2012 Racing Blade Trim tips
The mast recommendation, and boom length numbers printed on the Racing Blades is the start. Should the rig give the rider a feeling of being overpowered, apply 1-1.5cm more downhaul. Underpowered- release the downhaul 1-1.5cm. For overpowered conditions Racing Blades should be set with hard trim (at max numbers- maybe even beyond!); the leech will show evidence of release forward to the mast pocket between the top two battens (not including the Sensitip) and down to the boom. For light wind conditions soft trim is best; leech release will be concentrated in the upper leech and will be evident forward 70-80% from the leech edge (between the top two battens). Racing Blades are equipped with The Loft’s exclusive Tekcam system that allows both rdm and sdm mast compatibility. Large Tekcams (sdm) are mounted while the Reduced Tekcams (rdm) are in the sailbag. Also included: 6 Tekcam spacers. One spacer is 3.7mm while two spacers extend Tekcams forward 7.4mm. It is not recommended to place more than 2 spacers. As there are many masts on the market with many diameters, no spacers for first rigging is recommended. For Racing Blades 2012s usually one Tekcam spacer is best at the cams on either side of the boom for both mast types (sdm & rdm masts). Drop shape masts may require various combinations of Reduced and Large Tekcams and spacers. Adding more spacers tends to load the mast directly from the batten tensioner, which will tension the mast pocket (+ stability), and will drive in more difficult rotation. Too many spacers, and rotation becomes hard, and risks zip damage when closing. Light batten tension for the upper 3 battens- best applied BEFORE the mast goes in.
Upper batten tension can be applied with downhaul tension on- but runs the risk of stretching the dacron tensioning-ports built into the mast pocket. To tension the upper battens easily with the mast in: set the rig on port tack and release the downhaul. This brings the tensioners into an easy position to tension and releases tension at the access ports. For the lower battens (all with cams) firm tension is best. Basic Blade trim is easy- follow the numbers! To be maximally competitive, slalom riders should experiment with trim and FEEL adjustment impact. For any given rider, mast, board (size and design), fin (size and design) and sailing condition there is likely an ideal rig trim (downhaul, outhaul, boom height, mast foot position). Getting to know your equipment is the BEST way to get the max from your equipment! Trim is a world of feelings- for example the impact of + 1.5cm downhaul as the wind rises can be a revelation for those who dare to experience it! Racing Blade 2012 specs: Size MastxBoom Mast rec. Mast Ext. Battens 9.5 8.6 7.8 7.0 6.3 5.6 4.9
526x242 506x225 484x217 458x200 436x189 406X180 380x170
520 490 460 430 430 400 370
2012 Loftmasts IMCS 280 9 400 19 310 11 430 21 340 15 460 25 341 17 490 29.5
Tarifa 2012
6 16 24 28 6 6 10
7* 7* 7* 7* 7* 7* 7*
520 33 550 35
All sizes fixed top 4 Tekcams