The UltralightXL is a new light wind sail designed by Philippe ...

A Breath of Fresh Air
The UltralightXL is a new light wind sail designed by Philippe Darieux. It is a simple
concept of one design, one size for freeride sailing. The original brief targeted super
early planing to open up a new market of ultra light wind sailing and to make the sail
as simple and light as possible to provide easy rigging and easy handling. This was an
enormous task for Philippe and after a year of development, we are now confident
that we have achieved our objectives.
The luff length of the Ultra Light is very
long in order to obtain a high aspect
ratio that would generate enough
lift to pull the board onto a plane in
marginal conditions.
This high aspect ratio generates the dynamic lift needed to get the traditionally
heavier freeride boards (300 to 330cm long) into a plane. The result is considerable
head load, and a profile that goes high up in the sail to catch
the winds further up. In order to counter the control problems
that generally come with a sail of this size, the leech is
much ‘softer’ than other more
traditional designs and the whole
leech twists giving you all the
UL Ad
control that is needed.

Size Weight Max Luff Min Luff Max Boom MinBoom Top Setting Mast Choice
m2 kg mm mm mm mm Ideal Mast Ideal Upgrade
7.9 3.97 5470 5450 2210 2190 Fixed CK55-490* CK95-520
* CK55-490 is to be used with a special 57cm carbon extension
Design brief
New RAF design approach to provide easy handling, soft, breathing response and early planing in 8-12 knots.
To be suitable for production freeride boards and the latest light wind board designs.
Design emphasis
Utilise the latest materials and CAD/CAM design technology to create the lightest, most efficient sail possible.
Easy trimming through a unique mast extension.
Design realization
Use a high aspect ratio design with a deep profile all the way to the head for optimum light wind performance
but ease leech tension to maintain light, easy handling.

Features
Two Position Clew
New Stainless Steel Clew Rings
Lufflite Luffpocket
Leech Chafe Protection Button
Job Specific K-Film 250/125
Kevlar Reinforced Leading Edge
Flat-Round Batten Section
Benefits
Sailing comfort, condition-specific leech tension tuning.
Lighter and stronger.
Light and strong for better stability.
Prevents abrasion of the sail when rigging on rough surfaces.
Lightest weight consistent with strength and shape stability.
Lightest weight consistent with strength and shape stability.
Prevents essing and improves draft stabiliy.

Features
CNC Batten Tapering
Hidden Structural Cut
Natural Batten Geometry
Flex-Flow Foot Fairing
Low Friction Tack Fitting
New Mini Bat Cams with Power Snap Locking
Benefits
Finely tuned, precision bend curve characteristics.
Correct draft placement,stability for optimum light wind performance.
Ensures a natural air flow for minimum drag.
Easy rigging protection for board and mast.
Easy to downhaul, durable.
Very light and aerodynamic.

“Working on the Ultralight program was very exciting, right from the beginning I
knew the new concept of ‘extra soft rigs’ would take the design of light wind sails to
a new level. Because of the flexible rig the Ultralight performs so well in light
winds, and gives a soft feeling when sailing.”
-Philippe Darrieux
“Ultra quick to plane, ultra light and ultra easy, this pure RAF design rigs
instantly, handles like a feather and is perfect if used with three meter Freeride
boards.”
-Patrice Belbeoc’h
“A new concept in light wind sailing. The ultra light engineering makes the sail as
easy to handle as it is to rig and it planes while others are parked.”
-Antoine Albeau

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