"The stiffer the better" - Starboard designer Tiesda You is convinced that a foil must be as stiff as possible. "Stiffness is important, more important than for kiting, because we have a much greater load when windsurfing," says Tiesda, explaining his theory. "The wings are bigger and we surf wider boards, so we apply greater leverage to the foil. And when the system moves under water, it becomes difficult to control." A solid full carbon construction is the logical consequence. Depending on the area of use, the parts can be combined in different ways to create four set-ups. "I want people to see the Starboard foils as a foil platform," says Tiesda, "like a windsurfing rig where you can swap the mast and boom. The front wing provides more power and earlier lift-off or less power, later lift-off, but more speed." It's similar with the back wing. The smaller one for more speed in stronger winds, the larger one for more stable lift in less wind. "The larger back wing is more tolerant and easier to surf, the smaller one is only needed for top speed. My personal favourite is the small front wing with the large back wing, because I also like to glide properly on the board before foiling," says designer You. "The large front wing with the large back wing is the light wind combination.
We also recommend this for foil beginners. You can use small sails with the large front wing and have good stability thanks to the rear wing." Fuselages of different lengths, the fuselages of the underwater aircraft on which the wings are mounted, can be combined. The long fuselage improves upwind running and increases stability, the foil reacts more slowly and is easier to predict. You have more time to react when the board rises. With the long fuselage, you quickly feel like a pro because you never hit the water. The disadvantage is the high lift in strong winds and high speeds. Depending on the desired flying height and ability, these sets can be combined on three masts (75 (aluminium)/85/95 centimetres). Longer is more powerful, but also more demanding. From the summer, the GT freeride model will also be available in an aluminium version.
The matching board is based on the UltraSonic with relatively few but important modifications. The fin box is significantly reinforced in the special foil board. There are also additional loop positions and the cut-outs in the tail are closed for more volume in the tail and better planing. There is also good news from the development kitchen: "It was important to us that the Foil 147 remains a good windsurfing board, it feels like the UltraSonic".
TECHNICAL DATA
Starboard Foil 147 Carbon Reflex Length: 241 cmWidth: 95 cmWeight8.3 kg (9.5 kg*)Prices2799 Euro (2299 Euro in Technora edition*)
Starboard Foils Ultra: Mast Carbon 85 or Alu 75; Front Wing Small; Tail Wing Small; Fuselage Alu 75Slalom: Mast Carbon 95 or Alu 75; Front Wing Small; Tail Wing Large; Fuselage Alu 75GT:Mast Carbon 85 or Alu 75; Front Wing Large; Tail Wing Large; Fuselage Alu 75Race: Mast Carbon 95; Front Wing Large; Tail Wing Small; Fuselage Aluminium 115Prices2049 (Race 2149) EuroInfo: www.star-board.com
