gaastra hybrid 2021Gaastra Hybrid is the ultimate all round sail. A high performance sail that you will have fun with regardless of the conditions. Gaastra hybrid is a sail for those looking for a sail from a series that matches all conditions, whether it is lighter winds freeride or waves and strong winds, Hybrid performs very well with a good wind register. This sail is the most easily rigged sail from Gaastra and it is easily rigged on most masts. Smaller sizes are

Gaastra Hybrid is the ultimate all-round sail. A high-performance sail that you will have fun with regardless of the conditions. Gaastra hybrid is a sail for those looking for a sail from a series that matches all conditions, whether it is lighter winds - freeride or waves and strong winds, Hybrid performs very well with a good wind register. This sail is the most easily rigged sail from Gaastra and it is easily rigged on most masts. Smaller sizes are adapted for maneuvering and waves and larger for performance. FOR WHOM:

GA SAILS HYBRID 6.2M TEST REVIEW

OVERVIEW The Hybrid is an all-new sail design more all-round in application in the process. Available in both standard (as tested here) and full x-ply HD construction, it is available in eight sizes, from 3.7m to 7.4m, and as with all sails in the GA range it is recommended for use with constant curve masts. With the addition of the brand's 'posi-leech system' and dynamic boom cutout (in effect, a large step in the leech outline at the main batten above the boom), the Hybrid is said to have a reduced head area yet more shape to its profile high up, improving both power and agility. Well finished with all the attention to detail you would expect from the GA loft (such as abrasion pads in vulnerable areas and a full molded tack fairing), it was tested here on a Gaastra 75% RDM mast. FIRE CLAIM "The Hybrid is the go to sail for anyone looking to get their first rig or expand their first quiver. The forgiving luff makes it compatible with both SDM and RDM masts of various carbon contents without impacting performance. It's a simple sail that lets you focus on what's really important: water time!" PERFORMANCE Rigging with a moderate amount of luff curve, the Hybrid sets flat at rest, the leech loose down to the main batten above the boom, whilst the batten itself retains the slightest rotation around the mast. It translates to a light and neutral feeling at idle, feeling smaller than its quoted size in the hands. As pressure builds the Hybrid nevertheless develops a reasonable amount of bottom end drive, the Dacron luff panel breathes and enables the sail to adopt a deeper profile. The center of effort is forwards, yet relatively high in the draft, encouraging the rider into an upright and relaxed stance. The high cut foot and moderate to high clew eyelet position furthers this feeling, and bolsters the Hybrid's ease and practicality in manoeuvres, returning to its light and passive form as it is rotated mid-transition. This is also apparent as the wind picks up and increasingly violent gusts begin to hit the sail. With its stability assured, the hesitant rider can take comfort in the fact that they can adopt a more defensive stance over the board and ease the backhand out, the sail remaining easy and forgiving in the hands. While not as efficient as some in the group, it remains balanced and comfortable across an impressive wind range, with equal capacity for blasting and maneuvering and comfortable whatever the sea state. THE VERDICT With a light and playful nature, the Hybrid strikes a fantastic balance between power, handling and practicality, and with standard GA-Sail build it represents excellent value.