The new AC-1zero15 are now on the water with the Black Team in Tenerife. We have asked Alberto, Vincent, Andrea and Jordy their first feeling with the sails compared against the Zero14 edition.
[image type=”circle” float=”right” src=”https://point-7.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/cucchi-300×300.jpg” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover”]Andrea Cucchi ITA 1
Which size of the AC-ONE Zero15 did you try until now?
All sizes. I have been testing each single step with the different members of the Black Team. It was interesting to see how each step brought an upgrade and how each rider gave us a great feedback to make sure that the sail would be liked by different style, weight and board brand.
What are the main differences you feel as you jump on the sail?
Weight and the how easy it is to take the sail on the new tack after the jibe without losing speed.
The difference you appreciate when you jump on the sail the second time after tuning?
It is more stable and firm as the gust hits it. Therefore, you can focus in accelerating with less effort.
The advantage on the racecourse?
You can fully focus on how to get to the mark and prepare the tactics of the jibe. In the jibe is so easy now that you are able to already focus on the next reach while jibing.
Which size did you try the most, and with which board and fin do you use it?
I used a lot all of them. We can use three boards and six sails in PWA racing. Therefore, you can use two sizes at least comfortably on each board. For each sail, you need one or two fins according to the conditions. This year the sail feel so much lighter that is possible to put bigger sizes of sails on smaller boards.
Do you trim it different to 2014? What is the difference from the trim?
Exactly the same downhaul and outhaul. Some of the Black Team riders put more downhaul, but I like to have a little bit more power from the sail and less from the fin. I use the top clew position from 7.9 up in light wind, and low in stronger winds. On 7.2 down, just the lower clew position. So a little different to last year. The batten tension the same. A lot on the bottom 2 and top 1, very little the rest.
2013 AC-1, 2014 AC-1 and now 2015 AC-One. In which year was the biggest development from the versions?
2013 to 2014 was a great step forward to have a perfect cam rotation and an increase of speed. The 2015 had thought the biggest step forward. A lot of small and important details, which were developed to bring the sail to be lighter, but by developing these features, not only succeeded in that, but also brought new performance to the sail. The reason was to have the sail lighter by implementing details which were not reducing by reducing reinforcements.
What’s the deal for 2015 racing?
For myself? Enjoying the events which are worth going to and meet new friends, riders. I would not mind going as first event to the Azores for some good formula. Now the FW1 is ready, so it would be a good opportunity to test it at high level. It’s from the Master World Championships in 2011 that I don’t take part at an international event. So why not? Later there will be some national events, I will go to Defi Wind and to some PWA events to follow the Black Team, race with them, support them and do more development together.
[image type=”circle” float=”right” src=”https://point-7.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/langer-300×300.jpg” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover”]Vincent Langer GER 1
Which size of the AC-ONE Zero15 did you try till now?
I tried 7,9/8,6 and 9,7. The rest of the sails will arrive hopefully next days.
What are the main differences you feel as you jump on the sail?
They are much lighter. I fell it especially on the 8,6 and 9,7. They are also easier to pump, which makes it very nice at the Slalom course after the jibe.
The difference you appreciate when you jump on the sail the second time after tuning?
I was not tuning anything till now, because we just had training all the days. But for me, the sails are already so nice. Honestly, I do not know what I would tune now…
Which size did you try the most, and with which board and fin do you use it?
I was unison mostly 7.9. Also when other guys were on 8,4 I could go with 7,9 and was fast. The board was 111 Fanatic and 36 Z Fin.
Do you trim it different to 2014? What is the difference from the trim?
Till now I trimmed it like last year. Alberto said, we need more downhaul, but right now I do not feel it.
2013 AC-1, 2014 AC-1 and now 2015 AC-One. In which year was the biggest development from the versions?
I think from 2013 till 2014. No buttons broke any more! That was nice 🙂
What’s the deal for 2015 racing?
Winning!
[image type=”circle” float=”right” src=”https://point-7.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/menegatti-300×300.jpg” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover”]Alberto Menegatti ITA 4
Which size of the AC-ONE Zero15 did you try till now?
I got in the water with 7.9 8.6 and 9.7.
What are the main differences you feel as you jump on the sail?
You right away feel that the sail is a lot lighter, easier to handle and that the effort you need to go fast is 50% compare to the previous years…A big achievement!
The difference you appreciate when you jump on the sail the second time after tuning?
The sail has a better acceleration, and top end speed which improves already a sail that proved to be a winning machine!
The advantage on the race course?
More acceleration out of the start, a better top end to get first to the mark, and easier into the jibe and even easier when you rotate it and get out of the jibe with a much higher chance to gain ground!
Which size did you try the most, and with which board and fin do you use it?
I tried the 7.9 AC-ONE with the Isonic 107 that combined with the Zfin 38 just makes it a killer combination
Do you trim it different to 2014? What is the difference from the trim?
I pull slightly more downhaul, keep similar height in the boom and for the rest the tunning is very close.
2013 AC-1, 2014 AC-1 and now 2015 AC-One. In which year was the biggest development from the versions?
Definitely this is the year where we had the biggest jump ahead! I-m very looking forward for the season to start
What’s the deal for 2015 racing?
Show everyone that even if i missed 014 i am still one of the guys to beat!
[image type=”circle” float=”right” src=”https://point-7.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/vonk-300×300.jpg” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover”]Jordy Vonk NED 69
Which size of the AC-ONE Zero15 did you try till now?
I tried the 7.9 and 8.6 so far and can’t wait to try the others!
What are the main differences you feel as you jump on the sail?
The first thing you notice is the weight, it feels a lot lighter in the hands which makes it easier to sail. Super comfortable difference compare to last year.
The difference you appreciate when you jump on the sail the second time after tuning?
After I rigged the sail for the first time I was straight fast on the race course, made me a bit lazy as I didn’t tune a lot as it was already fast 🙂 But tuning will follow soon…
The advantage on the race course?
It’s lighter, so more comfortable on the straight line and easier to handle in jibes.
Which size did you try the most, and with which board and fin do you use it?
I’ve been sailing a lot with the 7.9 + Isonic 107 + 38cm Z and 8.6 + Isonic 130 + 45 cm Z. Both really nice combinations.
Do you trim it different to 2014? What is the difference from the trim?
I’m pulling more downhaul compare to last year, but still trying with that. As I have different boards for this season it all feels a bit different to me anyway!
2013 AC-1, 2014 AC-1 and now 2015 AC-One. In which year was the biggest development from the versions?
2014 AC-1 was my first sail of Point-7, so I can’t really judge on that. All I know is that we made a bit step again and I’m sure everybody loves it.
What’s the deal for 2015 racing?
Bigger, better, faster, stronger.
