As a slightly toned-down version of the racing sail model RaceSF the GT-3 enters the race, so it should offer race-like performance, but with the handling of a freeride sail. With its high aspect ratio, it should be equally suitable for windsurfing with a fin and for foiling. Will this plan work?
On land
The outline and arrangement of the tracks on the GT-3 are essentially inspired by the Racesegel RaceSF taken over. Nevertheless, designer Patrik Diethelm has made a few changes to the sail. Three cambers stabilise the profile and the GT-3 is rigged on RDM masts in all sizes. This already pays off when rigging, as the mast is easy to thread and folding the camber is also a breeze. The mast sleeve is much narrower than the race sail. However, our 7.4 test sail wanted to be rigged more like a race sail - with a lot of visible loose leech and only very moderate boom tension. Theoretically, the GT-3 can also be rigged on an SDM mast, and corresponding SDM camber is available - however, the recommendation clearly goes to the RDM mast. The other features are well-engineered and make a high-quality impression - Kevlar patches on the top, the lower batten and the batten ends prevent possible abrasion.
This is how the Patrik GT-3 FRC
The Patrik GT-3 is nicely balanced in the hand when starting off. It planes smoothly, although its rather short boom does not give the impression of maximum light wind power. After a short delay, however, the sail accelerates powerfully to top speed and is particularly balanced in the hands. Disturbing load changes are not an issue even in gusty conditions, which means that top speed can be achieved even without very high sailing skills. The manoeuvring handling is also impressive, as the camber rotates perfectly and quite smoothly into the end position. However, it should be clear that the concept clearly has more racing genes than freeride genes - you have to be able to really get to grips with the water starts and shifts, the concept has little to do with a light, playful freeride sail. However, if you take typical racing sails as a benchmark, the handling is quite convincing.
Patrik GT-3 FRC - the conclusion
The Patrik GT-3 FRC is a fast, controllable and manoeuvre-friendly freerace sail. This makes it perfect for all those who want to master a sporty freerace or slalom board with loops mounted far out and are looking for a suitable high-torque motor for racing. However, freeride boards are clearly overpowered, as the GT-3 is clearly more of a race concept than a freeride concept.
Patrik GT-3 FRC - technical data
- Test model: Patrik GT-3 FRC 7.4
- Mast used: Patrik RDM 100 460
- Luff length: 485 centimetres
- Fork length: 201 centimetres
- Available sizes: 5.0/5.6/6.2/6.8/7.4/8.0/8.6 square metres
- Price (test model): 1139 Euro
- Contact: patrikinternational.com
