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RAPID 2020

NO CAM FREERACE SAIL

How to combine Slalom with effortless Freeriding? The solution is the Rapid. The easy handling of a no cam sail within an ambitious 7- batten slalom outline. That results in a perfectly balanced profile which provides immediate acceleration and a thrilling top speed. At the same time the sail is easy to control within a vast wind range, leaving the pressure point exactly where it should be.

KEY FACTS:
> No-cam Freerace sail with easy handling
> Offset clew with ca. 8 cm offset, lower eyelet for more handling, upper eyelet for more performance
> 7/7 Cross Batten Concept for maximum profile stability and ideal aerodynamics
> RDM compatible up to size 6.7 for improved handling with the same performance
> Reduced boom length for more control and easy manoeuvres
> Redesigned profile in the boom area to increase reactivity and handling
> New Kevlar Lines enable weight savings and precise material stretch control
> Smart clew construction for longevity


Windsurf Sail Program Windsurf Sail Character

 

NOTE:
Only a limited number of items will be available on the specified delivery date. Allocation will be made according to the date of receipt of the order. If the delivered quantity is not sufficient, we will inform you about a later delivery date. So order now!

For the 2020 Season we updated the construction of the Rapid for further weight savings. Within that re-design we included additional kevlar lines to precisely control the stretch of the material and define the profile. Conclusively we save weight without compromising the established Gunsails quality and durability. The profile in the area around the boom has been redesigned to increase reactivity and find perfection in manoeuver handling. Also, the size of the mast sleeve is enlarged to simplify rigging and de-rigging. Thus, the test-winning Freerace icon Rapid starts light and lightning fast into the season 2020. With the Rapid you will easily leave some camber sails behind you. No other model combines this performance and playful handling without any compromise. As fast as no cam can get!

 

TECH SPECS

Size
Boom
cm
Luff
cm
Battens/Tubes Camber Top IMCS Best Mast Mast
cm / Ø
Price
5.7 188/180 418 7/7 0 fix 18-20 Cross / Expert / Select 400 / RDM*+SDM 479,- 399,-
6.2 198/191 437 7/7 0 fix 20-22 Cross / Expert / Select 430 / RDM*+SDM 489,- 429,-
6.7 205/198 456 7/7 0 fix 20-22 Cross / Expert / Select 430 / RDM*+SDM 499,- 439,-
7.2 209/200 468 7/7 0 fix 24-26 Cross / Expert / Select 460 / SDM 509,- 449,-
7.9 213/206 477 7/7 0 fix 24-26 Cross / Expert / Select 460 / SDM 519,- 459,-
8.6 224/216 498 7/7 0 fix 28-30 Cross / Expert / Select 490 / SDM 529,- 465,-

* High percentage carbon RDM masts recommended

No Cam Freerace Windsurf Sail

SAIL FEATURES

F.R.E.D.

GUNSAILS | Sail Features - F.R.E.D.

F.R.E.D. will help you to fi nd the optimal luff trim for your sail. The mark is found in the upper sail window and serves as an orientation point to create the perfect luff tension (loose leech).


TOP GUARD

GUNSAILS | Sail Features - Top Guard

The large reinforcement at the sail top avoids abrasion and wearing out whilst rigging.


VARIO TOP

GUNSAILS | Sail Features - Vario Top

The top opening is enlarged for an easier mast insertion. The adjustment buckle is placed behind the mast; unnecessary webbing can be stowed in the top opening.


MINI BATTENS

GUNSAILS | Sail Features - Mini Battens

Lightweight mini battens take control of the leech while twisting and avoid detrimental leech fl utter. In this way, the window fabrics are spared and the longevity of the sail is predefined.


BATTEN GUARD

GUNSAILS | Sail Features - Batten Guard

PVC tabs on the upper batten pockets prevent wearing out and abrasion whilst rigging.


INTERNAL TRIM BATTEN

GUNSAILS | Sail Features - Internal Trim Batten

The Internal Trim Batten system is completely integrated into the batten pocket and the battens can stay tensioned in the sail. The profi led end piece offers additional protection against abrasion.


POCKET GUARD

GUNSAILS | Sail Features - Pocket Guard

A PVC braid, sewed on the bottom batten pocket, protects your sail from abrasion while uphauling and waterstarting.


REDUCED BOOM LENGHT

GUNSAILS | Sail Features - Reduced Boom Length

The Reduced Boom Length design shortens the boom length. The handling is much easier and feels more compact. The sail control is signifi cantly improved. A shorter boom is generally stiffer and will assist in maintaining the sail stability and profile.


OFFSET CLEW

GUNSAILS | Sail Features - Offset Clew

The Wave sails are equipped with 2 clew eyelets which are set asymmetrically for individual tuning:

Upper eyelet for more power
Lower eyelet for more control


TRIM SETTING

GUNSAILS | Sail Features - Trim Setting

The boom length is printed beside the clew. The mast lenght is patched on the mast protector.


BOOM POSITION CONTROL

GUNSAILS | Sail Features - Boom Position Control

The printed height scale at the boom opening helps you to easily remember your personal boom position.


DOUBLE LOCK SEAMS

GUNSAILS | Sail Features - Double Lock Seams

Double seams form the most stable connection between individual panels and different materials. They are used in stress zones as well as in areas of high tension and make your sail robust and durable.


FOOT GUARD

GUNSAILS | Sail Features - Foot Guard

All seams in the significantly stressed foot area are protected by Dacron coverings. A PVC edging from foot to the first batten protects the leech edge against your board’s nonslip coating.


COMFORT PULLEY

GUNSAILS | Sail Features - Comfort Pulley

The integrated triple pulley has large easy turning stainless brass rolls which greatly reduce the effort required for sail trimming. Also, if you prefer, the rolls are removable to allow the use of standard downhaul pulley hooks.


SLEEVE VOLUMER

GUNSAILS | Sail Features - Sleeve Volumer

The GUNSAILS logo that is sewn on the sleeve keeps it open at the boom opening area like a clip and thus mast insertion is much easier.


STRAP ON

GUNSAILS | Sail Features - Strap On

For very easy packing away and storage: Just roll the sail up and fix the elastic retainer.


MESH POCKET

GUNSAILS | Sail Features - Mesh Pocket

On the inside of the protector you will find a closable mesh pocket which can hold e.g. your downhaul surplus.


MAST FOOT PROTECTOR

GUNSAILS | Sail Features - Mast Foot Protector

The large mast foot protector can be pulled back whilst rigging. The loop eases the initial pulling down of the sail. The uphaul can be comfortably inserted through an opening in the protector.


SAIL TECH

INTELLIGENT MATERIAL ASSEMBLY

GUNSAILS | Sail Tech - Intelligent Material Assembly

The well designed combination of different materials allows weight savings without losing stability. By varying the stretch behaviour of the individual materials, we can precisely define each sail profile under pressure and guarantee you consistent sailing characteristics over the long term.


TENSION FRAME

GUNSAILS | Sail Tech - Tension Frame

The Tension frame forms a functional unit with the smart clew construction. It is built from multidirectional x-ply and framed with insignia. Therefore it can resist maximum stress levels. The Tension frame receives the force from the clew and distributes the tension with the additional warp lines into the sail. The layout of the tension frame is designed to support the individual profile of every sail. Conclusively the tension frame improves the response of the sail and increases the profile stability. It also ensures long lasting sail characteristics and improves the overall durability of the sail.


DOUBLE LOCK SEAMS

GUNSAILS | Sail Tech - Double Lock Seams

Double Seams provide the most stable connection between panels or different materials. They find use in areas of high material tension and make your sail tough and durable.


SMART CLEW CONSTRUCTION

GUNSAILS | Sail Tech - Smart Clew Construction

The Smart Clew Construction is based on the tension specific and precise alignment of different materials. The result is an extremely durable clew area without additional weight. Depending the sail the layout of the materials varies in order to suit the resulting tension lines in order to distribute the force from the clew, towards the Tension Frame into the sail. That helps to create more response, better profile stability and long lasting sail characteristics.


KEVLAR STRETCH CONTROL

GUNSAILS | Sail Tech - Kevlar Stretch Control

Through the selected use of kevlar warp laminate, we are able to precisely define the stretch properties of every sail. This leads to more response and a long lasting and stable sail profile. The light and unidirectional kevlar threads show very low stretch, even under highest loads. They are individually positioned in each sail to suit its range of application, leading to long lasting performance and sail characteristics.


MULTIDIRECTIONAL X-PLY

GUNSAILS | Sail Tech - Multidirectional X-Ply

Multidirectional X-Ply is used in high stress areas. The thread layout shows a higher density of polyester yarn, thus making the material more resistant than the regular X-Ply. The additional vertical thread direction allows the material to take more tension and force in the critical tension line.


SQUARE-PLY

GUNSAILS | Sail Tech - Square-Ply

The square ply is based on the same concept as X-ply material. However the threads are aligned in a 90 degree angle and the material offers a higher overall thread density. That allows us to reduce the thickness of the included monofilm to save weight, but ensure durability at the same time.


X-PLY

GUNSAILS | Sail Tech - X-Ply

X-PLY the all time classic of the reinforced laminates. It is light, stable and has a good transparency. Therefore it is used in the window area of the Wave-and Cross Over Sails. X-Ply also does withstand higher punctual stress. In case of a cut, the threads avoid further damage because they stop the cut from spreading through the window.


TESTS

WINDSURFING JAHRBUCH 2020 | Rapid 7.2 2020

Testbericht Windsurf Freemove Segel Surf Magazin, Windsurf Journal, Planchemag

ON THE BEACH: The Rapid runs at GUNSAILS under the title "No Cam Freerace". Monofilm is the material of choice for a direct sailing feeling, only in the foot some X-Ply protects the sail body from knees and harness hooks. The outline of the sail is very similar to the tested Vector of GUNSAILS. The profile of the Rapid is exclusively supported by tube battens, seven in number. The clew construction also comes from the race area. The boom-crossing batten extends the leech widely, the twist of the leech can be influenced via two eyelets on the clew, offset by nine centimetres. Until you have reached the trim point in the sail top with the loose leech, you have to pull the downhaul properly. Arranged this way, the sail shows a surprisingly flat, pre-shaped profile. The trim rope is then only loosely hooked in. We recommend the outer of the two eyelets for the heavier sailor.

ON THE WATER: Directly after take-off, the Rapid lies relatively directly in the hand and reacts somewhat more easily to impulses from the rider than its direct competitor Matrix from GA. The profile is stiff and requires some experience to find the right angle or to convert pump strokes efficiently into planing. The Rapid provides a very good mix of agility and stability. The great strength of the Rapid lies in its ability to maintain this characteristic up to the upper wind range. When the competitors open their sails, you can still keep the Rapid tight and get a few more knots of top speed out of the - ideally very fast - board. Really well powered in downwind the Rapid is a lot of fun! Because the pressure point always remains firmly in place thanks to the very good twist of the leech. Particularly pleasing: The holding forces are still humane and you can save yourself the trouble of retrimming. You shouldn't expect any miracles in the jibe, but the Rapid is easy to put down and put up again and doesn't make a mistake here. Also the rotation is ok and anything but lazy.

CONCLUSION: The Rapid offers fantastic performance even in the upper wind range. A stable pressure point and moderate holding forces make this sail a good companion and real competitor for camber sails on fast freerace boards. A recommendation for all those who want to accelerate with a 7sqm sail even in more wind instead of changing to crossover material.

WINDSURF UK 05/2020 | Rapid 7.2 2020

Test Report Windsurf Sails No Cam Freerace

OVERVIEW: The Rapid is Gunsails’ no-cam freerace sail, sitting between the freeride Stream and twin-cam Exceed in the brand’s extensive range. For 2020, the Rapid’s weight is said to have been brought down, using Kevlar tendons to control the panels’ profile and movement, whilst the luff sleeve has been en-larged to improve rigging ease. Tested here on a Select 460cm SDM, it sets easily, using the F.R.E.D. marker as a guide, the tack pulley oriented to miti-gate any unnecessary friction. There is plenty of looseness all the way down the leech, reinforced and by mini-battens along its whole length, before using the two distinct clew eyelet positions to vary power delivery. There’s also plen-ty of rotation in the lower battens, whilst all seven are said to be tube-battens, adding to the impression of detailing included in the Rapid. There’s beading along the lengths of both bottom battens, abrasion pads throughout, a pad-ded tack fairing and x-ply in the vulnerable head and foot panels. It’s a well thought out product and at the exchange rate as we go to print, comes in at just over £460.00. On paper it looks like cracking value for money, so let’s get it on the water and check its performance.

PERFORMANCE: Using the upper clew eyelet extends the Rapid’s boom length to 209cm as well as raising the boom geometry. As a result the power produced in light marginal winds is significant, the moderate luff curve and expansion in the Dacron luff panel helping to amplify the sail’s pumping efficiency. Accelerating smoothly in the hands, the energy delivered is easy and balanced in the hands, allowing the Rapid to be locked into a comfortable stance. It feels large and full bodied, generating the drive to furnish any widestyle freeride platform; yet there’s an ease and practicality to the delivery too, the sail breathing into life and powering in a measured manner, so as to not unsettle the rider’s stance. There’s a good natural range to the Rapid’s setting too, downhauling the sail to F.R.E.D. and using the upper eyelet for light airs, or dropping to the lower clew eyelet for strong winds. Changing to the more inset eyelet makes a big difference, the extra boom rake and increased twist in the leech enhancing control and predictability. Its performance comes easy, re-quiring little technical input of effort from the rider and whilst it may not pos-sess the slippery efficiency of the no-cam slalom sails in the test, the ease in which its performance is achieved makes it more than enough for most rec-reational blasters. In transition the Rapid’s speed and manners can be used to enter corner confidently, the movement in the Dacron luff panel helping the sail to de-power easily mid-transition as the battens rotate smoothly. This movement is also a real asset in unforgiving seas, the sail moving around the rider and helping them to remain comfortably locked in their stance, covering distance without expending too much energy.

THE VERDICT: Effortless to tune and with real range in its riding style and application, the Rapid provides an excellent all-round performance, and at this price it simply can’t be ignored.

WIND SPÉCIAL TEST 2020 | Rapid 6.7 2020

Test Report Windsurf Sails No Cam Freerace

A HIGH PERFORMANCE FREERIDE SAIL

DESIGN: The profile of the Rapid is held in place by 7 tube battens. Two clew eyelets at a distance of 7 cm from each other offer a large range of adjustment. Kevlar fibres have been incorporated into the Freerace No Cam Gunsails to better control the deformation forces of the profile. The profile is slightly flattened in the boom area.

ON THE WATER: Visually lighter due to the reduction of the x-ply panel in the knee area and along the mast panel, the Rapid 6.7 gains a few grams in weight. This can be seen on the water when handling it: The Gunsails is one of the lightest, even when rigged on an SDM mast. The slight modification of its design results in better behaviour in light wind and a better early planing. The easy handling is one of the advantages of the Rapid. The profile is right in front of the rider, clean and stable. Acceleration is smooth and even, resulting in excellent performance. In strong wind, a slight presence of the rear hand is noticeable. Simply switch to the inner eyelet to gain control and increase the sail's range of use. Handling is also improved with a shorter boom. The board feels freer with a sail that does not hinder your ride. The Rapid can be driven at high speeds and you always keep control in your hand. When jibing, the available power management system allows you to motorize your turn as you wish, so that you can continue on a new bow with full power.

CONCLUSION: The general behaviour of the Rapid shows a great ease of use when riding and a good performance that is easily achieved. With these characteristics the Gun is a freeride sail with freerace results. With the Rapid you can go full throttle without being overtaken, neither on the water nor technically. The 6.7 will be just as comfortable on a freeride board as on a sporty freerace board.

+: EASY TO ADJUST AND SURF, LIGHT WEIGHT, PERFORMANCE, HANDLING, PRICE
-: NOTHING

PLANCHEMAG SPÉCIAL TESTS 2020 | Rapid 6.7 2020

Test Report Windsurf Sails No Cam Freerace

Quick excerpt from the test:

...It is a NoCam slalom sail, you simply can go fast, the sail moves forward and accelerates incredibly fast. The Rapid gets going and sets the beat, thanks to its reactivity it is not a sail to hang around. On top of that, you get full performance and a maximum speed that is close to slalom camber sails...

GALLERY

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