Ken Black’s close collaboration with Chris “Muzza” Murray has taken the Rock quite literally to new heights. Every size has undergone a rigorous testing programme both in the UK and in Maui, making the 2013 Rock the most refined Tushingham sail ever to hit the water.
The sharper power delivery turbo-charges manoeuvres, allowing riders like Muzza, Spanish ace Boro Martinez and new Italian rider Daniele Di Rosa to perform at the very highest level. Light and compact in feel, new materials ensure Rock thrives and survives in the most extreme of environments.
Ken Black explains the design changes:
“We’ve strived to bring power on more quickly without sacrificing any control. To do this we had to view the rig differently. Instead of the drive dissipating out from the hands of the sailor we wanted it to be drawn in so that control was immediate.
The key to our new approach was in a very different luff curve with an over-straightened top section. Outhaul rather than downhaul tension comes into play much more than on previous Rocks. The sail remains very stable with a low centre of effort, without high downhaul tension. The outhaul can then be used to control the amount of power without altering the centre of effort.”
Key features:
RDM-Optimised: The new Rock’s luff curve is optimised for the Tushingham RD Wave or RD60 masts. The sails remain compatible with SDM masts but with 85-90% of wave sailors choosing RDM, it was logical to focus the development around these masts.
Soft-mast tune-ability: Several sizes are compatible with a shorter mast than the standard recommended mast. Light weight riders and anyone looking for softer power delivery have the option of rigging on a short mast with long extension, for a softer, more forgiving feel.
Re-shaped foot area: For hardcore wave riding, the higher foot clears white-water with ease, with the reduced area bringing snappier transitions.
Rigging The 2013 Rock from Tushingham on Vimeo.
Redesigned tack and clew: Built for maximum strength and to carefully distribute extreme loading evenly, eliminating any weak points.
Materials: In the lower area of the sail there’s C646 laminate, with extra strength from warp threads in the high loading directions and 2-plys in the vulnerable areas. Clear X-ply adds visibility above the window and a Kevlar reinforced C645 leech panel keeps everything in place. High strength, double-width seams are used throughout.
Rider testimonials:
“The EPIC new Rock handles gusts and lulls with smooth power delivery and a very light feel. It’s super-reactive when you sheet in, with instant response. It’s a lot of fun to ride and bust out all your wave moves with ease. I’m so happy with it…. Wahoooooooooo!!!” – Chris “Muzza” Murray (reporting from Maui)
ROCK 2012 from Tushingham on Vimeo.
“Pretty windy here but SO much crisper, lighter and more direct than the old one – and strangely fast!” – Peter Hart (reporting from Ireland)
Find out more from Tushingham on their website – www.tushingham.com and head to http://www.tushingham.com/windsurfing/sails/rock-2013 for more specifics on The Rock.
“I just had to let you guys know how good the new Rock is! It’s SICK!!! Many of the BWA pros commented positively on my sailing and I’m sure that changing to the new Rock made a big difference.” – George Shillito (from BWA competition, Rhosneigr)
