windsurf technology 008 Innovative solutions high quality details

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1 windsurf technology 008 Innovative solutions high quality details Kai Hopf North Sails sail designer and master-mind since 1993

2 intro Last year, NORTH SAILS was awarded the title PWA Constructors Champion and ISA Constructors Champion for the second time in a row. These two distinctions are very important to us because they are not awarded for an individual product or to a particular rider, but for the cumulative performance of men and women in all disciplines. And this is where the NORTH SAILS team and also our sails and rig components achieved the top rank, receiving almost double the points of the second best. We can t imagine a better proof of the performance of our products and our team. PWA CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPION 2005 and 2006 ISA CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPION 2005 and 2006 A harmonious whole is always built on perfect details The secret behind this success is a 100% commitment, a full and exclusive concentration on windsurfing, and the conviction that a perfect whole is always built on perfect details. Based on this principle, we have been creating synergies toward higher effectiveness for decades. This is proven not only by the PWA and ISA titles we won, but also by the new products we proudly present in this catalogue: high-performance sails and rig components that include either completely new designs or logical improvements based on our test winners and bestsellers. Their superiority stems from the four NORTH SAILS success modules: the Team They are our drive and our most important source of innovation. Logically, the more team riders you have in a team, the greater the input. For this reason, we have been enlarging our team for years, and we now possess the largest development and test team of all manufacturers. The continuous exchange between our racers and engineers, led by chief designer Kai Hopf, has repeatedly brought us world champion titles, an acknowledgment of the hard work and total commitment of all those involved. Research & Development Different spots require different equipment. For this reason, we decided to set up two R&D centres, one on Gran Canaria and one on Maui. Whether sideshore or onshore, wind chop or clean waves as high as a house, beachbreak or reef breaks: these two spots allow us to test and develop a product under all imaginable conditions. In addition, we regularly make cross checks on Lake Garda, Italy, especially when it comes to freeride products. Parallel to these tests, we also try to stay close to the local windsurfing community, since a major part of our development work consists of listening to the needs of windsurfers. After all, it s the only way to consider their expectations, requirements, and improvement proposals. Performance There can be no victory without performance. Therefore, we primarily focus on sail performance. At the same time, the modular sail structure of NORTH SAILS has proven very effective in countless tests. In this imodular. DESIGN, Kai Hopf uses the ideal material for each spot in the sail, confining it to the minimum area necessary. This effective use of fabric makes our sails more dynamic, more durable, and, in most cases, lighter than others. As a result, windsurfing technology even defines the visual appearance of our sails, which is almost exclusively determined by technical requirements! Yet high-performance sails can only deliver full performance if the trimming is 100% right. To make sure that everyone can benefit from this, we developed our own trimming tools such as VTS (luff trimming system), HTS (harness line positioning), and the boom height scale. Thanks to these innovations you can immediately get to the perfect trim without expert know-how or lengthy testing, which gives you the benefit of full sail power and excellent handling. Quality Performance is totally linked to quality. Apart from the high-quality finish of NORTH SAILS products, the proven DOUBLE.SEAM.TECHNOLOGY, and the choice of top fabrics, the imodular.design also plays an essential role in this. It allows us to select different and ideally suited materials: as much as necessary (stability), and as little as possible (lower weight). And, by offering a 5-year guarantee, we stand behind the unsurpassed durability of all NORTH SAILS products

3 research & development RESEARCH AND DEVELOPEMENT Kai Hopf - the brain The Australian, a former World Cup competitor who has worked longer for the same brand than anyone else, is one of the world s most influential designers. Kai, who also develops high-grade fin profiles, still prefers to spend most of his time on the water to thoroughly test the designs himself and to live his passion. He s been the head of sail development at NORTH SAILS for more than 15 years, amassing a treasure of experience that s simply irreplaceable. His 2008 collection is an impressive demonstration of what state-of-the-art sails should look like. Be sure to take a look at the brand new RAM F8 and PRISMA sails that fire the imagination of racers and further reduce the coefficient of friction. Björn Dunkerbeck - The ambassador of windsurfing Björn Dunkerbeck is the personification of windsurfing. His charisma, his athletic stature, and not least his endless string of successes have turned him into a media star and an ambassador of windsurfing. Björn and NORTH SAILS are a perfect combination, since our common objective is to bring the fascination of windsurfing to as many people as possible. Björn, who defended his World Champion title for not less than twelve years in a row until 1999 and is today considered a living legend, set a historical record in 2005 by winning his 34 th title, something no other athlete has ever achieved in any other sports discipline. Oh, and by the way, Björn also set a new world speed record over the nautical mile on a WARP F2007. His unbelievable average speed of km/h will go down in the history books once again. This brings the most successful windsurfer of all times a bit closer to his target of becoming the first to break the 50-knot barrier. Kai Hopf Björn Dunkerbeck WARP - The ultimate racing machine Meanwhile, World Cup slalom and racing have reached such an unimaginably high level that only top-class pilots can compete. Accordingly, the requirements for the material leave no room for compromise. And rightly so, since these riders don t stand a chance without crème-de-la-crème equipment. This explains why designers permanently develop, change, test, and optimize every tiny little detail, always in search of improvement, of the smallest pinch of extra performance, the maximum of what is currently possible. Only the ultimate solution will deliver the fastest equipment, giving the rider an edge over the competition. No doubt, maximum speed is very important, but it is never the only deciding factor. It s the combination of acceleration, constant velocity, and maximum speed that will turn a good sail into a winning sail. For this reason, we built the new WARP to accelerate like a dragster, built up speed with no limits, and have the speed stamina of an American horsepower monster after jibing. In addition, the new design allows for fatigue-free rig control and easy handling, enabling the rider to concentrate on his tactics throughout the entire race and deliver 100% performance. Since regattas are often decided at the buoy, easy handling plays an important role when shifting. The decisive elements for the particularly easy rotation of the WARP are the ultra-light rotating HYPER.CAMS, the sophisticated arrangement of the battens, and the shape of the mast pocket. Considering these and many other factors, we are continuously developing the World Cup WARP of the future together with our team. For years, the name WARP has come to mean the sail that exceeds all limits and has little in common with a conventional mass-produced sail. Time and again, it is a test laboratory and an experimental platform on which groundbreaking features are invented and regularly find their way into serial production of all our sails. Such features include, for instance, the ultra-light rotating HYPER.CAM, almost stretch-free fabrics such as the PH2X, and improvements of the top construction (TT.TOP II) that now provides more twist dynamics to help keep a sail under control even when getting absolutely overpowered. WARP continues to set the standards in the World Cup only through permanent evolution and optimization. The consequence is constant modifications, and this is the reason why new WARP designs are not introduced at regular intervals but only when the next evolution level has been reached. Due to extremely complex production methods, and to prevent an item that s not state of the art from reaching the market, this product is available in a very limited edition and only for a short period of time. This guarantees all those who need it that what they see is what they get: World Cup Racing. For more news on the latest WARP and availability dates, visit WARP Asymmetric study Kai Hopf and Björn Dunkerbeck have developed a sail that brings the magical 50 knots within reach. This super fast and radical speed booster features a voluminous, aerodynamically perfect double profile on the one side, and the classic single foil of the World Cup WARP on the other. In practice, this translates into the most extreme downwind speeds and the familiar high speed of the WARP. But beware! Should this study ever go into a limited series production, it will only be suitable for very experienced speed sailors, but they re going to get the ride of their lives! sui11 Rider björn Dunkerbeck Sail warp F2007, 6,8 m 2 Board 90 L Wind ktn. Trim VTS Max Location maui 04 05

4 the team SUI11 björn dunkerbeck the most successful windsurfer of all times E64 daida moreno the most successful female windsurfer of all times PWA freestyle world champion + PWA SuperX World Champion 2006 E63 iballa moreno winner of several World Cup titles PWA WAVE world champion 2006 K66 nik baker best allrounder of the PWA tour isv11 jimmy diaz the world s most respected tester and developer n44 Vidar jensen one of the most radical waveriders worldwide E19 orjan jensen the flying Norwegian, lives on Gran Canaria ita120 patrik diethelm F2 shaper and developer ISAF PRODUCTION BOARD CHAMPION 2006 g2 Andre paskowski European s best freestyler European Freestyle champion EFPT 2006 v01 jose gollito Estredo the world s best freestyler and youngest World Cup champion ever PWA freestyle world champion 2006 V34 douglas cheo diaz one of the best freestylers worldwide con333 connor baxter the future of the NORTH SAILS dream team USA52 zane schweitzer son of Hookipa legend Matt Schweitzer z14 KArin jaggi F71 cyril Moussilmani holder of the world speed represents the new record and best allrounder of generation of future slalom the PWA tour champions h24 peter volwater no. 1 in the Netherlands and one of the top in the world cup SA36 peter slate one of the most experienced testers worldwide and Jimmy s new test partner on Maui E95 Alessio stilrich the next generation from Gran Canaria SPEED WORLD CHAMPION + PWA Slalom World Champion

5 action 008 ISV11_Jimmy Diaz K66_Nik baker Z14_karin jaggi G66_seb wenzel K66_Nik baker K66_Nik baker / ISV11_Jimmy Diaz SUI11_björn dunkerbeck 08 09

6 slalom <> freerace < Slalom and speed are the latest hot trends, and an increasing number of windsurfers are turning into drag racers or are using mobile GPS devices to break their own speed records. High speed and personal mileage are thus becoming an exciting challenge, and those who ve experienced the racing spirit and felt that special rush on brutally fast downwind courses are forever lost to the addiction. So it s no surprise that the once most popular windsurfing style is on its way to becoming number one again. And this is happening at almost every spot, since riding at full throttle is possible everywhere. ita120 Rider patrik Diethelm Sail Warp f2007, 8,3 m 2 Board 120 L Wind ktn. Trim VTS min Location cabo verde/itoma 10 11

7 slalom <> freerace sui11 Rider Björn dunkerbeck Sail ram f8, 7,3 m 2 Board 115 L Wind ktn. Trim VTS max Location maui slalom switch.cam ram f8 The brand-new RAM F8 is 90% identical to the World Cup WARP F2007, the fastest sail we ever built. With one batten less, a marginally slimmer mast pocket, and a slightly reduced sail foil tension, the RAM F8 requires less effort to control compared to the WARP. In all other respects, it delivers overwhelming racing power that mercilessly propels the rider forward. the battens rotate very easily through the softly gliding HYPER.CAMS. These create a rock-solid centre of effort while eliminating hard rotation during jibes. In combination with the latest TT.TOP, super rigid BOX.BATTEN, and the wide, conical AERO.SLEEVE mast pocket, the new RAM F8 can reach speeds that stun both GPS and racers on all courses. Despite this, the RAM F8 is completely easy to ride for a projectile of this calibre which explains why it s simply so much faster. As a bonus, the RAM F8 can be trimmed with 4 or 3 cambers, so that you can adjust it for top performance or for easier handling. RAM F8 5,4 5,8 6,3 6,8 7,3 7,8 8,4 9,0 9,9 < luff made with low-stretch PH2X sailing cloth for dragster-like acceleration < Better aerodynamics PLUS easier water startsthanks to CONICAL.AERO.SLEEVE.DESIGN < hyper.cam the first hard camber that rotates as smoothly as a soft cam < Switchable 4/3 camber option: 4 cambers for maximum performance, 3 cambers for comfortable handling jimmy diaz 12 13

8 slalom <> freerace freerace switch.cam s_type dani aeberli patrik diethelm S_TYPE 6,0 6,6 7,3 7,8 8,4 9,5 We ve put all our experiences from the NORTH SAILS racing program into this new sail. The result is a brand-new freeracer with strong acceleration, impressive performance, and a lot of speed that s still easy to control and comfortable to handle. the S_TYPE combines the advantages of its predecessors the R_TYPE and DAYTONA, which you can tell by the SWITCHABLE.CAM.OPTION. The S_TYPE can be ridden with 3 or 2 cambers, which significantly expands the range of applications for this sail. This allows the rider to individually adjust the sail to maximum speed or easy rig control. The optimized mast pocket based on the CONICAL.AERO.SLEEVE.DESIGN represents the ideal compromise between the best possible propulsion and comfortable water start behaviour. The fact that all S_TYPE sails can be used with just one mast length makes this rig affordable for all. < Better aerodynamics AND easier water startsthanks to CONICAL.AERO.SLEEVE.DESIGN < minimum.mast.concept: One mast (460-25) fits all sail sizes < hyper.cam the first hard camber that rotates as smoothly as a soft cam < Switchable 3/2 camber option: 3 cambers for maximum performance, 2 cambers for comfortable handling isv11 Rider jimmy diaz Sail S-Type, 6,6 m 2 Board 90 L Wind ktn. Trim VTS max Location maui 14 15

9 slalom <> freerace freerace no.cam x_type The brand new X_TYPE our ultimate NoCam performance sail. Extremely versatile, combining spontaneous power delivery, speed, and perfect manageability with the handling and rigging advantages of NoCam sails. This means that, despite its enormous thrust, the X_TYPE still allows a lot of room for maneuvers. the X_TYPE draws its potential from HYPER.LEECH II and TT.TOP II, which ensure a more active twist. In addition, the draft is set farther forward. This improves rig control and contributes to greater draft. Thanks to the PROGRESSIVE.BATTEN.CONFIGURATION, the number of battens depends on size and application. Sizes 6.6 and smaller have only 6 battens. This improves handling due to the lower weight. By the way, all X_TYPE can be used with a single 460 mast - one mast fits all! X_TYPE 5,4 6,0 6,6 7,3 7,8 8,2 8,8 < Wider wind range and better control thanks to the new HYPER.LEECH II and TT.TOP II < dura.luff.patch helps avoid luff damage from rigging < improved durability through the solid X.PLY foot construction < One mast(460-25) fits all sail sizes! PWA SuperX Champion 2006 ita120 nik baker Rider patrik Diethelm Sail X-Type, 6,6 m 2 Board 104 L Wind ktn. Trim VTS min Location Cabo verde/itoma 16 17

10 freeride <> freemove Windsurfing has always been associated with fun, creativity and freedom. It s an exciting way to move over water with one s own individual style. No limits, no rules. The new Freemove sails can help you exploit what you feel and achieve your full potential both in full-speed turns and in spectacular maneuvers. k16 Rider Mat Pearch Sail prisma, 7,5 m 2 Board 133 L Wind 8-11 ktn. Trim VTS max Location maui 18 19

11 freeride <> freemove FREERIDE.power CAM prisma nik baker PRISMA 6,5 7,5 8,5 The legendary PRISMA is back: now as a state-of-the-art super early planing sail that delivers the muscle you need to get you going, even if the wind is terrible. For your biggest sail, power is the top priority, and this what the Prisma promises. Kai and Jimmy recommend choosing a smaller sail size than you might think, the results will shock you! Of course, this applies best to your larger Freeride boards, when you want to cover a wide wind range with a single sail. prisma s completely new low-end profile and the excellent twist dynamics ensure a powerful acceleration from low speeds. Thanks to the lower sail foil tension, it can be easily and comfortably pumped. Or just sheet in to start planing. The PRISMA simply ignores wind holes! These design features are combined with an extensive trimming versatility, which expands the upper wind range as well. In contrast to NoCam sails, two super-soft rotating HYPER.CAMS keep a solid profile even without wind pressure, providing extra draft stability. The PRISMA is particularly suited for the Race Board Class, and it s even officially certified for the Bic Techno Class! < extreme range of tuning: Go for maximum low-wind performance through higher leech tension, or set up for excellent high-wind control with a looser leech < hyper.cam: the first hard camber design that rotates as smoothly as a soft cam < MINIMUM.MAST.CONCEPT: One mast (460-25) fits all sail sizes! k66 Rider nik baker Sail prisma, 6,5 m 2 Board 104 L Wind ktn. Trim VTS Max Location maui 20 21

12 freeride <> freemove freemove NO.CAM natural NATURAL 4,5 5,0 5,4 5,8 6,2 6,6 7,0 7,5 8,1 jimmy diaz Once again, the most versatile sail in our entire product range is NATURAL. This multiple test winner combines superb handling with a balanced performance a true allrounder! its balanced construction with PROGRESSIVE.BATTEN.CONFIGURATION focuses on handling and draft stability on sizes up to 6.6 m 2, which is why it features only 5 battens. At 7.0 m 2 and above, the design shifts it s focus to planing and Kai Hopf once again concentrates on simple rig control and handling. Both versions offer excellent control, a high level of comfort, and plenty of planing power, creating the perfect synthesis of speed, acceleration, and handling. The new NATURAL will make windsurfing much less complicated, and for many the problem of choosing the right material will become obsolete. < very large wind range thanks to HYPER.LEECH II, a more active TT.TOP II, and reduced batten angles < imodular.design for less weight and improved handling < dura.luff.patch helps avoid luff damage from rigging < integrated trim block allows for easy trimming k16 Rider Mat pearch Sail natural, 7,0 m 2 Board 130 L Wind ktn. Trim VTS min Location maui 22 23

13 freeride <> freemove usa333 Rider connor baxter Sail drive superlight, 3,7 m 2 Board 76 L Wind ktn. Trim VTS Max Location maui FREEMOVE ENTRY drive DRIVE 2,0 2,5 3,0 3,3 3,7 4,2 4,7 5,3 5,8 6,4 7,0 zane schweitzer connor baxter The DRIVE LIGHT and SUPERLIGHT models in imodular.design are two ultralight Freeride sails for a wide range of applications. Their balanced shape and very low weight caters in particular to the group of entry-level riders. Both sails facilitate the step to the next skill level while assisting the rider in learning new maneuvers. The sophisticated mixture of materials, in combination with the RIPSTOP.FRAME.DESIGN allows the use of monofilm, while maintaining top durability. Its incredibly easy handling has made it a favourite everywhere. drive FIRST was specially designed for kids. Three sizes with an individual batten arrangement focus on children s ergonomic needs and physical power. In a nutshell, this is a highly valuable piece of equipment that makes windsurfing a lot of fun and gives kids satisfaction from the very start. moreover, special mast and /boom components were developed for DRIVE.SUPERLIGHT and DRIVE.FIRST. So, both models are also available as complete rigs! < drive FIRST for kids < drive SUPERLIGHT/DRIVE LIGHT for light riders, women, and juniors < Lowest possible weightthrough imodular.design and RIPSTOP.FRAME.DESIGN < double.seam.technology for top durability < One mast fits all for all DRIVE LIGHT (430-21) or DRIVE SUPERLIGHT (360-14) or DRIVE FIRST (290-10) 24 25

14 freestyle <> wave h24 Rider peter volwater Sail duke, 5,4 m 2 Board 84 l Wind ktn. Trim VTS max Location cabo verde/itoma < Freestyle and Wave Riding have always been the most spectacular parts of windsurfing. The first can be done on flatwater anywhere, while the other relies on the classic Hawaiian conditions that define the image of our sport. In between, there is a new generation of windsurfers celebrating radical Freestyle moves on waves. Extremely difficult maneuvers invented on flatwater are now added to classical Wave Riding, and the power of the waves carries these into a totally new dimension. Our 2008 Wave Freestyle range not only takes into account the requirement of premium materials, but also leaves plenty of room for future moves

15 freestyle <> wave FREESTYLE <> WAVE duke andre paskowski björn dunkerbeck DUKE 4,2 4,5 4,7 5,0 5,4 5,9 6,4 6,9 No other sail can cover the entire range from Wave to flatwater Freestyle as perfectly as DUKE. the requirements for a Power Wave and a Freestyle sail are very similar: great planing potential combined with maximum handling and good controllability. Up to a size of 5.4 m 2, DUKE was designed as a powerful Wave sail according to Björn Dunkerbeck s specifications. Since it possesses the greatest trimming versatility of all our Wave sails, it can also be easily controlled by medium-weight sailors. For sizes 5.9 m 2 and above, Kai Hopf improved the new DUKE according to the specifications of Freestyle World Champion Jose Gollito Estredo and EFPT Champion Andre Paskowski. The tighter leech connects the top of the sail with the lower section, allowing the head to contribute more power in light winds. As the wind increases, this increased tension produces a smooth progressive twist down the whole leech, instead of only at the head. The result is more wind range and better rig control, especially during difficult Freestyle tricks. The use of stable X.PLY 725 in the centre panel (5.4 m 2 and smaller) increases durability and guarantees greater longevity in the waves. v01 Rider jose gollito Estredo Sail duke, 5,9 m 2 Board 97 L Wind 9-14 ktn. Trim VTS min Location el yaque < new: Reduced foot profile for improved handling CODE.GREEN (LIMITED) < new: a slightly more rigid leech that uses the top of the sail more for improved wind range < Lower weightthanks to imodular.design < Just two mastscover all sail sizes PWA (men and women) + EFPT Freestyle Champion

16 freestyle <> wave WORLD CUP WAVE ice NIK BAKER iballa moreno ICE 3,4 3,7 4,0 4,2 4,5 4,7 5,0 5,3 5,7 6,2 A World Cup Wave sail has only one requirement: it must develop maximum performance under all wave conditions in order to win. This is precisely what the new ICE does. Extremely aggressive, direct, and - thanks to the new foot profile - neutral in your hands especially when descending a wave. This is how our team describes this radical 5-batten machine. Since the Ice was designed for riders of all weights, virtually everybody is impressed by the performance and lightning-fast reaction of this sail. This is made possible by the modified HYPER.LEECH and the slightly more rigid top that makes the ICE even easier to control. It has a softer feel, and is easier to pump, as the whole sail is well connected, from head to foot. Another benefit is the imodular.design which optimizes sail weight. Since the ICE was designed for all World Cup spots, it functions equally well on Hookipa or Sylt, on Gran Canaria, or at your favourite spot. And all ICE sizes fit on a single 400 cm mast. CODE.GREEN (LIMITED) < new: Less shape in the foot area for improved handling < new: a slightly more rigid leech that uses the top of the sail more for improved wind range < lower weight and easier handling thanks to imodular.design < minimum.mast.concept: One mast (400-19) fits all sail sizes! PWA Wave Champion 2006 e64 Rider daida moreno Sail ice, 4,2 m 2 Board 68 L Wind ktn. Trim VTS Max Location gran canaria 30 31

17 freestyle <> wave HARDCORE WAVE voodoo VOODOO 3,0 3,4 3,7 4,0 4,2 4,5 4,7 5,0 5,3 5,7 n44 Rider vidar jensen Sail voodoo, 4,7 m 2 Board 75 L Wind ktn. Trim VTS Max Location gran canaria CODE.GREEN (LIMITED) For years, the monofilm-free Wave classic has been a cult sail with a durability guarantee. It s slightly more elastic and less direct than the ICE, but steadier under rough hardcore conditions. orjan jensen vidar jensen the new VOODOO makes the most impressive use of the NORTH SAILS imodular.design. Kai Hopf used it to strengthen the sail frame and employ an even more stable X.PLY 112 in the upper centre panel, without increasing the weight. This intelligent use of material in combination of double zig-zag seams makes the new VOODOO more durable than ever, letting you charge hard even on the biggest days. By the way, thanks to its slightly elastic vinyl window, the VOODOO is also the ideal sail for gusty, extremely windy days. The entire sail range fits on a single mast length - One mast fits all (400-19)! < low weight AND maximum durability through imodular.design and DOUBLE.SEAM.TECHNOLOGY < Vinyl window for a more elastic feel and durability < minimum.mast.concept: One mast (400-19) fits all sail sizes! < 5-year warranty 32 33

18 action 008 g2_andre paskowski V34_douglas cheo diaz g2_andre paskowski v01_jose gollito Estredo K66_nik baker SUI11_björn dunkerbeck K66_nik baker e19_orjan jensen K66_nik baker n44_vidar jensen n44_vidar jensen E64_daida moreno E63_iballa moreno ita120_patrik diethelm E64_daida moreno 34 35

19 tech features INNOVATIve solutions high quality details 50 Y E A R S years of leading sail technology For more than 50 years, we have been focusing exclusively on the research, development, and production of high-quality sails for yachts, windsurfing and kiteboarding. Athletes have won everything that there is to win using our products. Revolutionary approaches and technologies have always been and will always be part of our success. Many of the details and features that went into our windsurfing products emerged during the development and evolution of the WARP World Cup race sail and its predecessors, which always delivered the highest performance possible. When comparing them to other sail brands, you should always pay attention to the unique solutions and innovations that are responsible for the performance of a NORTH SAIL. You will realize that most of the features can be found only on our sails Check IT out! to find out more about the DOUBLE.SEAM.TECHNOLOGY from Andre Paskowski, check his new clip at 5 Year Warranty Guaranteed quality. To prove the superior durability and unique NORTH SAILS quality, we grant a 5-year warranty on all our sails. 01 DOUBLE.SEAM.TECHNOLOGY Twice as durable, half the stretch. NORTH SAILS stands for unsurpassed quality that guarantees a longer life for our sails. The triple zig-zag seams significantly contribute to this. And they don t come, as usual, in a single but in a double version! They cover all exposed crash areas that would otherwise be damaged. The result is higher tear resistance and a reduction of stretch by up to 50% as a result of the second seam, plus more profile stability and performance. Only the DOUBLE.SEAM.TECHNOLOGY by NORTH SAILS can deliver this! 02 RIPSTOP.FRAME.DESIGN No more total destruction. It doesn t always take gigantic waves to damage a sail. Sometimes your harness hook will drill a hole into the cloth when you get thrown off your board. Although the hole is usually not a problem, it may present a risk if the sail is ripped across the whole panel on your way back to the beach. In a worst-case scenario, the sail will rip into two pieces beyond repair. The RIPSTOP.FRAME.DESIGN, consisting of reinforced fabrics that frame the entire sail, helps avoid this risk. In addition, the intelligent combination of lightweight materials in the centre and very robust materials on the perimeter results in a very low weight. 03 DURA.LUFF.PATCH Extremely stable luff reinforcement. The area around the boom cutout is particularly exposed to wear and tear, because the luff panel always forms wrinkles when inserting the mast. Over time, this accordion effect may cause cracks in the monofilm. The flexible DURA.LUFF.PATCH reinforces the area around the boom, creates a soft transition to the monofilm while at the same time preventing cracks in the film. 04 HYPER.CAM Soft rotation and excellent rigging comfort. The non plus ultra in sailing, with unequalled advantages: Advantage 1: Super-fast rigging up (sliding up, instead of snapping them on the mast) without the need for repeated changes in downhaul and outhaul tension. Advantage 2: Minimum friction, and thus very soft batten rotation, since the HYPER.CAM features free rollers without plastic buckles, so that only the rollers touch the mast. Advantage 3: Optimized shape for the best possible mast pocket profile and ideal aerodynamics. Advantage 4: Fits all mast diameters, since only the rollers touch the mast, never the plastic body, which also makes the HYPER.CAM easy to rotate. 05 TT.TOP II Improved sail control at higher wind speeds. Kai Hopf relied on WARP F2007 to design the TT.TOP II. The concave shape is slightly reduced, which improves the tension and allows for a more effective, three-dimensional twist at the head, meaning that the top twists not only horizontally but also vertically under strong winds. This virtually neutralizes gusts, keeps the rig steady in the rider s hand, and allows the sail to be used in a much larger range of winds. 06 VTS VISUAL.TRIM.SYSTEM Perfect trim and a huge application range! Even beginners can accurately trim the sail in a matter of seconds. Simply pull the luff until the top of the loose leech reaches the lower wind limit or upper wind limit (depending on the wind speed). That s all! The exclusive VTS acts like a turbocharger, ensuring maximum performance and an extended range of application. Trimming has never been quicker and better! 07 UNIVERSAL.TACK.FITTING Minimum effort for a perfect trim.the three integrated brass rollers significantly reduce downhaul forces on the luff panel. The reason for using brass is its self-lubricating properties that prevent seizing. The rollers can be quickly removed to use a pulley hook. Racers can even replace the rollers with high-end ball bearing rollers. 08 FLIP.ROTATING.SYSTEM No jerking, no hard rotation! The clever adjustment and arrangement of the batten pockets allows the battens to rotate freely behind the mast, thus eliminating the much-hated jerks during a jibe. 09 MAST.SLEEVE.OPENER No more friction when inserting the mast into the mast pocket. A brilliant trick makes inserting the mast a piece of cake. The NORTH SAILS logo above the boom cutout slightly opens the mast pocket, allowing the rider to insert the mast with just one hand, without having to pull at the luff all the time. 10 SHARKSKIN.PROTECTOR Avoids chafing. Highly abrasion-resistant protector-fabric by purpose no rip-effect to spread the abrasion (e.g. through board-contact) most evenly

20 tech features Check IT out! To find out more about VTS from Daida and Iballa Moreno, check their new clip at 11 MINI.BATTEN Eliminates unintentional leech flutter. Short, highly effective miniature battens support the areas between the long battens and prevent any annoying flutter. 12 DURATECH.FOOT Long-term durabilty for the foot. The foot of the sail is often dragged across the non-skid surface during water starts or accelerating, especially with wide boards. The patented DURATECH.FOOT keeps the seams in a wide plastic bar, protecting them against damage from the rough non-skid. 13 HYPER.LEECH II Makes speed sails even faster! This solution was inspired by airplane wings. The precisely defined spot of HYPER.LEECH II is located slightly higher, improving tension along the leech and making the reaction of the top extremely sensitive. The result is an improved loose-leech twist for better control and higher stability in gusts or when getting over-powered. 14 TWIN.STRAP Keeps the sail rolled up and the protector on the mast. This new, improved version of the simple fastening system not only keeps the sail safely rolled up but also makes sure that the mast protector is closely attached and fastened to the mast while sailing. It also has a size mark that allows you to identify the sail s size without unrolling it! 15 INTELLIGENT.BATTEN.SYSTEM Individual batten setting for better performance! Since each batten fulfils a different task, we use no less than 30 (!) different batten types. They differ not only in their cross section (round or rectangular) but also in the materials used (glass, glass-carbon composites, full carbon) and in their geometry (thickness, width). Moreover, all battens, regardless of their length, have specific hardness degrees and profiles for 100% pressure-point stability in the centre of the sail, optimum twist in the top (horizontally and vertically), and reduced top weight (easier handling). 16 HTS HARNESSLINE.TRIM.SYSTEM Say goodbye to badly positioned harness lines! Forget the time-consuming search for the ideal harness line position, the numb forearms, and the endless fiddling around! The patented print on the sail shows exactly where the centre of the harness line has to be. Just position the two ends symmetrically at the left and right of the print, that s all. 17 X.PLY Excitingly beautiful, precisely engineered, extremely durable. As many as three different X.PLY layers with varying fibre densities are used in our 2008 sails. The materials are always carefully selected to match the sail s application and to obtain the ideal combination of durability and weight. 18 INDIVIDUAL.BOOM.LENGTH.INDICATION Correct boom length without try and error. Individually setting the boom front-end at the boom cut-out depending upon body size, the optimum boom length varies due to the different angles. To avoid searching for the correct length, the individual recommendations are now directly printed at the different boom cutout positions. 19 TAPE.TECHNOLOGY No wrinkles. All seam tapes are cut to match the curve instead of being glued in a curved fashion, thus preventing the tape from wrinkled or coming off. PROGRESSIVE.BATTEN.CONFIGURATION (X_TYPE, NATURAL, DRIVE). Better handling, total control. The number of battens plays a important role when it comes to a stable centre of effort, weight, and handling. The PROGRESSIVE.BATTEN.CONFIGURATION introduces a system that determines the ideal number of battens for each sail, depending on size and intended application. This provides for an ideal combination of performance and lowest possible weight for each sail

21 rig technology rig technology MASTS The names have remained the same, but we have improved some of the production techniques, resulting in an optimum product for each segment of the market. An overview of the major developments for 2008: AEROSPACE.PREPREG.TECHNOLOGY for all masts, a brand-new polyamide surface protection for all high end products, more RDM masts as well as length-specific mast geometries. BOOMS To improve your windsurfing experience, we have been working for more than 20 years creating rig components that make the performance potential of modern sails manageable, that focus your powers, and translate them into propulsion. The construction of the boom plays a major role in this. Four totally different lines provide the best boom for all conditions and any request (see page 44). EXTENSIONS The POWER.XT is a groundbreaking innovation that revolutionized rigging and trimming. This tool is a pure power component, which adds more performance to your rig. For all details and advantages see page 46! Check IT out! to find out more about the MINIMUM.MAST.CONCEPT from Björn Dunkerbeck, check his new clip at mast/boom Best Boom/Mast Category Performance NORTH SAILS BEST.FIT.SYSTEM Perfectly matched components. One thing is sure: NORTH SAILS components fit almost all sails on the market and can even improve their performance. In addition, ideal combinations can get the maximum out of every rig. For this reason, we make clear recommendations for specific masts and booms. Components within the RED, SILVER, GOLD and PLATINUM series make great combinations, and were designed to perfectly match each other. In terms of performance and price, the following rule of thumb applies: the more you spend, the lighter and more dynamic and powerful will be your rig. This means that you determine how much performance you need or how much you are willing to invest in your performance. RED SILVER GOLD PLATINUM Red Silver Gold Platinum Entry Intermediate Performance High End 40 41

22 rig technology mast technology The names have remained the same, but we have improved some of the production techniques, resulting in an optimum product for each segment of the market. An overview of the major developments for 2008: NEW: AEROSPACE.PREPREG.TECHNOLOGY From now on, all NORTH SAILS masts will be manufactured using AEROSPACE.PREPREG.TECHNOLOGY. This means that the RED and SILVER series will also be manufactured using this technique.this provides a computer-controlled ratio of resin and carbon content and a process using extremely high compression pressure (up to 10 tons). Each line of masts only differs in the percentage of carbon content, which determines the weight. NEW: Polyamide surface protection The brand-new NORTH SAILS polyamide coating is a groundbreaking development in mast construction. This highly abrasion-resistant material covers the entire base of the PLATINUM series and the boom area of the GOLD masts, providing 100% surface protection! No abrasion, no scratches, or damage to the carbon fibres by the camber or the boom front end. At the same time, this viscoelastic skin reinforces the entire structure and increases fracture resistance by approx. 20%, without any impact on the bend curve. NEW: More RDM masts In addition to the familiar SDM (standard mast) diameters, the trend toward thinner RDM (reduced diameter) masts is continuing. For this reason, we added a comprehensive number of RDM masts to our product range, which are now available in almost all price categories. DROP.SHAPE <> CONSTANT.TAPER From now on, all standard diameter (SDM) NORTH SAILS masts come in length-specific shapes: Up to a length of 430 cm, the masts feature a DROP.SHAPE geometry with a significantly tapered boom area. This allows us to transfer the rotation and handling advantages of RDM masts to classic masts without the need for special extensions or boom adapters. All SDM masts with a length of 430 cm or above now feature the CONSTANT. TAPERED geometry that forms a conical shape from the base to the top RED SDM is the universal NORTH SAILS mast line with an excellent value for money, now manufactured using the AEROSPACE.PREPREG.TECHNOLOGY. A 35% carbon content guarantees balanced power and above-average durability. The RED line is compatible with almost all sail brands, which makes it an ideal allrounder. 02 SILVER SDM The high-quality NORTH SAILS silver series has a carbon content of 55% and impressive overall performance. SILVER masts are now also produced using AEROSPACE.PREPREG.TECHNOLOGY, which provides for a computeraided adjustment of the carbon, glass, and resin content. In addition, a heatsensitive compression tape squeezes out excess resin, resulting in lower weight and even better flex. 03 NEW: SILVER RDM series This is the first time that a needle mast with a carbon content of 55% has been produced. As a result, the SILVER RDM enters a price category in which no one expected to find thin performance masts. The SILVER RDM offers the dynamic advantages of thin shapes combined with the conical NORTH SAILS top. 04 GOLD SDM A 75% carbon content, high-tech Prepreg production, and excellent dynamics make the GOLD series the undisputable performance, weight, and price leader in the medium priced category. The new polyamide surface in the boom area, which prevents scratching or abrasion, represents a small revolution. The white surface protects the material especially against strong exposure to the sun by effectively preventing thermal overstress from heat that could cause breakage. This reduces material embrittlement while maintaining the bend curve constant over a long period of time. All in all, a top-quality mast for all areas of application that has been made even more durable. 05 GOLD RDM is the more affordable version of the thin, high performance PLATINUM RDM. With the exception of the slightly reduced carbon content, the two lines are technologically identical, and the GOLD RDM also features the conical top that is more sensitive and dynamic compared to the usually cylindrical top pieces of other RDMs. The GOLD RDM is also protected against abrasion at the boom section using the new polyamide coating. 06 PLATINUM SDM The PLATINUM series was developed for World Cup pros and anyone else who wants the best. It represents our most individual and dynamic line, with lengths from 370 to 430 cm focusing on Wave and Freestyle, and those with 460 cm and above on Race. Of course, this series is manufactured using the aerospace prepreg autoclave process, the most precise and sophisticated technique currently available. Pressures of up to 10 tons result in an extremely homogeneous carbon-resin mixture and reduce the resin content to a minimum. This is what delivers the sheer unbelievable reflex and durability properties of this series. A brand-new feature is the coating of the entire base with 100% abrasionresistant polyamide, which protects the carbon surface against mechanical impact and increases fracture resistance by approx. 20%! Naturally, the PLATINUM models are also sealed with a white surface that prevents heat from reaching critical areas and avoids thermal overstress. 07 PLATINUM RDM Series The ultimate needle mast. The explosion in performance is attributed to the conical top piece that has a more sensitive and cleaner flex than normal RDM tops. With the PLATINUM RDM, the rig benefits not only from the aerodynamic advantages of the smaller diameter but also from the greater dynamics of the needle shape. Of course, this top model also features both the polyamide base coating and the cooler white surface, and the conical top piece fits nicely in the base for storage. VIPER.AERO concept study Still the ultimate state-of-the-art! The most sophisticated mast on the market demonstrates what is currently technically feasible. The most expensive aerospace carbon and minimum resin content make the VIPER AERO the lightest mast on earth (0.98 kg/430 cm) 08 CARBON.XTENDER SILVER SERIES 50 cm long, yet without any negative impact on the bend curve or durability of our masts. For the first time, it is possible to use sails with a size difference of up to 3.5 m 2 with one mast (for instance, the entire S_TYPE line from 6.0 to 9.5 m 2 with a single 460 mast)! 09 CARBON.XTENDER PLATINUM SERIES An even lighter high-end mast extension based on the PLATINUM series, now available in 40 and 50 cm for optimum adjustment. 09 SDM = Standard Diameter / RDM = Reduced Diameter 42 43

23 rig technology boom technology The studies we ve carried out on Lake Garda and on Gran Canaria only confirmed what speed pros like Björn Dunkerbeck and Karin Jaggi have always claimed, that is, rigs are extremely fast when they stay steady in the rider s hand, especially under extreme conditions. Providing smooth rig control with the necessary smoothness requires controlled absorption that takes away vibrations in choppy waters or hard gusts and maintains a constant angle of attack. Similar to tennis rackets, sports shoes, or skis, there is growing awareness that performance cannot be increased by brutally rigid constructions but through precise absorption that will allow your equipment to develop its full potential. We are not interested in theoretical maximum performance but in a controllable, really achievable performance. For this reason, an essential characteristic of our boom range is the combination of slightly dampening torsion heads with rigid tubes. This prevents the boom from widening and guarantees a stable profile, while the dampened connection to the mast provides for full control and maximum rig stability. Since conditions are less demanding at lower winds speeds, and leverage conditions change the longer the boom becomes, a special race head with shorter torsion bars was specially developed for the long PLATINUM World Cup booms. This brings complete harmony more stiffness to the rig and rules out any loss of energy. 01 Red With its ergonomic SQUASH.GRIP and a diameter of only 30 mm, RED is a great allrounder. Combined with the PRO.GRESSION III head, it delivers high rigidity and durability. An additional contribution to safety and stiffness comes from the DOUBLE.PIN.LOCK system that firmly locks the boom while preventing the tubes from twisting. Since each size has an individual bend curve, the RED series suits all sail types. 03 Gold is the even more rigid, high-quality composite version of SILVER. While the front structure is identical, GOLD booms have a carbon rear piece. This compact, single-piece construction achieves a significantly higher bending stiffness. This property is further enhanced by the DOUBLE.PIN.LOCK system. The GOLD series also comes with oval SQUASH.GRIP tubes with soft, high-grip coating measuring only 28 mm in diameter, which help avoid cramped forearms and deliver additional comfort. All in all, a very rigid boom for demanding riders. 02 Silver The BONDED.TECHNOLOGY is a unique NORTH SAILS production technique that uses space-technology adhesives to glue the tubes to the head. As a result, the SILVER boom is as strong and rigid as one-piece booms (that cannot be disassembled), and the weight remains very low. Propulsion forces are directly transferred without any play through the PRO.GRESSION III front piece and the continuous rear. All SILVER models feature the oval SQUASH.GRIP for greater comfort and RDM tubes with varying diameter depending on the length: 28 mm for lengths from 1.40 m to 1.60 m, and 30 mm for greater lengths to ensure maximum rigidity even for the long SILVER models. Five boom lengths with refined specific bend curves are available, making SILVER booms perfectly suitable for all sails from Wave to Freerace. 04/05 Platinum The professional PLATINUM booms are characterized by a carbon construction that meets the highest standards with respect to weight and stiffness. To meet even the highest requirements, we distinguish between Wave and Freestyle lengths from 1.40 to 1.50 m and greater Slalom and Formula lengths of 1.80 m to 2.60 m. The shorter models feature the proven PRO.GRESSION III head with shorter torsion bars, which delivers high absorption especially after jumps. The long PLATINUM models have a PROGRESSION.RACE front piece with shorter torsion bars for a more direct, yet controlled power transmission. An individualistic touch was also given to the rear piece: For maximum grip comfort, the short platinum models feature an inserted end piece, while the long versions have a large OVERSIZED.OUTSIDE end piece for unparalleled bending stiffness. The short and long versions also differ in tube diameter: extra grip with 28 mm for lengths up to 1.50 m, and super-stiff 30 mm diameter for longer booms

24 rig technology extensions Every now and then, a groundbreaking invention emerges and leaves a lasting impact on the sport. More than 20 years ago, it was the quick release boom; today, it s the POWER.XT. Both represented a revolution in windsurfing. POWER.XT is the first and only mast extension with an integrated lever that can handle any downhaul force while allowing for precise tuning, even on the water! As a result, even children can completely handle the luff tension of modern slalom sails and accurately adjust any profile within seconds. Advantages when setting up the sail: > faster rigging (insert line tighten pull ratchet, ready!) > significantly less effort is required (power ratio approx. 1/30) > no need for trimming tools ( easy-rig or harness hook) Advantages on the water: > later adjustments can be made on the water (when the wind speed changes) > greater safety Supported by > sail performance and application range are exploited to the full 01 POWER.XT EXTENSION The NORTH SAILS POWER.XT with 1:30 power transmission works with all sails of all brands and revolutionizes both rigging and finetuning. 02 POWER.XTR II EXTENSION The race and luxury version of POWER.XT. The lever is 3 cm longer, increasing the power ratio to approx. 1:60. The new 6-screw cleat plate and the tougher material of the extension tube can easily withstand the luff forces of a 12 m 2 sail, which can be fully trimmed with just one hand. This model includes Dyneema line, which helps reduce friction. 03/04 NEEDLE CARBON EXTENSIONS The know-how of NORTH SAILS in ultimate carbon technology, especially for thin needle masts. 05 PINLOCK.XT EXTENSION The classic extension, identical to the POWER.XT yet without its lever mechanism. The same friction-free and easy-to-use pulley arrangement facilitates trimming and reduces the time needed to get on the water. Check IT out! to find out more about the POWER.XT from Nik Baker, check his new clip at