Note that the luff and boom lengths listed are intended only as a guide to rig assembly and sail trim. Depending on the rig components you choose
and your boom height, these dimensions may not always correspond exactly to the settings that are best for you. We measure boom length from
the front of the mast to the back of the clew. Maximum boom length is achieved at a very flat outhaul setting with the boom at the top of the boom
opening. We measure luff length from the top of the headcap, around the front of the mast curve to a point perpendicular to the mast opposite the
underside of the triple pulley or grommet. Refer to the rigging guides for instruction upon interpreting visual references to proper sail tuning.
R E T R O
D I M E N S I O N S
REQUIRED MAST
S A I L W O R K S M A S T
SIZE
LUFF MED.
BOOM MED.
BOOM MAX.
WEIGHT
#
MAST
IDEAL
MCS
IMCS
LIPSTICK
JOYSTICK
SPEEDSTICK
m
2
(cm/ft)
(cm/ft)
(cm/ft)
(kg/lbs) BTNS SLEEVE
MAST
CURVE %
STIFFNESS
370
400
430
460
430
460
490
520
430
460
490
520
4.5 410/13'5" 158/5'2" 163/5'4" 3.10/6.8 6
OPEN
400
12
17 - 22
5.0 424/13'11" 167/5'6" 172/5'8" 3.25/7.2 6
OPEN
430
12
17 - 22
5.5 442/14'6" 176/5'9" 181/5'11" 3.45/7.6 6
OPEN
430
12
21 - 25
6.0 456/15'0" 184/6'0" 189/6'2" 3.80/8.4 7
OPEN
430
12
21 - 25
6.5 469/15'5" 193/6'4" 198/6'6" 4.00/8.8 7
OPEN
460
12
21 - 25
7.0 481/15'9" 202/6'7" 207/6'9" 4.20/9.2 7
OPEN
460
12
25 - 30
7.5 490/16'1" 212/7'0" 217/7'2" 4.45/9.8 7
OPEN
460
12
25 - 30
8.0 499/16'5" 221/7'3" 226/7'5" 4.65/10.2 7
FIXED
490
12
28 - 30
8.5 508/16'8" 230/7'7" 235/7'9" 4.90/10.8 7
FIXED
490
12
28 - 30
9.0 513/16'10" 239/7'10" 244/8'0" 5.15/11.3 7
FIXED
490
12
28 - 30
9.5 523/17'2" 249/8'2" 254/8'4" 5.40/11.9 7
FIXED
490
12
29 - 35
10.5 542/17'9" 265/8'8" 270/8'10" 5.70/12.5 7
FIXED
520
12
29 - 35
Ideal Mast
Alternate Mast
R i g g i n g
& T u n i n g
G u i d e
The 2002 Retro is the
defining sail for camless
simplicity with stunning
versatility, power and
handling. To experience
the full potential of your
new Retro sail, please
take a few minutes to
read this rigging guide.
F I R S T T I M E R I G G I N G
U S E T H E R I G H T M A S T
One of the most important parts of your rig is the mast, specifically its curve and
stiffness and how closely these parameters match the sail. The mast acts quite
literally as the backbone of the rig and it governs the sail’s performance.
The mast requirements for the RETRO are printed on the sailbag and at the tack
of your sail. Listed in the chart to the left is a broader range of mast specifications
(length and IMCS stiffness) necessary for compatibility with the shaping and
tension profile of your sail. Your mast should be within this required range,
regardless of the brand or model to achieve optimum performance. Note that
NOT all sail sizes will work on the same mast. As a rule, larger sails need longer
and stiffer masts while smaller sails require shorter and softer masts. Two
common mast compatibility problems are:
i) Using too long, or too stiff a mast. This restricts wind range by
over-tensioning the sail.
ii) Using too short or too soft a mast. This also restricts wind range
by insufficiently stabilizing the sail.
NOTE: Each Retro size is designed and balanced on a specific Sailworks mast to
suit conditions typical for the “average” size sailor (140 - 190 lb./ 63 - 86 kg). If you
are lighter than this average, or prefer a softer handling feel, consider using the next
mast softer or shorter listed in the table. Heavier sailors can use a slightly stiffer
mast to increase rig tension and stability. In particular, sailors over 90 kg. (200 lbs)
should consider using a stiffer mast than what is recommended on these Retro
sizes: 4.0 m
2
, 6.0 m
2
, 7.5 m
2
and 9.5 m
2
.
S E T T H E H E A D C A P L E N G T H
Sizes 8.0 and larger have closed heads, so no adjustment is necessary. Sizes 7.5 and
smaller have an adjustable headcap system. This allows for masts longer that the
sail’s luff length. Check the luff length of your sail (printed at the tack and on the
sailbag), and compare it to your mast length. If your mast is shorter than the luff
length, adjust the headcap extension strap so the headcap is as close to the top of
the mast sleeve as you can set it. If your mast is longer than the luff length, estimate
the amount of mast that will extend out the top of the sleeve (mast length minus
luff length). Adjust the strap so that the top of the headcap is 1-2 cm shorter than
this distance away from the top of the mast sleeve to allow for the headcap strap to
cinch tight.
