Sailworks RETRO User manual

7
TROUBLESHOOTING
Problem: “I keep getting slammed forward; the sail seems to pitch me to the front of my board.”
Solution: • Move the mast step forward to give more leverage over the rig.
• Pull the downhaul more, or pull a bit on the outhaul to stabilize the sail shape better.
Problem: “I can’t pull the downhaul very far.”
Solution: • Check the mast requirements printed on the sailbag; your mast maybe too stiff or too
long for the sail.
• Make sure the downhaul lines are not crossed through the pulley.
• Make sure your line diameter isn’t too thick or too worn.
• Try using a tool (easy-rig) to get a better hold on the line.
• Extend the mast base further.
Problem: “My battens don’t rotate very easily.”
Solution: • Check batten tension; excessive batten tension may restrict proper rotation
• Check your downhaul; you may not have enough.
Problem: “I can’t get planing when I know I should be.”
Solution: • Ease the downhaul. Too much downhaul flattens the foil and loosens the leech, which gives
you more control in heavy wind, but less power in light wind. Releasing some downhaul will
move the draft forward and up. This gives more depth and more power in lighter wind.
• Ease the outhaul. Too much outhaul will flatten the sail and take power away, which is
good for high wind control but bad for light wind power.
Problem: “My Back arm gets tired and I am having a hard time sheeting in.
Solution: • Your over powered, you may need a harness line adjustment or add some outhaul to move
the draft forward. An extreme downhaul setting and very little outhaul moves the draft back
causing you to use your back arm more to compensate..
Problem: “My front arm gets tired and I feel like I am going to get launched forward all the time.
Solution: • Check your harness line balance point; when you are hooked in, see if you can lift your
hands off the boom. If the sail moves to the front or the back of the board, try moving
your lines the other way. Or try to increase your downhaul tension (moving the draft back)
and do not touch the outhaul (It automatically gets looser by pulling the downhaul.
Increasing the outhaul would move your draft forward). This is where you can really relate
the two settings and find the perfect balance.
Quick Rigging Guide
• Roll out sail • Slide mast in • Check headcap is seated properly and mast is fully joined
• Look at conditions - light or strong wind?
• Downhaul to maximum setting and ease up to your setting according to conditions
• Attach boom • Outhaul to suit conditions • Check batten tension
• Go Rip!
SAIL MAINTENANCE
• Let your sail dry before de-rigging.
• Shake the sand off before rolling up your sail at the beach, as this will extend your sail’s life considerably.
Rinse the sail with fresh water occasionally, including inside the mast sleeve, to avoid salt and sand buildup.
• Avoid rigging on hard or abrasive surfaces.
• If left rigged all day or overnight, release the outhaul and downhaul.
• Store your rigged sail out of direct sunlight. UV degrades monofilm.
• To prevent creases in the monofilm, roll your sail on the tube it came on, or roll it tightly and store it where it won’t
get flattened.
• Repair tears promptly through a qualified sail repairperson. Make temporary repairs to the
monofilm with Mylar packing tape or a sticker on both sides.
• Do not use solvents for cleaning near seams, as this will dissolve the seam tape
adhesives. Use water and mild soap.
• When on the beach, secure your sail from blowing away.
• Avoid getting sand or dirt inside the mast sleeve and batten pockets.
This reduces sail performance by increasing friction and wear on the mast.
• Loosen the batten tension if you are not going to use the sail for an extended period.
PRINTED IN CANADA • COPYRIGHT: SAILWORKS INC. 1997 • DESIGN: BRIDGEWORKS • PHOTOGRAPHY: GREG GRIFFITHS, PIERRE RINGUETTE

12
FIRST TIME RIGGING
size optimum luff optimum boom weight # ideal MCS IMCS alternative MCS IMCS
m2 (cm/ft) (cm/ft) (kg/lbs) btns mast curve % stiffness mast curve% stiffness
4.5 422/13'10" 154/5'1" 3.30/7.25 5 EPX 400 12.0 18.0 430 12.0 18 - 23
5.0 440/14'5" 163/5'4" 3.50/7.75 6 XR 430 12.0 21.5 460 12.0 18 - 23
5.5 455/14'11" 173/5'8" 3.65/8.00 6 XR 430 12.0 21.5 460 12.0 22 - 25
6.0 471/15'5" 182/6'0" 3.80/8.50 6 XR 460 12.0 25.0 430 12.0 22 - 25
6.5 487/16'0" 190/6'3" 4.00/9.00 6 XR 460 12.0 25.0 490 12.0 25 - 30
7.0 501/16'5" 197/6'6" 4.15/9.25 6 XR 490 12.0 30.0 460 12.0 25 - 30
7.5 516/16'11" 206/6'9" 4.40/9.75 6 XR 490 12.0 30.0 480 12.0 25 - 30
8.0 531/17'5" 214/7'0" 4.55/10.00 6 XR 490 12.0 30.0 500 12.0 28 - 30
8.5 545/17'10" 222/7'3" 4.70/10.25 6 XR 490 12.0 30.0 500 12.0 28 - 30
RETRO RAF SLALOM - specifications
dimensions mast requirement
THE NEW
The future (and past) is NOW!
We’re confident you’ll be thrilled with your new RETRO, no matter what level
you’re sailing. The RETRO is highly adjustable, so please follow the steps in
this rigging guide.
The RETRO lives up to the Sailworks tradition of
performance, durability, power and smoothness.
Time saving features that get you on the water
faster are a huge bonus:
• Power Block triple pulley at tack for easy 6:1
downhaul purchase
• Streamlined Batten Tensioners (SBT’s) - set it,
forget it!
• Wide boom opening
• Low mast sleeve taper for easy mast insertion and downhauling.
The RETRO gives you instant power to light your board on fire; no waiting for puffs
to get you going. It’s light and easy to pump in light wind, yet adaptable to a
wide range of downhaul and outhaul adjustments for stronger wind conditions.
With heaps of torque and power through the wind range, and its incredibly light,
responsive feel, the RETRO delivers an unsurpassed combination of power and
control. Its narrow RAF luff sleeve ensures effortless waterstarts and silky smooth
jibes. RETRO’s reaching speed is competitive with cambered sails, yet it “powers-off”
quickly for easy handling in tacks and jibes.
USE THE RIGHT MAST
One of the most important parts of your rig is the mast, specifically its curve and stiffness
and how closely these parameters match the sail. The mast acts quite literally as the
backbone of the rig and it governs the sail’s performance.
The mast requirements for the RETRO are printed on the sailbag and at the tack of your sail.
Listed on page 1 is a broader range of mast specifications (length and stiffness) necessary for
compatibility with the shaping and tension profile of your sail. Your mast MUST be within
this required range, regardless of the brand or model. Note that NOT all sail sizes work on the
same mast. As a rule, larger sails need longer and stiffer masts while smaller sails require
shorter and softer masts. Two common problems are:
i) Using too long, or too stiff a mast. This restricts wind range by
over-tensioning the sail.
ii) Using too short or too soft a mast. This also restricts wind range
by insufficiently stabilizing the sail.
The RETRO’s are designed and balanced on specific Sailworks masts to suit conditions
typical for the “average” size sailor (140 - 190 lb./ 63 - 86 kg). If you are lighter than this
average, or prefer a softer handling feel, consider using the next mast softer or shorter listed
in the table. Note that the luff and boom lengths printed on the tack are intended as a guide
to rig assembly and sail trim. Depending on the rig components you choose, these may not
always correspond exactly to the settings that are best for you. We measure boom length
from the front of the mast at the middle of the boom opening, to the back of the clew.
We measure luff length from the top of the mast sleeve, around the front of the mast curve
to a point opposite the pulleys of
the Power Block.
SET THE HEADCAP
LENGTH
Sizes 7.0 and larger have closed
heads, so no adjustment is necessary.
Sizes 6.5 and smaller have an
adjustable headcap system. This
allows for masts longer than the sail’s
luff length. Check the luff length of
your sail (printed at the tack and on
the sailbag), and compare it to your
mast length. If your mast is shorter
than the luff length, adjust the
headcap extension strap so the
headcap is as close to the top of
the mast sleeve as you can set it.
If your mast is longer than the luff
length, adjust the strap so that the
top of the headcap is 1-2 cm shorter
than the difference away from the
top of the mast sleeve.
CONTENTS
Specifications Table..........................pg.1
First Time Rigging........................... pg.2
Rig Assembly.................................. pg.3
Tuning For Wind Range.................... pg.4
RETRO Settings Chart ...................pg.5/6
Trouble shooting ......................... pg.5/6
Quick Rigging Guide.........................pg.7
Sail Maintenance..............................pg.7
“Get ready, this sail pulls!”
Bruce Peterson

3
5 TENSION THE SBT’S
(Streamlined Batten Tensioners)
The battens are tensioned using the hex-key tool
found under the strap above the tack handle.
Insert the hex-key into the cap screw inside the
SBT at the leech end of each batten. Turn the
hex-key to the right (clockwise) to tighten.
Tension the battens
JUST until the
wrinkles across the
batten pockets
disappear. Look for a
continuous smooth
shape to the sailcloth
next to the batten
pocket (see photos). You should see a smooth
reflection, with no wrinkles in the sailcloth
alongside the battens. CAUTION: DO NOT OVER-TENSION THE BATTENS - POOR ROTATION,
EXCESSIVE FOIL DEPTH AND DAMAGE TO THE SAIL CAN RESULT. Replace the hex-key tool
back in its pocket above the tack handle. Once the batten tension is set, it’s not necessary
to adjust it for each session. Set it and forget it!
6 BALANCING THE OUTHAUL SETTING
Release any outhaul tension and allow the sail to relax naturally. Now pull the outhaul a
minimum of 3.0 cm (1 1/4 inch) from this neutral position. Check the foil depth by pushing
on the sail area under your harness lines or standing it up in the wind. Under pressure, the
sail will increase in depth as the battens pull back from the mast. When luffing or without
pressure, the sail will flatten. Less outhaul makes the sail fuller and more powerful for
reaching, but it will also be harder to control when over-powered or sailing upwind. For
upwind sailing or over-powered conditions, more outhaul tension will improve performance
by making the sail flatter and tighter. Whenever you increase or release downhaul, realize
that the outhaul tension has also changed and may need to be adjusted too.
TUNING FOR WIND RANGE
Please refer to the RETRO Settings Chart on pages 5 & 6.
Light wind (under-powered conditions)
• Less downhaul, to increase foil
depth for more power; to tighten
the leech for better pumping; and
to reduce twist and increase power
in the upper part of the sail.
• Less outhaul, for more depth.
A looser outhaul moves the center
of effort (power) further back,
which facilitates early planing.
High wind (over-powering conditions)
• More downhaul, to tighten and
flatten the leading edge of the sail.
This lowers the center of effort and
gives the sail more twist.
• More outhaul, to flatten the overall
foil depth and reduce power. This will
tighten the sail and improve top end
handling and control.
RIG ASSEMBLY
1 INSERT THE MAST
Pull the sail down the mast in sections using the tack handle and working the mast tip to
the top of the sleeve before pulling the tack all the way down to the base of the mast. Try to
keep the battens all rotated to the under-side of the mast. Check that the headcap is seated
completely onto the mast and that the two-piece coupling of the mast is joined completely
before downhauling.
2 INSERT THE MAST BASE
Estimate the amount of mast base extension needed by subtracting your mast length from the
sail’s luff length. Your downhaul pulley system should have 6:1 purchase and enough line to
make lacing easy. Lace the downhaul line through the Power Block tack pulley. Keep the line
looping in the same direction each time you feed it through the Power Block and through your
base pulley (we recommend counter-clockwise working from the underside upwards. Try not to
cross the lines, as this increases friction and makes the downhaul harder to pull. Do not fully
downhaul the sail yet - leave the downhaul just “hand-tight”.
3 ATTACH THE BOOM
If you plan to use the on-the-fly adjustable outhaul system enclosed, set that up now.
Follow the instructions enclosed with the adjustable outhaul for setup and use. Adjust
your boom to the length specified for the sail. Attach the boom to the mast at the middle
of the opening and re-adjust it after the sail is fully rigged. Be careful not to attach if too
high in the boom opening - you must account for the sail to be downhauled further. Also be
careful not to pinch the mast sleeve under the boom clamp. Lace the outhaul through the
clew grommet, and pull the outhaul completely so the sail is flat, using the recommended
boom length.
4 TUNING THE DOWNHAUL
The downhaul controls the sail’s shape and performance. Discover its effect by pulling and
slowly releasing the line. Use an easy-rig or downhauling tool so the line is easier to pull
hard. Watch the change in depth and tension of the leading edge (front 1/3 of the sail),
and the flattening and loosening of the head area (upper leech) as more downhaul is pulled.
Specifically notice the change in the angles, or twist, of the battens; the top batten should
open to leeward the furthest-called “progressive twist”. Twist is cut into the sail, but is
ultimately controlled by the downhaul tension. More downhaul induces more twist; less
downhaul allows less twist. Twist improves sail efficiency by lowering the center of effort
and making the sail easier to control.
The optimum downhaul setting gives a tight luff and a lean (not full) entry, and the leech
area between the top two battens should become loose (see RETRO Settings Chart). A good
reference point is the curved leech seam between the top two battens. If the looseness falls
short of this seam from the leech side, you will have the minimum setting. If the looseness
extends forward past the seam, you will have the maximum setting. This looseness is normal
and is necessary to allow the sail to twist open properly.
Once you’re familiar with the correct downhaul setting, re-check the headcap length vs. mast
base height. If necessary, re-adjust these so that the Power Block tack pulley sits very close
to the mast base cleat, and the amount of mast extending out the top of the mast sleeve is
minimized by lowering the mast base.
4
Needs more batten tension
Correct batten tension

56
Getting the most from your gear
• If it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. A well-tuned rig should be effortless to sail. Don’t be afraid to make changes and explore different settings.
• When you have found settings - (boom length, mast base length, boom height, mast step position, downhaul and outhaul position)- that feel balanced, record the position of each
adjustment so that they are easy to repeat next session. Mark the settings with a waterproof marker right on your equipment.
You can expand the Retro’s wind range significantly by adjusting the
downhaul and outhaul.
IMPORTANT: Downhaul and outhaul tension are closely interrelated. Whenever you pull
or ease the downhaul, you inversely affect the outhaul tension, so readjustment of the
outhaul may be required.
LEECH TWIST PROFILE CROSS SECTION PROFILE DOWNHAUL OUTHAUL
MINIMUM
OPTIMUM
MAXIMUM
Minimum Settings
• Light wind/underpowered
• Flat water
• Downwind sailing
• More power, less control
Full Entry
Minimum Downhaul
• Leech is loose behind curved leech
seam between top two battens
• Deeper foil
• Less twist
• Full entry - batten tip above boom
sits beside mast, but doesn’t extend
past it
Minimum Outhaul
• Boom length becomes shorter
• Pull the outhaul approximately
1.5 cm from neutral deep foil
• Deeper foil
Optimum Outhaul
• Boom at referenced length on tack
• Pull the outhaul approximately
3 cm from neutral lean foil
• Lean foil
Maximum Outhaul
• Boom length becomes longer
• Pull the outhaul approximately
5 cm from neutral
• Flatter foil
Optimum Downhaul
• Leech is loose just to curved seam
between top two battens
• Lean foil
• Moderate twist
• Lean entry - batten tip above boom
sits at center of mast
Maximum Downhaul
• Leech is loose past curved seam
between top two battens
• Flatter foil
• More twist
• Heavy wind - more control
• Flat entry - batten tip above boom
sits behind mast
Optimum Settings
• Steady/Moderate wind
• Choppy water
• All-round sailing conditions
• Power and control
Lean Entry
Maximum Settings
• High wind/overpowered
• Upwind sailing
• More control, less power
Flat Entry
R E T R O S E T T I N G S