Sizes:

4.0, 4.2, 4.5, 4.7, 5.0, 5.4, 5.8, 6.2m.

Manufacturer’s mast recommendations:

As for Gaastra Manic.

Our mast recommendations:

We have only set the Poison on Gaastra RD 75% masts, but would expect it to work well with any relatively stiff-top or average bend curve mast that is not too stiff. We would be wary of setting it on any mast that was both more flex-top and relatively stiff, since this would be likely to further tighten the foil in the already taut mid-section.

Changes for ’08:

It is billed as having more shape with increased skin tension compared to ’07, with a longer boom.

Set:

In the 4.0m there is quite a bit of pre-set shape in the bottom batten and a little bit in batten 2. The sail has minimal twist, and what there is is located right at the head with the leech staying very tight. The foil is quite taut with high skin tension and it sets quite flat on the beach.

Performance:

Most of our experience of the Poison comes from the 4.0, although we have also used the 5.4m. It’s relatively flat and seems considerably less flexible than the Manic. The centre of effort feels a bit higher and further back which does give a little more early planing power, but makes it a bit twitchier, particularly in gusty conditions. However, while not possessing quite the easy range and handling of the Manic nor going neutral quite so well in manoeuvres, it is very compact with a very precise, direct feel and excellent stability.

Price: 5.0m – £410