GEAR: THE SURFACE OF THE STAB IN LIGHT WIND !!!

Foils are a combination of elements designed to generate good balance in flight in a given program. In this full set, the stab plays a decisive role in supporting the performance of the front wing. Replacing it wisely requires thought.

Our shaper shares his point of view on the influence of the stab surface in lightwind:

“Increasing the surface can have an advantage in light winds, but it’s slim. Less than the front wing obviously. The main influence is the equation between the wing and the stab. You have to have a balanced set.

Once that’s stated, you also need to have an ensemble that matches your style. For example, I hardly ever do wing with a kite stab because it requires a lot of pressure in the back foot, which is not my style. My personal style is mostly front-footed, so I’m better off with a Veloce.

If you take a stab that is too small compared to the front wing, the foil will be too maneuverable and from a certain speed it will not be powerful enough to balance the front wing. Suddenly the foil will dive from the nose. Detestable. The examples are endless but remember you have to have a coherent whole that matches your style.”

Shaper: Patrice Guénolé, GONG Galaxy