For my first (learning) sail, I purchased a Severne 6.5m Gator but am finding it's over powered for 12m/s + (23 knots) conditions (Zushi beach, Japan). Hence, I am in the market for a smaller and durable (still learning) sail around 5m to 5.3m that is matched to my size (188cm 82kgs) and won't grow out of as I get better.
I'm thinking about the Severne Blade but as I'm nowhere close to wave sailing yet, I'm having doubts as to whether this is the right selection. Would appreciate recommendations for make and models of other sails that readers may have.
Wave sails will be good for you because of durability, which is more than welcome when learning, these sails will work just fine for blasting around.
These sails are also easier to handle in my opinion, which comes useful as well.
try to purchase something that fits on your exsisting mast, boom etc.
then you can save the costs of new gear.
a wave sail is a good option but can be alittle uneven to use when learning.
good luck
Go for another Gator, easier matching your existing mast and they morf into waveable sails in the smaller sizes
My Gator 6.5 (2010 I think) rigs on a 430, so you may already be using a 430 mast - which will give you plenty of optios to dowsize.
5.5 wave sail, like a Blade or Gay Pride Combat. Wave for the durability, i.e kevlar reinforced monofilm panels as opposed to just monofilm. Not sure what mast you'll need, probs a 430. I've got one mast size for all my sails. 4m for sail range 3.7 - 5.2.
Many thanks everyone for your valuable input. It is so hard to get unbiased advice over here.
I have listed all my gear in my profile but as many of you correctly speculated, I have a Severne 430RDM Blueline mast (with an Aeron 46cm aluminium mast extension). Many thanks again and I hope this helps in giving your advice.
PS One the key reasons I went for the Gator was its durability (full x-ply construction) and would definitely be wanting the same of kind toughness for my second sail too as I still get thrown occasionally.
PPS I see either the Gator or Blade 5.3 will work with a 430 but I'm wondering if a rig with a lower profile - on a lighter, full carbon 400 mast - might be better in overpowered conditions....??
Seeing as though you are using a Severne 430, I'd go a 5.3 Gator - the gap is pretty large but you can fill it in with a 5.7 later
The gap is not a major issue as it seems you are already using the 6.5 right up to it's upper limit.
The reason I say Gator is it is strong etc, and will rig the same as your existing sail which makes it easier to rig the same (ie: correctly) each time. The Blade is great but why add somethign slightly different to the mix of things to get right each time you sail?
Go the gator 
Gator love
Hi There,
Hope you are OK there in Japan. Please give us a sign of life if its OK.
Thanks.
So whereabouts in Japan is 'Zushi Beach' and what are the average conditions like for windsurfing?
(spent a week travelling around Kyushu many years ago but didn't make it to any of the other islands).
I don't think this is Zushi beach but it's definitely in Japan:
Best of luck and well wishes for your safe return.
