I got in a winging session yesterday afternoon. I wanted to mix up the gear in preparation for the downwind winging race next week. No better place than Hickam Harbor to test out new gear configurations.
There was enough wind to get going, but it was up and down to the point where you didn't want to touch down. The surf was nearly non-existent. It was pretty crowded (Father's Day).
This SW2 5.2 is turning out to be the biggest wing I really need - such a really great all-arounder.
And here is the big change up. I setup the tall Clydesdale mast and the Eagle 890 lower (Foilparts Long Fuselage and KD Maui Marlin 14" rear stabilizer). Had to move the mast to the absolute front of the tracks (time for a new board with the tracks moved forward 2").
Obviously this foil setup needed more power to get up on foil - but realistically it didn't feel like it needed much more than what I normally need. Adn when I was up, there were some really low wind points where I should have gone down (but didn't).
I also used this opportunity to try tacking both ways. When the wind was up, I was able to nail both heel and toe side tacks - but I would end up touching down on the lower wind attempts.
The 890 does seem to roll easier (not surprising with the shorter wingspan and narrower chord).
The 5.2 and the 890 were complimentary in the wind conditions present.
Towards the end of the session, I wanted to see if there was a notable difference in top end (again the results are not surprising - less surface area is less drag).
I haven't felt the need to tune up the 890 since it really does not make a whole lot of noise, but I think I'll do it just to get some more (however infinitesimal) efficiency out of the foil.
This will definitely be the biggest foil I take out for the race next Saturday. With the projected wind strength (strong), I may also setup the Axis HPS700/380HA...
Fun session and great testing (when is winging NOT fun???)!!!
W:54/F:56/S:28
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