The Global and Legend are the twoMaui Sails wave sails and there is an excellent page on their website explaining the reasoning behind the different designs. Basically the Legend is designed to be a little flatter with the fullness not quite so deep and a little further forward, with a softer feel and flatter entry to the leading edge. The Global is designed for more power, early planing and top speed. The Legend is billed as their “pure wave sail” for side to offshore winds with crisper reaction, while the Global is billed for onshore winds and a “wider variety of situations”. It all makes good sense although we generally found the Legend preferable for any type of wavesailing, be it sideshore or onshore.

Set: As Maui Sails couldn’t get us the correct masts in time for the test we used Gaastra 100% masts as they feature similar stiff top bend curves to those used in Maui Sails masts. We also tried using a more flex-top Simmer SC mast, but the sail seemed less happy, displaying a lot more head twist and rotation. Both sails appear to feature seam shaping along the batten pockets giving pre-set fullness well up the sail, much more pronounced in the Global. Both sails have moderate twist towards the head and a small amount of rotation in the 2nd bottom batten when set. The Legend certainly sets a little flatter with the fullness possibly a bit further forward, and is higher aspect than the Global. Both sails were relatively non-demanding for finding a decent set.

Summary: The Legend seems like a slightly flatter and softer version of the Global. It feels considerably more manoeuvrable and a little lighter but still offers plenty of easy power and a good wind range.

Matthew: “The Legend performed well in onshore conditions where its relatively firm leech was particularly stable clew-first for onshore riding (when floppier-leeched sails get all wobbly). It had plenty of drive and sat quite upright, feeling quick into manoeuvres or riding. This sail shot upwind with really good pointing and speed, making it quick to get into the line-up. Though lighter than the Global it does feel a little heavier than most others.”

Emile: “In contrast to the Global, I felt that this was quite a throwabout sail and it felt a lot more springy and alive. It has a decent bottom end for a 5.0 – it carried me through the lulls well and I hung onto it quite easily when I was overpowered, and really enjoyed jumping with it. Overall, I would say it is a decent all-round wave sail, with a nice range.”

Ed: “Good all-rounder. Looks good. Direct, stable feel. Would happily own.”

Ian: “Although it might have more in common with the more powerful or ‘onshore’ wave sail ranges of other lofts, the Legend is a very malleable all-round sail with a soft, easy feel and a good wind range which allowed me to get on with the job of jumping or riding waves without intruding. The pull seems to come from the whole sail rather than a pinpointed centre of effort but it stays pretty stable. Overall a very solid performer.”