Mast extension (windsurfing)
The mast extension is part of the windsurf rig . It is used to adjust the mast length exactly to the requirements of the windsurf sail.
Use in the windsurf rig
Since windsurfing masts are usually only available in 30 cm length increments for the purpose of standardizing hardness and length, the surfer either has to rely on a vario top with the mast cap of the sail adjustable in length, or a mast extension is used . This is gradually adjustable in length and is pushed into the mast from below in order to bring the mast to the optimal length for the sail.
materials
Windsurf mast extensions available on the market are made of aluminum , carbon or stainless steel. What all three materials have in common is that they are less susceptible to limescale, sand and salt deposits, so that the ease of movement of the adjustment system is maintained. However, there are clear differences in terms of weight: The lightest mast extensions are made of carbon, the aluminum is heavier, and the stainless steel extension is even heavier. Another advantage of the carbon extension in addition to the weight saving is that it is softer and thus imitates the bending curve of the mast better than a mast extension made of metal. Another advantage of carbon extensions is the extremely smooth and oxidation-free surface, which protects even more against dirt and deposits and thus guarantees the ease of movement of the extension for a comparatively longer period.
Optimal length
Following the principle of weight minimization, which is of great importance in the professional field of windsurfing, the mast extension should not be longer than necessary. The optimal length results from the following formula:
Maximum adjustment range of the extension = luff (i.e. required mast length of the sail manufacturer) - mast length + 5 cm buffer
The buffer is necessary in order to be able to trim slightly beyond the manufacturer's specifications in very strong winds and thus take away more profile from the sail.
Hobby surfers choose a mast extension that is longer than required in order to be able to rig as large a number of sails as possible with a mast extension. An extension with an adjustment range of 30 cm has proven itself in the industry.
diameter
The diameter of the mast extension is inevitably based on the diameter of the mast used. A distinction is made between the so-called SDM masts (standard diameter masts) with a diameter of 48 mm and the RDM masts (reduced diameter masts) or skinny masts with a diameter of 32 mm.
Trim systems
Many mast extensions come with a factory-fitted trim adapter. The advantage is that another connection point is saved, but the integrated trim adapter also binds to the respective trim system. Two different systems have established themselves in the industry: In the US Cup system, which is mainly used in the USA, a "cup" is snapped into the trim adapter of the extension. With the Euro-Pin system, which is more popular in Europe, a 10 mm thick metal pin is snapped into the trim adapter of the mast extension. Alternatively, there is a mast extension without a trim adapter, for which a single mast foot with one of the two systems is available. Some manufacturers develop complex integrated pulley systems for their mast extensions to simplify the trim of the sail, which not only significantly reduce the effort required to stretch the sail, but also promise infinitely variable fine adjustment.
Individual evidence
- ↑ a b Wind force 7 guide to mast extensions
- ↑ Wikipedia: Windsurf masts .
- ↑ North Sails Power.XT ( Memento of the original from November 22, 2012 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. .
