Sneak previewFreerace sail 7.8 - all details and features

Stephan Gölnitz

 · 14.05.2025

A dream: speeding across flat water with a freerace sail. We tested nine sails with two or three cambers
Photo: Stephan Gölnitz
Nine fast freerace sails in detail. At the end of the gallery you will also find a comparison of all the camber sails.
You'd better not get flashed in town with these sails. Nevertheless, moderate freeride sails promise better handling than the uncompromising racing sails of the pros. Nine sails in the 2025 test cover the spectrum from very handy and absolutely suitable for everyday use camber freeride sails to bulky high-performance carrying sails. You can find the most interesting details of this test group here in advance.

For some, large camber sails may seem like relics from the windsurfing past, but those who love the direct, powerful ride will appreciate them. Gliding over choppy water with a 7.8 camber sail requires tension and physical effort - and that's exactly what makes it so appealing. This intense experience of nature, the direct contact with the water and the fight against wind and waves cannot be replaced by any foil.

Even if many people switch to foil or wing, these sails retain their raison d'être. An enormous wind range can be covered with a single model - from around eight knots foiling, from 15 knots with a fin. Control is maintained up to well over 20 knots before it makes sense to switch to smaller sails.

All sails were extensively tested against each other on identical boards.Photo: Stephan GölnitzAll sails were extensively tested against each other on identical boards.

Two or three cambers?

The range can be seen in the construction: while some sails such as the Duotone or Goya require moderate trim forces, models such as the Point-7 or NeilPryde V8 are significantly more force-intensive. The trim has a significant influence on the profile and performance. Sails with high luff tension offer maximum planing power without pressure point migration - ideal for speed and control.

Manufacturers are increasingly reducing their variety of models. Instead of separate two- and three-camber models, there is often one model with combined characteristics. The number of cambers therefore says little about the handling: a Duotone with three cambers can be softer than a NeilPryde with two.

Big differences in the driving experience

The sails are noticeably different on the water. You can find out which model has which characteristics in surf 6/2025, on sale from 27 May. We'll also reveal whether the eye-catching North sail with its air camber is the wild card! Ultimately, this sail group offers everything: from sporty and tight to comfortable - with character, variety and a wide wind range.

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