94 SPOTLIGHT
(More than) a bag of tricks
Loftsails 2018 Airscape 4.8m freestyle sail
Buy from: https://4boards.co.uk/product/windsurf/windsurf-sails/loftsails-airscape-2018/
Specs: https://loftsails.com/windsurf-gear/sails/airscape Price: £519
WORDS: WINDSURFING UK PICS: JAMES JAGGER
ATTACH THE ‘FREESTYLE’ MONIKER TO A PRODUCT AND IT CAN BE AN
INSTANT TURN OFF FOR MANY. WITH A LARGE PROPORTION OF
SAILORS FITTING THE FREERIDE MOULD THOUGHTS OF AERIAL
CONTORTIONISM AND BENDY MAN/WOMAN SHENANIGANS COULDN’T
BE FARTHER FROM RECREATIONAL WINDSURFING REALMS. YET THE
BENEFITS FREESTYLE TOOLS OFFER ACTUALLY SUIT EVERYMAN
WINDSURFERS MORE THAN YOU’D THINK: EARLY PLANING,
EFFICIENT UPWIND ABILITY, EASY MANOEUVRING AND SO ON.
Loftsails’ Airscape 4.8m is the second
2018 sail we’ve tested from Monty
Spindler’s long time brand. There are a
few things that jump out, both on the
water and off, the first of which is how
high the foot of the sail is cut. With
boom attached this becomes even more
noticeable with an elevated clew
primarily designed with ducking in mind.
Following an easy rigging process hitting
the water is also an interesting premise.
With many sails billed as early planing,
whereby riders can get away with using
one size smaller, the Airscape 4.8m
REALLY allows for this possibility. The
sail’s bottom end grunt is significant
with a positive pull from the front,
uk
WIND
SURFING
driving windsurfers onto the plane even
in marginal and/or gusty winds. When
others are on 5.3m’s (ish) there’s no
reason why an 85kg rider (with some
skill and the right board) won’t be up
and skimming on the 4.8m.
Blatting along and that high clew is
indeed noticeable. It lends itself to a
very upright and centred stance that
may take some getting used to. In a
short space of time, however, most
riders will become comfortable and not
find it an issue.
Through moves the Airscape 4.8m
rocks – even flat water carving style
manoeuvres are great fun. There’s
loads of drive that’ll power you through
gybes whilst that high cut foot is
extremely efficient for ducking all kinds
of monkeys and reverses. If you’re an
advanced sailor then whippy is a term
to associate with the Airscape. There’s
also loads of lift generated which
becomes noticeable through aerial
moves like forwards. With only small
ramps on offer the 4.8m boosts riders
higher and allows for maximum water
clearance.it’s all doable and fulfilling.
Conclusion
For riders considering higher wind
manoeuvre orientated sails Loftsail’s
Airscape 4.8m is one to scope (even
if you’re not a freestyle trixster per
se). Offering all the elements
windsurfers desire the Airscape 4.8m
is an early planing and upwind
machine that’ll suit old school
carvers who love gybe variations as
much as new school power move
aficionados looking to bust out air
inversions and such. Well made and
distinct looking it’s one to consider
for when the wind picks up. Also
works well in windfoiling mode.