Australia

Choosing your Opti sail

As far as choosing a sail, our rule of thumb has always been to sail with the flattest sail possible without sacrificing your speed. If you can sail as fast with a flatter sail you will be able to point and sail higher. This is very key because the start and first tacks during the race are very important so and the ability to point high will really put you one step ahead. Please read below the descriptions and characteristics of our Optimist sail models.

Radial vs. Cross-Cut

The cross-cuts are still the recommended sails for beginner racers. The radials hold their shape so well that unless the sailor has a good grasp on how the mainsheet controls the leach, he or she could actually go slower with a radial. The cross-cuts are much more forgiving since they tend to stretch in the breeze, bending the leach open.

Mainsail (P-5)

The P-5 Mainsail has been designed in the North Sails Japan loft. The P5 is designed with the same program that was used to win the 2008 Olympics in the 470. The sail is an all round sail that has slightly more power in the head than the H08 had. This gives the sail a slight bias towards lighter winds, however when depowered properly it will still perform well in the breeze. This sail will suit sailors over 40 kilos.

Contender 2.99 Polykote with Radial Construction.
Mylar Window.
Active Leech.
IODA Button.
Tell Tails.
Sail bag.
Sail numbers.
Rope Pack

Mainsail (P-4)

The P-4 Mainsail is medium design sail for sailors between 34-43 kilos. It has been added to the range of North Optimist sails after extensive testing and very positive feedback. It is a very easy to use radial design, developed along the same principals as the P-5 but slightly flatter. It was used successfully to win the girls Optimist Worlds in 2008.

Contender 2.99 Polykote with Radial Construction.
Mylar Window.
Active Leech.
IODA Button.
Tell Tails.
Sail bag.
Sail numbers.
Rope Pack

Mainsail (C-zero-5)

The new American designed C-zero-5 is a true all-purpose cross-cut sail developed through extensive on-the-water testing with Christopher and Duncan Williford. Garth Reynolds and Brian Bissell teamed up with Christopher and Duncan using the N2BTS (North Two-Boat Test System) with the goal of designing all-purpose mainsails that will be competitive throughout the entire wind-range. The C-zero-5 and D-zero-6 have fine-tuned shaping throughout, allowing the sailor to find separate “fast-forward” and “point” modes at will. This sail will suit sailors over 43 kilos.

Contender Polykote sailcloth.
Mylar Window.
Active Leech.
IODA Button.
Tell Tails.
Sail numbers.
Sail ties.
Sail bag.

Testimonial

“I always felt faster than the boat next to me at the North Americans. Light air or breeze, I always had an edge. When it is windy, the C-zero-5 is easy to use in the waves. I could foot or point whenever I wanted too!” Christopher Williford 2010 North American Champion.

Mainsail (D-zero-6)

The new American designed D-zero-6 is a true all-purpose cross-cut sail developed through extensive on-the-water testing with Christopher and Duncan Williford. Garth Reynolds and Brian Bissell teamed up with Christopher and Duncan using the N2BTS (North Two-Boat Test System) with the goal of designing all-purpose mainsails that will be competitive throughout the entire wind-range. The C-zero-5 and D-zero-6 have fine-tuned shaping throughout, allowing the sailor to find separate “fast-forward” and “point” modes at will. This sail will suit sailors 34 - 43 kilos.

Contender Polykote sailcloth.
Mylar Window.
Active Leech.
IODA Button.
Tell Tails.
Sail numbers.
Sail ties.
Sail bag.

Mainsail (XM-08)

This is for sailors between 34-43 kilos. The cross cuts are characterized by how easy they are to set up and trim. The medium cross cut sail is fast and very easy to use, it is ideal for sailors who want a bit more power and a very forgiving sail.

Contender 2.99 Polykote with Cross Cut Construction.
Mylar Window.
Active Leech.
IODA Button.
Tell Tails.
Sail bag.
Sail numbers.
Rope Pack.

Mainsail (Juniorone)

This is a club sail for schools and sailing clubs for training use.

North 4oz Dacron with Cross Cut Construction.
IODA Button.
Tell Tails.
Sail bag.

Runout specials

Mainsail L-08 - Under 35kg $496 inc. GST

This is the light weight version of the proven NZ world champ radial designs

Contender 2.99 Polykote with Cross Cut Construction.
Mylar Window.
IODA Button.
Tell Tails.
Sail bag.
Sail numbers.
Rope Pack.

Mainsail (XL-08) - Under 35kg $472 inc. GST

This is for sailors below 34 kilos. The cross cuts are characterized by how easy they are to set up and trim. The medium cross cut sail is fast and very easy to use, it is ideal for sailors who want a bit more power and a very forgiving sail.

Contender 2.99 Polykote with Cross Cut Construction.
Mylar Window.
Active Leech.
IODA Button.
Tell Tails.
Sail bag.
Sail numbers.
Rope Pack.