Severne NCX 7.5 (comparison sail)
On land:Ben Severne has given the new NCX a significantly reduced fork length, creating a sufficiently long chord thanks to the sail batten that extends far beyond the end of the fork and runs diagonally through the fork. All reinforcements are good, the choice of cloth is quite spartan and the sail is cut without superfluous panels and seams.
On the water: Compared to the camber-equipped sails, the NCX is light as a feather and can be playfully wagged back and forth in chop. The sail, which has a deep profile below the boom, is surprisingly stable in the hand even in light winds - the boom moves only slightly more nervously in the hands than with the camber sails - and only takes off with a slight delay, even compared to the best sails in the five-man test group. Even in the upper wind range, it still feels light, somewhat agile and remains very stable at the pressure point. The lack of camber only minimises the loss of control.
When powered up, it twists up nicely and even outperforms all camber sails on half wind and light room courses. However, the Severne NCX was already the best performing no-cam sail in last year's test and therefore doesn't represent the average speed potential of its class, which has to be said in honour of the camber sails. However, there are no excuses when it comes to manoeuvring - everything is easier without camber, whether it's tacking, jibing or just leisurely bobbing.
Mast used: Severne Blue Line 460 cm, IMCS 25,
2.10 kilos, 75 % carbon, price: 429 euros
Web: www.severnesails.com
