North Sails is back with a new technology designed to make sails lighter and more robust. But is the new North Wave 3Di really magical - or just lazy magic?
The other equipment such as the protector and trim block are minimalist but functional - the sail body is almost seamless. The mast protector and the roller block have been reduced to a minimum - but work perfectly.
Switching as if by magic
On the water: With the first gust, the North Sails Wave generates a full profile from the rather wide mast pocket. This makes it very powerful, pulls well over the planing threshold and is very damped, but not saggy. When powered up, it is stable in the hands without any annoying load changes. Even in the bulbous trim, the profile is stabilised surprisingly well and annoying pressure point movements are hardly an issue.
The sail is undoubtedly in a league of its own when it comes to handling - regardless of whether you are jibing or duck jibing or cranking through front or push loops. The perceived power handling of straight-line sailing disappears into thin air as if by magic when manoeuvring - the North Wave can then literally be steered with two fingers. The concept is also fascinating on the wave: it pulls through the bottom turn with drive, but is so light and agile in the cutback that it absolutely encourages all wave moves.
The handling in manoeuvres and on the wave is on a new level
surf conclusion: At €1049 for the 4.7, the North Sails Wave 3Di is certainly no bargain, but in return you get a sail that is unrivalled, especially in terms of handling. It combines power with absolute lightness and is therefore suitable for a wide range of different surfing conditions.
