Sizes: 3.3, 3.7, 4.0, 4.2, 4.5, 4.7, 5.0, 5.3, 5.7m.

Manufacturer’s mast recommendations: Recommended for use with skinny masts although capable of being used with SD as well. We used it with the Maui Sails RDM 100%, an averagely stiff mast with a notably stiff-top bend curve. The RDM 75% measured slightly less stiff but has a very similar stiff-top bend curve. Maui Sails std diameter masts also have stiff-top bend curves and tend to be above averagely stiff.

Our mast recommendations:

The Legend shows relatively typical traits of stiff-top mast bend characteristics when set with its own mast. This means not much rotation and a relatively soft and easy spring in the body of the sail. This is great for flexibility and easy power but it rigs quite nicely with more average bend curve masts, tightening the foil in the mid-section and adding a little rotation and shape.

Changes for ’08:

Maui Sails claim to have incorporated a new twist profile developed from their race sails to give a smoother, softer feel. And for sure, while we haven’t really enjoyed the Maui Sails wave sails in recent years, this year’s Legend seems to mark a real change in approach that delivers a sail with far greater comfort, balance and top end. Set:There seems to be more leech twist than we’ve seen before from this brand, extending well down the leech. There is some pre-set shape in batten 1 and perhaps a little in batten 2, but overall not much. We found the sail worked best with a little rotation left in batten 2 only. It remains quite a springy sail with easy spring that can be usefully controlled with the outhaul.

Performance:

We used both the 4.7 and 5.3m Legends. It’s a reasonably powerful sail with the centre of effort relatively high and far back, and a longish boom which takes some getting used to. However, it is neither heavy nor pully and delivers the power nicely evenly to get you planing quickly with very good acceleration. The relatively fine-entry, flexible foil allows for quick depowering and easy manoeuvring. It is a sail that benefits from being reset to handle stronger winds with a small increase in downhaul and slightly bigger increase in outhaul, and set thus remains pretty stable in strong winds. It gives a soft, smooth delivery of good power with very acceptable stability and good manoeuvrability.

+ Smooth power, upwind ability and neutral when sheeted out

– Really benefits from conditions specific set