Yet another innovation for the raceboard scene: French manufacturer Exocet is unveiling a new “longboard” for regattas. The RS V7 Carbon 380 is based, amongst other things, on the concept of the Unifiber Proteus shape and is designed for all sections of a raceboard course, explains Exocet. The aim of the development was to create a board that offers good speed upwind without compromising performance on broad reach or downwind. With a volume of 313 litres, a length of 379 centimetres and a width of 68 centimetres, the board falls within classic raceboard dimensions. According to the manufacturer, the weight is 14.2 kilograms, with a tolerance of five per cent. The recommended sail area ranges from 6.5 to 9.5 square metres.
According to the manufacturer, earlier generations of raceboards often favoured heavier riders when sailing close to the wind and lighter riders on downwind courses. The RS V7 380 distributes its volume specifically to the bow and stern in order to cater for a wider range of rider weights. Heavier riders reach the planing phase sooner in marginal winds, whilst lighter riders retain better control and upwind performance without having to fight against the board’s shape. This adjustment to the volume distribution is designed to make the board rideable for different types of riders. The carbon sandwich construction keeps the weight low whilst maintaining the structural stiffness required for direct power transfer. According to the manufacturer’s description, the board does not ‘interpret’ what the rider is doing, but transfers it directly to the water.
Pivot system for variable blade adjustment
The centreboard retains Exocet’s pivot system, which allows both the length and angle of the centreboard to be adjusted to suit the conditions – before and during the race. A longer centreboard provides additional lift and upwind performance on light crosswinds. When retracted, it reduces drag and improves control as pressure increases on the broad reach. The centreboard housing is designed to accommodate custom centreboards as well. This gives riders the flexibility to set up their preferred configuration for the course and conditions. The carbon centreboard is included with the board.
The centreboard and mast base have been moved forwards to optimise balance across all tacks. A subtle forward shift of the fin box enhances propulsion on broad reach courses – where racing positions are often won and lost – without compromising the upwind setup. The fin box is designed as a deep Tuttle box; fins are not included in the scope of delivery. The mast foot can be adjusted to adapt the sail position to different wind strengths and courses. In light winds, the rig can be moved forwards for an early start, whilst in stronger conditions it can be moved backwards for greater control.
Approval and scope of application
The RS V7 Carbon 380 is approved for the World Sailing International Raceboard Class and can therefore be used in everything from club races to world championships. The carbon construction is based on the tried-and-tested RS 380 platform, which was developed for marathon races and long-distance performance. “A raceboard developed by people who actually sail it – refined to suit the sections of the course where results are actually made” is how Exocet describes the philosophy behind the board. The price is 4,999 euros.
Technical Specifications: Exocet RS V7 Carbon 380
- Capacity: 313 litres
- Length: 379.0 centimetres
- Width: 68.0 centimetres
- Weight: 14.2 kilograms (±5%)
- Sail area: 6.5–9.5 square metres
- Construction: carbon sandwich
- Finn Box: Deep Tuttle Box
- Price: 4,999 euros
- For more information, see exocet-original.com
(Manufacturer’s specifications)
