We asked Kevin Pritchard US-3 about his opinion of the new VAPOR and how to trim it. Unfortunately, he had no photo's available, so I went out yesterday and shot some of Jordi Vonk NED600 and his training buddies when they were training with the new VAPOR at the Grevelingen.

LOCALSAILING: At the Masters of the Caribbean race, your 2010 Vapor's didn't arrive and you were lucky enough to be able to borrow your 3 year old gear. You have been training a lot with the new Vapor lately, so I guess that you could feel the differences in sail generation very obviously? What were the main differences?

KP: The main differences is the top end speed. We have been working on the sails to make them faster so we can be on top of the podium.

LOCALSAILING: Did you need to adapt to the older gear, how and why?

KP: No, I have been using the sails before and so it was easy to hop back on them and charge it!

 LOCALSAILING: One of the most burning questions I have is: How do you mentally and physically prepare for a 107 mile race?

KP: I was scared. Every day I was thinking about it and getting ready for it. I was sailing very long runs trying to get my body ready for this. 

LOCALSAILING: Gaastra decided to skip the inward clew position and went straight to the inset clew (integrated clew) type race sail. Closing the gap at the bottom part of the sail but due to the sail new sail shape, the boom length did increase.  Can we conclude that Gaastra decided to go for more overall speed instead of sail handling?

KP: Yes Speed was our main concern, but in order to get more speed you need to be able to handle the sail. So handling is key. We also were trying to make the sail go faster in light wind. 

LOCALSAILING: What are the main differences in trim of the sail compared to last years Vapor?

KP: More downhaul for sure. You need to pull the downhaul more than ever. 

LOCALSAILING: It looks like that the fifth camber (in sizes 6,7 -12) and the extra batten make the rig more rigid while maintaining shape. How did Gaastra manage the sail design in order to rotate the sail properly?

KP: Man, these sails rotate amazing!! I dont know what Dan did but they are rotating amazing.

LOCALSAILING: How do you trim your sails in general in respect to boom height, downhaul and outhaul tension? And does this vary for you depending on the conditions?

KP: I tend to put my boom higher for flat water and lower for choppy water. Possibly a little more downhaul for flat watter and less for choppy. Mast foot a bit further back for flat water and more forward in the radicle stuff. 

LOCALSAILING: Do you use different battens to make the rig stiffer or to change the draught of the sail slightly?

KP: Not yet. I havent tested anything different in the battens.

"Being able to keep in in control when everyone else is out of of control. that helps out alot."

LOCALSAILING: Looking at the PWA 63 slalom rule, what sails sizes are you going to use? And in combination with what board sizes

What fins types are you using and why?

KP: I am going to use 9.3 8,4 76 67 60 and 5.5 with the 131 111 and 86. the fins are going to be a combo of R 16 and SL4's.

LOCALSAILING: What is your specific strength in slalom racing.

KP: I think it is control. Being able to keep in in control when everyone else is out of of control. that helps out alot.

LOCALSAILING: Any tips and tricks for our readers, in respect to trim, tune and going fast?

KP: The biggest trick is to get the sails set up right for you. This takes time and you just need to play around with it until you find the good settings.  

LOCALSAILING: Thank you Kevin for the interview, we wish you all the best for the 2010 windsurfing season.