my equipment

Question
Hi
I started practicing windsurfing about 4 months ago. I am 5'8" and 170lbs
I just bought a fanatic shark 160L board (from 2005), a 6.4 North Sail, an north sail aluminium boom and prostok mast (30% carbon).
I normally sail in the area of miami (Virginia key and Rickenbacker) in the occasions when the wind blows in the range 10-17 knots.
I am at a stage where I am getting confortable hooking, unhooking and learning basic jibes. I can already do beach starts even with very light winds and my balance is quite adecuate, based on the comments I have received.

I have never gotten into a plane so I dont know the everybody-talks-about feeling.

My questions:
What are the wind speeds that could help me get into planing conditions with my rig specifications? What sail size and board would you recommend me for winds in the range 10-15?

thanks
Gabriel

Answer
Hey Gabriel,

Your 6.4 should get you on a plane in about 16-18knots. Some limiting factors could be your experience, fin size, steadiness of wind, and how well you have rigged your sail. These things will come in time.

With that board you should be able to go up to around a 9.0-9.5 sail which should have you planning in about 12knots of wind. If you get a newer sail the range for the size I mentioned would be about 10-18knots. You will probably want to get a larger fin to go with a larger sail.

Remember that going off wind on a beam reach (approx. 120-130 degrees offwind) is the fastest point of sail and the best for getting on a plane. Once on a plane you can point back upwind to stay inline with your starting point.

Hope this helps.
Keep on sailing,
Windlover