with a 7.5 in 6 foot swell. That was a handful but I was positively surprised at how "civilized" the board was in these conditions. I'll post a few pics and maybe a vid on that session in the upcoming weeks.

FrenchToast said..
50cm that day but I now sail a 56cm with that sail.

iam5speed said..
Hey FT (& everyone else)

I'm new to this site but have been reading this thread with interest & have enjoyed reading everyone's input.

I've been sailboarding for 25 years but a couple of years ago I damaged my arm & wrist (fell off a ladder & my arm is quite weak) & haven't been able to sail (& I miss that sensation of speed with just the sound of water slapping on the board (you know what I'm saying)).

I have the opportunity to buy a Falcon L/W & I have a NP 8.7m no cam sail that used to work well in light winds. I weigh 78kg. I'd like your opinion on if its possible I could get the L/W planning in under 10kn with that sail?

Due to my arm, I doubt I will ever sail in anything over 15kn which gives me a very small wind speed window & I dont think I can handle a bigger sail due to the weight of the rig. Just keen to hear your thoughts as you seem to be the only person with a L/W I can find.

Would also like any tips on early planing from anyone (with minimal pumping) i.e. fin sizes, mast position, harness line position, sail setup etc.

Thanks in advance

Mark

BSN101 said..





Im a new owner of the Starboard Ultrasonics 147 2017 Drake Race 58cm.
I have used NP Hornet 8.2 and have a KAR 8.7 that I've not used yet.

What is the sail? Age & model
If you are weak then a large sail is heavy!
If you are weak then a large sail is also heavy to up haul.
If you are gybing and not dropping the sail it will be just ok if there is wind to power it but in schlogging and over powered conditions it could present you with problems.
This is subjective/dependant on your ability. Can you take it out and see for yourself? that would answer your question.

Something like a Mistral RB/SB Phantom might do you better as the glide is addictive and they are super versatile. (ScottyDogs video at top)

iam5speed said..




Hey BSN 101

The 147 looks like a great board but I'm thinking I need a little more volume for uphauling. I doubt I will have a lot of waterstarting opportunities in the lower wind speeds I'm chasing. I guess I could go on a bit of a diet & get down to 75kg!

Does the 147 have good volume in front of the mast or is it mainly under the footstraps?

My sail is a NP Diablo maybe 2010 model but pretty much as new. I dont think I will have problems uphauling if I have an uphaul assist setup.
I'd be interested in hearing how your 8.7 goes.

Mark

iam5speed said..




How much do you weigh if you dont mind me asking snorkel?

snorkel692 said..




Not as good a top speed as you mine's in the 25s ( I'll use our lumpy water as an excuse) but its good for 20-23kn in bugger all wind with the 9-and-a-half. My best alpha on it is about 16 which just shows I'm a numpty sailor! This board changed my sailing.