It is difficult to overstate the advantages of membrane-based sailmaking. Our ability to add structure right where it is needed, and shave pounds elsewhere is huge. As we prototype in various constructions, including monofilm and modified fiber arrangements, I continue to be amazed by the power that membrane mapping brings to the art.– Dan Kaseler
For 8 years Avanti has led the way in windsurf membrane sail development. Our flagship racing sail, the Machine, has claimed victories and World Cup podiums against the very best. Since joining our team, Julien Quentel has piloted the Machine to a top ranking in each of his prolific seasons, at no time falling outside the top six. When presenting the new 2019 Machine M-7, Avanti is not only showcasing a new product, but building on a legacy of unmatched performance.
– Improve structure and stability, particularly around the boom.
– Dial in string mapping to improve burst and acceleration, especially coming out of jibes.
– Continue to improve performance on straight-rockered boards.
– Free up sail rotation to allow rider to focus on tactics at the corners of the racetrack.
– Tune up reflex and low leech reactivity through inset-clew position and shaping.
– Revised Horizontal Batten Angles. We’ve reduced the drag on the M-7 using revised horizontal batten angles which create an even flow for the wind to pass over the sail.
– Lowered Twist Flow. To generate more lift and keep the sail body loaded, the twist flow in the sail has been lowered, whilst pulling Batten #1 closed.
– Membrane Technology. We started with our own exclusive, ultra-light membrane construction. Proven, copied and ranked, our membrane is engineered to distribute loads evenly and appropriately throughout the sail skin in a way that traditional paneled sails cannot replicate. We call this Smart Load Technology; fiber and strength where you need it, weight savings where you don’t.
– Reduced shape on bottom Batten #7 unlocks the rotation of the sail during gybes.
– Increased Visibility. Large see-through panes in the luff sock, allow the sailor to look forward and below the course.
– Batten Layout. Building on the success of the M-6+, we once again set the M-7 up on a 7-batten structure, adding only one mini batten to stabilize the low leech. We tweaked and improved our Flow Aligned Batten layout for 2019, moderating the cross-batten to exit at the clew for superior stability when sailing deep in negative outhaul modes. From the cross batten up, battens angles are flowed quickly and aggressively to stay airflow aligned.
– 3D Shaping. A more blunt, draft-forward leading edge delivers forgiveness over large angles of attack, giving rider a fast wide sailing groove, especially beneficial in difficult sea states and gusty conditions.
– Extra deep camber from the boom down. Full foot shaping inceases lift and drive. Extra perimeter tension below the boom and extending up the low leech eliminates unwanted twist, or blowout along foot edge.
– Code Zero Luff Sleeve Material. With a balance of subtle feel and a controlled stretch profile, Avanti’s new durable sleve material from Dimension Polyant raises the bar on leading edge stability.
– Carbon Tube Battens. Ultra-light, high-performance, 3 step battens are carefully tailored to lock draft in place. Custom Nylon end fittings reduce membrane wrinkles and distortion.
– Overlap Pockets. Overlapping panels create internal batten sleeves, generally 30% lighter than industry standard Dacron pockets. The innovative design creates a rigged symmetry with battens placed in the middle of the membrane, rather than on one side or the other.
– Neoprene Boom Opening. Extra-thin and stretchy, with a floating access zipper for easy rigging.
– No Center-Seam Sock Design. A seamless sock center provides the perfect aerodynamic entry.
– New sail size print on the luff sleeve makes it easy to recognize your sail when rolled up.
– Black and Gold Twaron fiber ensure sails that are super light, low-stretch, and impact resistant.
– Updated Fiber Map. HotSpot clew to luff trajectories, and more fiber on the head to tack load line keep shape locked and control twist, especially up high.
– Ultra Lightweight. Feather Weight Construction puts this sails weight 15-20% under industry standard.
– Outhaul Position. The M-7 features an improved outhaul grommet position. This position defines the angle of the boom and raking of the sail. Maximum correction from previous Machine models is 2.5cm up or down depending on sail size.
– Carbon Tube Battens. Genuine Carbon tube battens in key areas provide a rock-solid skeleton.
– Anti-Abrasion Silicon Bumpers, U-Channel & PVC X-Batten Strips prevent unnecessary wear.
– MicroLight Batten Tensioners provide balanced loading and even skin tension.
– R.1. Headcap. Extra lightweight fiber re-inforced Nylon headcap features a rotation bushing and cross compatibility with a large range of available masts.
– Kevlar Reinforced Fairings give maximum durability against abrasion.
– Spectra Webbing & Batten Looplets. Unbelievably low stretch Spectra webbing reduces energy loss and unwanted stretch at headcap, while Spectra batten looplets reduce batten tension migration.
– Helix Leech Plys minimize cyclical flexing along a given line and extend longevity and toughness of leech.
– Teijin 8083 luff sleeve material gives excellent durability and repels water.
– High Load Seams Adhesive under key seams eliminate thread combing and typical luff section creep.
– ARC Cams. The Arc Cam’s defining attribute is an extra curved sidewall which perfectly matches aerodynamic requirements at the sails’ leading edge. These well-designed cams add stability and promote smooth rotation coming out of tacks and gybes.
– Warlord Nylatron Tack Pulley. Nylatron tack pulley wheels that are 40% lighter than a stainless steel equivalent reduce friction for easier down-hauling. Design is optimized for use in combination with Formuline Spectra downhaul rope.
| SIZE | LUFF | BOOM | BASE | BATTENS | CAMS | MAST | WEIGHT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.6 | 424 | 181/183 | 26 | 7 | 4 | Rival 400 RDM | TBA |
| 6.3 | 446 | 193/195 | 18 | 7 | 4 | Rival 430 SDM | TBA |
| 7.0 | 464 | 205/207 | 36 | 7 | 4 | Rival 430 SDM | TBA |
| 7.7 | 483 | 221/224 | 25 | 7 | 4 | Rival 460 SDM | TBA |
| 8.4 | 501 | 228/232 | 13 | 7 | 4 | Rival 490 SDM | TBA |
| 9.2 | 526 | 242/245 | 8 | 7 | 4 | Rival 520 SDM | TBA |
