We realize the importance of maintaining a consistent, smooth feel, obtained by designing in the appropriate rig tension from one sail size to another. In the past, achieving this was largely trial-and-error, based on rider feedback. But we wanted to quantify these properties and establish a useable formula relating rig tension to a sail's "feel" and handling characteristics. To accomplish this we use a custom-made, high accuracy load cell apparatus to measure overall rig tension in all our sail lines and have created a data base where we relate each sail size to the others.

The results have been significant. You can sail a 5.0 Legend all morning until the wind cranks up in the afternoon and you need to rig down to a 4.2. Then you are instantly comfortable because each size maintains the same smooth, soft, breathable feeling rather than getting stiff and twitchy. Through a combination of scientific methodology and rigorous on-the-water testing we have been able to directly pin point the shaping relationships that give MauiSails that great feeling and performance and carry them progressively throughout each sail range.

Aloha,
Artur Szpunar