Tardy said..
Running down wind ,would a 2 cam sail have as good a top speed as a full race sail ,in a more relaxed fashion ,in short distances ,
,or does nothing really beat a 4 cam sail .?
I am thinking more in the big sizes 8,5 -vs 8,6 ,where a 30 knot is a goal when using this size .
8,5 ezzy lion vs 8.6 SCR simmer .both 2018 .
board 127 Isonic .my weight 95 kgs ,
I've got the same Lion version 3 sails, 6.5m, 7.5m & 8.5m. Great all round freeride sails, but they dont have enough twist to be fast deep downwind. To go fast, you have to go at a deep angle. Give them maximum downhaul, and the corresponding outhaul, and they rig flat when compared to a proper 4 cam slalom sail, they have a lot more belly for providing power downwind. There are a few locals who have slalom kit and in gusts they can easily handle it but on the Lions its a bit more of a struggle. I've found when I reach a certain speed in a comfortable windspeed, another 2-3 knots of wind and I only go 1/2 to 1 knot faster for a lot of effort. But my 8.5m is for lightwind sailing and I only use it these days with a 46cm fin and old Exocet S4 125l board from 2004. If the wind picks up I change down to 7.5m & smaller board. The first time I used my 8.5m lion was my fastest, when I used a 41cm fin on a Falcon 125 (2009). Speed was 24.83 knots (average of 5 10 seconds). On an iSonic you should go quite a bit faster than I managed.
I've bought the 2020/2021 versions and they require a bit more downhaul and have more twist, but I havent yet had a session for going fast where enough wind with low tide to provide flat water has happened. I did wonder if I should get slalom sails, but the Lions are so easy to rig and use I didnt bother.
I reckon you will go at least 2 knots faster on your Simmers compared to the Lions, when maxed out. It will be interesting the hear the difference.
