SPOTLIGHT 101
Pure chemistry
S2 Maui Alchemy 5.7m
Info: www.s2maui.com/alchemy-2019/ Price: £689
WORDS: WINDSURFING UK PICS: JAMES JAGGER
THIS IS THE FIRST TIME WE'VE TESTED AN S2 MAUI SAIL BUT WITH
BARRY SPANIER’S LEGENDARY NAME IN THE MIX (S2 MAUI'S HEAD
DESIGNER AND LONG TIME SAIL MAKING GENIUS) WE WERE PRETTY
CONFIDENT THE ALCHEMY 5.7M WOULD BE WINNER WINNER
CHICKEN DINNER.
Pics never do products justice and it’s
no different here. S2 Maui’s attention
to detail, with elements such as seams
and stitching, is top drawer. Combined
with the Alchemy’s eye catching livery
and light weight it's a tough sail but
one that's sure to turn heads
Billed as a blasting wave sail the
Alchemy is suited to a variety of
windsurfing scenarios. Whether
confronted by light wind float and ride
conditions, powered up surf sailing
environments or classic bump and jump
weather the Alchemy slots efficiently in.
Also, being a five batten sail it's got a
decent top end that's therefore good for
powered to overpowered runs. It won’t
bend riders out of shape, even if the
wind’s cranking.
For many 5.7m may be perceived as a
big rig – perhaps too big, especially
when talking moves. Yet chucking the
Alchemy into a few under powered
forwards proved rewarding. The sail
gives efficient lift for airborne
shenanigans. It actually doesn't feel its
size going handle bars over and hard
landings are softly absorbed.
Another area the S2 Maui Alchemy
5.7m suits is windfoiling. In fact, it’s
arguably a level pegging forte of the sail
despite it not being specifically
designed for flight school. Effortless to
pump in this guise with a progressive
lift it's a good choice for anyone looking
for a new foiling tool.
Conclusion
S2 Maui’s Alchemy 5.7m is a great
example of a plug ‘n' play
windsurfing sail that’s fit for
multiple purposes. Applicable to
proper wave riding environments but
also suited to real world windsurfing
conditions – waves or no – any sailor
owning their own would be happily
content. Foilers also feel free to
apply here. Tough, aesthetically
pleasing and with oodles of design
pedigree the Alchemy 5.7m is a
smile inducing windy engine any
sailor can appreciate.
uk
WIND
SURFING