Sail ranges for beginner board

Question
QUESTION: Thanks for answering my previous questions. I have a total of 5 times out since I started out this year. Yesterday I started out in great conditions to learn in 10-15mph winds. I was using my Severn 揚ower Drive?5.4 beginners sail since I knew the wind was going to get really bad. When it picked up (25mph), I could start out fine, but got the sail ripped out of my hands once I got any speed up. I was beat by that time so that was then that I decided to quit. Please keep in mind that I have had no personal instruction and I realize that the high wind problem I was having is most likely due to my technique or lack thereof. I did have the sail tight with plenty of downhaul and the recommended outhaul. I have not put foot straps on the board yet but I will do that before I go out next time.

I really thought that the Severn would handle that high of wind with as much down haul as I gave it. I am 5?9?and 218lbs. I am using a Fanatic 揤iper?to learn on with MFC 揕iquid Free Ride?fins (34cm & 38cm).

My question ?what are my wind ranges for my 3 beginner sails on my beginner board.

1.   5.0 Ezzy wave SE ?7 (picked it up really cheap but I thought it was too small for me)
2.   5.4 Severn 揚ower Drive??7
3.   7.0 Gaastra 揚ilot??7

What about my board? Too big for high winds? Can I still get something out of trying to sail in those high winds?

Thanks

Matt
Omaha, NE


ANSWER: What volume is the Viper?  If it is more than 125 liters the board is too big for 25 mph.  When the board is large and the fin is large it creates too much drag which causes the sail to get ripped out of your hand.  You might be able to sail this board in 25 mph but you would probably need around a 4 or 5 meter sail and it won't be that much fun.  That is why short boards are so popular.   Winds above 18 to 20 mph can also be tricky to sail in for a novice.  You may encounter wind deflection if the wind source is offshore, you may encounter board drag from sailing against the tide, there are a lot of circumstances that can throw you off (literally).  You would do best with a couple of lessons.  Try to find a place near you that you can get a lesson or two.  It is sure to shorten your learning curve.
I can't give you a good estimate of sail sizes per wind range unless I know what volume your board is.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: What is wind deflection? All of my sailing is done on local reservoirs from 60 acres to 1000 acres here in Nebraska. These usually lie in valleys that tend to create gusts and lulls out of the most steady winds, but no current.

My Viper is a boat with a volume of 220liters and 85cm wide.

Should I even bother to get out on the higher wind days that we regularly have here, even with a 5.0 wave sail - or is the board just not going to handle it?

Thanks

Answer
220 liters is way too big for 25 mph winds.  What I meant by wind deflection is that if you sail close to shore on off shore winds, buildings, trees etc. can cause gusts and lulls making it difficult sailing. I would never tell you to forget trying to sail on high wind days.  Just realize that if you were proficient enough on smaller equipment, which one day you will be,  you would be having a ball.  So even on the big wind days, put up your smallest sail and go for it!