Just bought a 2nd hand formula board. Never sailed one before, but want to give it a go. I sail mostly from Manly. Anyone sailing formula in Moreton bay who cares to join me? It would nice to put a crew together. Steve.
If you will be using a 70 cm fin for the first time in Moreton bay, be careful as it can be shallow depending of the tide...
Will do cammd.
Yes the 70cm fins are a bit deadly at low tide. Will have to watch that. Thx.
Steve
Got my new to me 2nd hand formula board wet for the first time yesterday. I loved it. Here are my impressions:
1. Loves to go upwind. Nice angles. Feels nice too hanging off the side of a 1m wide board.
2. Tacking and gybing are easier than expected. Board is so short and big fin seem to make it turn on a dime. Width makes it stable.
3. Downwind requires more concentration than upwind, but not as scary as some make out. Lots of nose rocker to keep it above the chop. Chicken straps work well downwind.
4. When not planning it's super stable because its so wide. Falling off a tack is almost impossible.
5. Planes in very little wind. Have to pump a little to overcome the generous board rocker
6. A 20+ knot squall killed me. Too much for me to handle just yet. Experienced riders only in the windy stuff.
7. The sails seem ridiculously big and heavy on the beach when you rig up, but once you are on the water and planing that goes away. They feel light and powerful. That said, u drop one, u need a good uphaul rope like an 'easy uphaul'.
8. Freedom to explore. Because u are free to sail upwind and downwind it means you can go explore more of the bay. Gives you a sense of freedom and adventure. Not limited to back and forth sailing like slalom can be.
9. Reaching across wind is possible and not as scary as made out. U can use smaller sails and fins too if necessary which helps reaching.
