T u n i n g f o r W i n d R a n g e
You can expand the NX’s wind range significantly by simply adjusting your downhaul. As a general
rule, you release a little downhaul tension when sailing in lighter winds. This creates more power by
allowing the sail to be fuller, and by increasing leech tension. It will also reduce the twist, which makes
pumping more efficient.
In stronger winds or very bumpy water, the downhaul should be pulled more to tighten and flatten the
sail and to reduce the excess power. Strong downhaul tension also increases the twist, which
improves control and handling by lowering the center of effort. IMPORTANT: Whenever you pull or
release the downhaul, you’ll need to readjust outhaul too, as the two adjustments are inter-related.
The tack strap at the base of the sail can be used to slightly alter the depth and tension in the sail. For
very bumpy water conditions, or when you are sailing very over powered, pull the tack strap very tight.
This will increase the depth of draft below the boom and increase tension along the foot edge, which
lowers the center of effort and allows the upper leech to respond more freely.
T r o u b l e s h o o t i n g
Q:
“Why do I keep getting pitched forward? The sail seems to pitch me to the front of my board.”
A:
- Move the mast step forward to give more leverage over the rig.
- Pull the downhaul more, or pull a bit on the outhaul to stabilize the sail shape better.
- Check your harness line balance point: When you are hooked in and planing, try lifting your hands off
the boom. If the sail moves to the front or the back of the board, move your lines the other direction.
Or try increasing your downhaul tension (moving the draft back) and do not touch the outhaul
(it automatically gets looser by pulling the downhaul. Increasing only the outhaul would move your
draft forward). Note that your harness lines will not balance in the same position on the boom for
every size sail – larger sails set up further back, smaller sails set up further forward.
Q:
“Why can’t I pull the downhaul far enough?”
A:
- Check the mast requirements printed on the sailbag; your mast may be too stiff or too long for the sail.
- Make sure the downhaul lines are not crossed through the pulley.
- Make sure your line diameter isn’t too thick or worn out.
- Try using a tool (easy-rig) to get a better hold on the line.
- Extend the mastbase further.
Q:
“Why don’t my cams rotate very easily?”
A:
- Check cam tension; excessive cam tension will restrict proper rotation.
- Check your downhaul; you may not have enough.
Q:
“Why can’t I get planing when I know I should be?”
A:
- Ease the downhaul. Too much downhaul flattens the foil and excessively loosens the leech, which
gives you more control in heavy wind, but less power in light wind. Releasing some downhaul will
move the draft forward and up. This gives more depth and power in lighter wind.
- Ease the outhaul. Too much outhaul will flatten the sail and take power away, which is good for high
wind control but not for light wind power.
Q.
“How does the downhaul affect the outhaul; why do I need to adjust both?”
A:
When you downhaul a sail, you are essentially bending the mast into the curve of the sail’s mast
sleeve. As you pull more downhaul, the clew moves away from the mast, increasing the boom length.
As you ease off the downhaul, the clew moves toward the mast, decreasing boom length.
Q.
“Why does my back arm get tired? I’m having a hard time sheeting in.”
A:
- You may need to move your harness lines back.
- Pull some more outhaul to move the draft forward.
- Check your settings. An extreme downhaul setting and very little outhaul moves the draft back
causing you to use your back arm more to compensate.
- You’re over powered. Try a smaller sail.
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Minimum Settings
Minimum Downhaul
Minimum Outhaul
• Light wind/underpowered
• Deeper foil
• Boom length becomes shorter
• Flat water
• Less twist
• Pull the outhaul about 1.5 cm
• Downwind sailing
• Tighter leech
from neutral
• More power, less control
• Deeper foil
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Optimum Settings
Optimum Downhaul
Optimum Outhaul
• Steady/moderate wind
• Lean foil
• Boom at referenced length on tack
• Choppy water
• Moderate twist
• Pull the outhaul about 3 cm
• All-round sailing
from neutral
• Power and control
• Lean foil
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Maximum Settings
Maximum Downhaul
Maximum Outhaul
• High wind/overpowered
• Flatter foil
• Boom length becomes longer
• Upwind sailing
• More twist
• Pull the outhaul about 5 cm
• More control, less power
• Loose leech
from neutral
• Flatter foil
CONDITIONS
DOWNHAUL SETTINGS
OUTHAUL SETTINGS
CONDITIONS
DOWNHAUL SETTINGS
OUTHAUL SETTINGS
CONDITIONS
DOWNHAUL SETTINGS
OUTHAUL SETTINGS
