upgrading equipment for a small sailor

Question
I抳e perused your site and love all the advice- I have a situation similar to those getting back into sailing.
I used to handle most moderate wind conditions (on lakes) ?typically under 15 mph.  After having kids, I gave up windsurfing- and just picked it up again a few years ago ?after not having sailed for 10 years.  My gear is old- Bic board- calypso?? It抯 an 11ft long board with retractable centerboard  - all the grapics/details have worn off- so, I抦 not sure of any other specs.  Bic Wave 5.0 sail, one piece 450cm carbon fiber mast. My question differs from others in that I抦 only 102 lbs at most, 5 ft tall.  Sail mostly local lakes in southeast Mass, although, I抳e had the opportunity to head out to Buzzards Bay a few times and had a blast out there.  

I抎 like to get back into sailing more regularly to improve my skills and would like to upgrade my equipment but want to try and do so economically- one because my kids are still young enough that I don抰 get out as often as I抎 like and jumping in to replace everything is financially not feasible? So, I抎 like to see if I can start by replacing the sail first and then go from there.  My current sail is really showing it抯 age and the bottom batten has snapped- so that抯 why that抯 first on my list.

I抦 seeing lots of used sails out there, but my question is what to replace it with.  I find the 5.0 size suits me fine in modest conditions, but would like a larger sail for light winds and a smaller one for higher winds-but can I use different sail sizes with the one current mast?  Also, if a sail requires a longer mast size than I have, I have the adjustable mast base to increase the height- but my concern is this:  I currently rig the mast base set as low as possible and I downhaul as much as possible so that I can attach the boom in the lowest possible position so that I抦 not reaching too high to hang on to the boom.  I抦 concerned about finding a sail that will allow me to set the boom at a height low enough for me.  

What should I realistically try to do ?is it wise to try and replace just the sail?and what should I be on the lookout for?  Later on, what抯 reasonable to look for in a board?

I also JUST found this avail on craigslist at a location nearby- more than I抎 like to spend ?but given the amount of equipment, if it抯 appropriate for me to grow into,  is it worth it?

http://boston.craigslist.org/bmw/spo/1187837208.html

Thanks!!
Lisa  

Answer
Hey Lisa,

Your mast should work for a sail up to a 6.0-6.5 if your extension is a taller one. For this size sail they would probably be asking for about 480cm mast size so you would need about 30cm or more extension. As for smaller sails, your mast should work fine. Many sails under 5.0 have an adjustable top which allows you to adjust the boom opening on the sail to fit your needed boom position. As for low enough setting, your boom should be about shoulder height when standing on the board in light winds. A little higher for light winds and a larger sails, a bit lower with a smaller sail (basing your initial setting on a 5.0 sail).

For now, just replacing your old sail and shopping for other sails should get you back on the water comfortably. As for upgrading to a smaller/newer board, you should consider where your skills are now and where you want them to be in say two to three seasons. The board in the ad would work for you but depending upon your current skills, there may be a bit of a learning curve. It is an older board that would not be real stable for uphauling even for a sailor of your size. The gear seems to be in decent condition but overall, I personally feel that they are asking too much money for 10-12 year old gear.

I feel that you would be better served looking for a newer style freeride board. They are wider and much more stable for learning shortboard techniques and you would still be able to uphaul as needed. I would suggest something in the 110-130ltr range for you. With your size, you may get away with the lower end of the range. Keep watching your local craigslist and also keep an eye on ebay for the gear you are looking for. When searching on either site, use windsurf, windsurfer, windsurfing to find all listings.

Hope this helps.
Keep on sailing,
Windlover