07 Ezzy Test "The Unpublished Magazine Test"
06/11/2006

Ezzy Wave SE 4.7m

At a Glance

The Wave SE is the king of the Ezzy range and has amassed a loyal band of followers over the years, attracted by the sail’s feel, quality and relative indestructibility. For 2007 David Ezzy has dramatically altered the cut of the SE – a bold step considering the sail received high praise for its range and power delivery last year. Finished with the brand’s usual excellent attention to detail, it is a stunning looking foil boasting the use of Sprectra reinforced x-ply throughout, a refined vinyl window (to reduce the numbers of creases in it), and a new very industrial looking tack roller pulley. On top of that the luff tube is now made of a material called… that is reported not to rip even under the strain of a broken mast. Whether it will every time or not remains to be seen, but to the touch it is certainly worthy of the Ezzy motif.

Rigging and Set

Setting on a 400cm mast, the SE requires minimal downhaul tension, which is easy to apply thanks to the new roller pulley. Adjusting the downhaul only fractionally between minimum and maximum setting, most of the tuning is done by playing the outhaul, pulling the vinyl window taut on maximum tension. The final bit of tension is applied to the sail using the tack strap, pulling it tight enough to induce a crease in the bottom corner of the sail. Be aware there is a considerable amount of shape placed forward in the SE including in the third batten up…even on its maximum setting.

Ride and Handling

With enough shape forward in the draft to be mistaken for a cambered sail, the SE not surprisingly excelled in the early planing stakes. Delivering power directly to the board, it has a solid yet comfortable feel in the hands, the rider constantly aware of the useable power available. In the cross-onshore conditions of Cabezo, this energy can be put to great use providing the impetus to drive through the bottom turn purposely, ready for an explosive top turn. It doesn’t ever go neutral in the hands, yet such is its balance that with a little practice it becomes easy to reposition for the cut back. In overpowered conditions the sail is incredibly stable, using a little more downhaul but significant outhaul to secure the centre of effort in place. The one downside that we could find to the camber was during the waterstart, requiring a more assertive approach to release the sail from the water quickly.

For: Awesome range, stability and useable power. Built to last!

Against: Awkward to release from the water at times for a rapid waterstart, due to the camber in the sail.

Verdict

A whole new concept in sail design, the new SE demands that you experiment with your rigging routine and rules, but once mastered the rewards are clear to see. With range, stability and stunning useable power it comes recommended by us, particularly for those with a more expressive sailing style.

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