The Tushingham Concept, launched only a few days ago has already generated a lot of interest.
Previously the four batten phenomena had been aimed at freestyle/wave windsurfers, but now Tushingham have produced a light weight, easy to handle sail suited to a greater range of sailor.
Boards finds out more from Team Tushingham…
Tushingham are the first brand to offer a non-hardcore 4-batten design since the recent trend towards this configuration in wave and freestyle sails. The Edge freestyle-wave sail took a full two years of development and helped Ken Black in designing the Concept. However, the Concept is NOT simply a detuned Edge. The rider style, board type and sailing conditions will not be the same for most Concept riders so it’s built to offer greater drive and sustained power, while the Edge has “on-off” power which is more manoeuvre focused.
Who was involved in the R and D?
In 2011, the UK’s varied conditions threw up a perfect mix of windy, gusty and lighter conditions which allowed Paul Simmons and Dave Hackford to explore the full range of the prototype sails on flat water through to lumpy, wavy conditions in Bigbury Bay. Then Simon Bornhoft took a couple of models out to Egypt and gave them a thorough workout on flat water with a range of riders.
Which team riders are using this sail?
Being a non-specialist sail the hardcore racers, wave sailors and freestylers are not riding the Concept. However, Tushingham’s accomplished three technique gurus, Simon Bornhoft, Peter Hart and Sam Ross carry the Concept in their quivers, as they’re great sails for progressing windsurfers.
Those who like a bit of windsurfing on their SUP boards also find the Concept’s blend of light weight, manoeuvrability and low-end “grunt” works really well to power SUP boards in light winds.
What sort of windsurfer would the Concept suit?
- Any progressing windsurfers who favour ease of use and a lightweight feel over ultimate top-end stability.
- Light weight and smaller riders, who will appreciate the lighter physical weight of the 4-batten design.
- Families looking for an uncomplicated sail for summer breezes, with accessible performance freeride for all riders.
In the UK the Concept is also available as a superb value complete package with the Starboard GO and Rio boards.
Full specifications are available on the Tushingham website.
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