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Model: 2009 Tushingham Rock

Information: Many sailmakers will tell you that there are many different types of wave sail and they back this up by producing three full ranges.

Our experience has always been that wave conditions are many and varied and that few sailors are able to specialise in one specific 'style' of wave sailing. Our focus has been to produce one super adjustable sail that will cope with whatever's thrown at it. We have a brand new Rock for 2008 which, builds on the reputation for all-round wave ability. Big variations in power can be achieved by using the outhaul as well as the downhaul. This makes for easier adjustment on the water, even during a competition wave heat. The new panel layout with 30mm double seams in all high stress areas, plus Tushingham's unique PVC crash panel incorporates many detail improvements for an incredibly high level of durability. Although very strong, the Tushingham 'Airframe' construction keeps the sail physically light and its aerodynamic efficiency makes the Rock feels remarkably light in the hands. It's what Ken Black calls his 'Forget about it' feel, allowing 100% concentration on the job in hand. Two new super small sizes extend the Rock's appeal to include storm-chasers and kids with a high level of wave ability.

Tushingham Exclusive - Crash Panel The Rock features the unique Tushingham elliptical crash panel in the centre of the window. This panel is made of flexible PVC; it acts as a shock absorber during crashes and impacts, which greatly reduces the point loading on the rest of the sail. This allows us to build the sail from stable, high performance materials, for maximum performance combined with a crisp light feel.

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Model: 2009 Tushingham Storm

Information: The ‘Storm’ has set the benchmark for all-round performance in high winds and chop since Tushingham were the first to recognise that not all high wind sailors were wave sailors.

The Storm Force 10 represents a major upgrade for 2009 . Ken Black’s design brief was to retain the forgiving nature, yet deliver a lighter, crisper feel in transitions, whether in a simple gybe, on a wave face or through the latest new-school freestyle trick. The actual character of the sail varies with size:-

6.0m – 6.5m - The larger Storm F10’s are now oriented towards earlier planing, crisp power delivery and easy manoeuvring. Speed and straight-line performance remain, but those seeking ultimate no-cam freeride speed are well served by the Thunderbird in these sizes. Lessons learned when developing the Wedge (freestyle sail) have introduced subtle adjustments in outline, seam shape and luff curve to increase low end power and to deliver a particularly light feel in transitions.

4.75m – 5.75m - The mid range sizes are the true Storm all-rounders, they have to work in all sea and wind states from flat and marginal through to rough and gusty. These sizes are often used as a ‘small’ sail on larger freeride hulls or a ‘large’ sail on wave crossover boards. It’s crucial that the power delivery is adaptable for both locked-in freeride sailing and a more upright manoeuvre oriented stance. The tuning range has been maximised so that the sails will work in virtually any windsurfing environment.

3.5m – 4.5m - When you’re using a sail this small, the water and wind conditions demand a sail that’s cut for ultimate control. Whilst the reasonably high foot and easy rotation keep the Storm F10 out of trouble in waves; the ‘Rock’ (wave sail) has the leading role when it comes to manoeuvre based sailing. Consequently, in these sizes the Storm F10 is cut with a twist profile that will hold the board on the water in gusts. A ‘locked in’ feel is achieved by retaining reasonable boom lengths and shaping the power in low down which, makes high-wind freeride a pleasure; even in choppy or rough water.

Tushingham Exclusive Crash Panel The Storm and the Rock feature the unique Tushingham elliptical crash panel in the centre of the window. This panel is made of flexible PVC; it acts as a shock absorber during crashes and impacts, greatly reducing the point loading on the rest of the sail. This allows us to build the sail from stable, high performance materials, for maximum performance combined with a crisp light feel.

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Model: 2009 Tushingham Thunderbird T3

Information: Tushingham have long been regarded as leaders in the design of no cam freeride sails. We’ve refined the blend of all-round performance, through the biggest possible wind range and combined this with the excellent handling that has become a Ken Black hallmark. The Thunderbird T3 has been developed to an incredibly high standard with a huge range of user adjustment, that allows the rider to achieve a setting that will match their weight and sailing style to the prevailing conditions. It can be set full for low-end power or flat and twisted in a style that will handle the most overpowering situations with ease. The ‘T3 is very fast; with a performance that, only a few years ago, was the preserve of dedicated race sails. What sets this sail apart though, is the fact that it still feels remarkably light in the hands, particularly during transitions and manoeuvres. It’s this combination of terrific performance together with trouble free easy rigging and handling, that makes this the perfect freeride sail for 90% of sailors and conditions. The Thunderbird T3, truly is, the benchmark freeride sail.

Strongly built, the aerodynamic efficiency of the T3 means that it still feels remarkably light in the hands. However, this is now combined with a blistering performance that would put many dedicated race sails in the shade. It's the perfect Freeride sail for 90% of sailors and conditions.

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