Rail design and upwind

Question
Hi!

I am at an early intermediate stage and I am undecided whether to buy a Taboo Rocket 145 or a Fanatic Shark 145. I haven't seen either as yet because my current dealers here don't have a demo for the moment but I have read excellent reviews on both. I  seem to understand that the shape and design of the rails is one of the elements which, aside ( of course!) from the sailor's skill and his foot-steering ability and a longer fin,  can affect the intrinsic upwind capability of a board. This is something of importance to me, because, coming from a beginners board, I am not completely weaned from the centerboard.  From my own previous and rather disastrous experience with a Bic Techno 160 which, having  very thin and flattish rails,  was constantly blowing me downwind, I think that a board with thick and sort of  rounded  rails, biting more  into the water,  would be better suited to me,( even though I 'd probably loose a bit of manoeuverability, but it is a trade-off I am willing to make).

So my question is, I guess, which of the two boards, if you have  seen or sailed on either one, has more " solid"  and " biting" rails. From the available pictures, I'd think the Shark has this type of thicker rails, whereas the Rocket's  seems rather flattish . But I might be wrong. Can you comment on this, please?

Thank you

Franco

Answer
Hey Franco,

Overall the Taboo Rocket gets the better reviews. I've not sailed either board but all the board tests put the Rocket a bit higher than the Shark. Another board to consider is the Mistral Screamer. The largest is a 133 but it gets the highest reviews from all testers. The Mistral Energy 140 also gets good reviews but the Screamer is definitely the highest performer for boards in the 130-145 range.

As for the rails making much difference, they do, but it is fairly subtle and it would probably take an advanced sailor spending a few days on both boards to notice the difference. The biggest factor for upwinding a board with no daggerboard is the sailors techniques along with proper sail rigging and mast position on the board. Go to www.windsurfingmag.com under Instruction and read all the intermediate tips. There is a wealth of information about planning, going upwind, and sail/body positioning.

Hope this helps.
Keep on sailing,
Windlover