Neilpryde Windsurfing


REAL WORLD RACING - New for 2007, the RS:Slalom is designed to take the high performance of NeilPryde’s race sail, the RS:6, and build it into a sail that is simple to rig and easy to use. Designed around the X6 Mast, the		RS:Slalom features a combination of enhanced bottom end power and smooth rotation, making it the ideal sail for weekend racers; GPS speedsters and those simply looking to go faster than their friends.

X6 Performance Optimised
The RS:Slalom has been designed and developed around the X6 mast to deliver optimal performance to a wide range of performance minded sailors. Out of the factory all the cams are tuned to accommodate the larger mast diameter of the X6 compared to the X9. The luff curve is specifically developed to be less sensitive to the slightly slower reflex found in the X6 mast relative to the X9.

Switchable 3/2 Cams
A key feature of the RS:Slalom is the versatility offered by the 3/2 Cam system where the bottom camber can be removed for enhanced rotation, easy rigging and a softer feel. Using the 3 cam configuration will boost your top speed and control in the upper end.

GPS
With a combination of good top-end speed, plenty of low-end power and easy rigging, the RS:Slalom is ideally suited to the rapidly growing group of riders with an interest in GPS Speed-Sailing.

DESIGN OBJECTIVE


•	To design and build a sail that will fit between the RS:6 and the 2007 V8.
•	To deliver performance as close as possible to purebred race sails but with easier on the water handling and user-friendly rigging and de-rigging.
•	The sail must have a soft, forgiving feeling and a light ‘sailing weight’ when on the water.
•	The sail must offer excellent rotation during gybes and feature the best possible acceleration out of the corners.
•	The sail must be designed on, and developed using, the NeilPryde X6 mast. - The X9 Mast must be compatible as the ‘performance upgrade’ for those sailors looking to achieve ultimate performance.
•	The sail must be suitable for the Slalom 42 racing format combining good windward ability with control and speed on a broad reach.

ACHIEVED BY:


•	Using the RS:6 outline and sail body as a base to ensure high performance.
•	Reducing the number of cams to produce a softer feeling rig with smooth rotation, excellent handling during gybes and good acceleration out of the corners. It has also made rigging easier and reduced the sail weight.
•	Sail versatility. The bottom camber can be removed depending on what the rider is looking for. If stability, speed and control are required, the rider can choose to keep the bottom camber in place. Should the sailors’ preference be for enhanced rotation, easy rigging and a softer feel the bottom camber can be removed resulting in a softer profile and better rotation.
•	Reducing the width of the luff sleeve, relative to the RS:6, to make water starting easier.
•	The sail has been designed and developed on the X6 mast. The X9 Ultra Mast would be a performance upgrade.
•	Softer profile achieved by reduced number of cams and softer material in the lower part of the luff sleeve to assist you in getting onto the plane as well as gliding through the gybes.
•	More flexible materials are used in the luff edge of the RS:Slalom, relative to the RS:6, resulting in lower downhaul tensions required to reach the proper trim.
	Note: The RS:Slalom will be supplied with cambers pre-tuned for the X6 Mast.


	“Over the past 3-4 years the NeilPryde race sail has evolved into highly technical and specialized racing machine. The result of this evolution has delivered clear performance advantages on the race course but also increased the level of skill required to use them. The development of the RS:Slalom was a great opportunity to take this knowledge and put it into a racing sail specifically designed to be used by a wide range of performance minded sailors. As a result we have an easy to use racing sail that requires even less skill than racing sails required 4 years ago but with far superior performance”. Robert Stroj / NeilPryde Design
	‘With the easy rigging of the RS:Slalom you can maximise your time on the water, and the high acceleration makes it ideal for GPS racing; all in all the RS:Slalom is a great addition to the NeilPryde racing programme.’ Pieter Bijl / NeilPryde Windsurfing R & D
	‘I like the RS:Slalom because it’s really fast. It’s really light in the hands and the big size is really soft in light winds and planes early. The rotation of the cam in the gybe is perfect. I think I can go really fast with these sails.’ Antoine Albeau / FRA192
	‘This sail is the perfect sail for the weekend racer, who doesn’t have a lot of time but wants to go fast with all of his buddies. This sail is super light, super easy to rig and I have no doubt it is going to be the most competitive sail in the slalom class.’ Micah Buzianis / USA34