Loftsails Skyblade 2025

The Skyblade sail is an extension of Loftsails' racing program, developed to maximize the performance of low-drag hydrofoils. This advanced design is tailored for competitive racing and fully adheres to PWA rules

SKYBLADE 2025 – DEDICATED WINDFOIL RACING

The Skyblade sail is an extension of Loftsails' racing program, developed to maximize the performance of low-drag hydrofoils. This advanced design is tailored for competitive racing and fully adheres to PWA rules.

The Skyblade's design objective is top speed and control during flight. It features radically high aspect ratios and notably wide mast pockets, both contributing to balance and comfort in flight mode. The sail also incorporates a lower foot, reduced vertical shaping, and more aggressive batten angles, which enhance aerodynamics and provide the rig with exceptional stability.

The wide mast pockets require firm tension to maintain efficient airflow. Drawing inspiration from the Racingblade fin slalom program, the Skyblade adopts its unique mast pocket construction. Skyblade mast pockets are constructed with multiple laminate & woven panels. A double-layer stretch-resistance zone is formed with 2-mil quad-axial x-ply (a lightweight material that resists folding memory) and IYU250 woven mast pocket material. This integrated 2-ply tendon extends from head to tack just behind the mast and helps the mast pocket maintain its optimal condition over time.

The downhaul roller is attached to three layers: the two mast pocket sides and the mast pane in between. This setup evenly distributes downhaul loading to all three layers, resulting in a firm, clean, smooth-rotating leading edge. Smooth cam rotation is crucial for maintaining focus during races and provides the balance needed for smooth gybes and transitions.

High trim tension and extreme conditions can take a toll on sail performance over time. To counteract this, the Skyblade is equipped with Metallic Cam Interfaces at all camber inducer contact points, preventing material degradation and ensuring long-lasting performance. Additionally, all Skyblades are manufactured with Loftsails' signature focus on material durability. The central window, leech, and foot feature x-ply panels, while the bi-ply top panels offer exceptional catastrophic failure and UV resistance, ensuring sail longevity.

All new Skyblades come with one camber set. Sizes 5.0 and smaller include TekCam2 RDM, while sizes 6.0 and larger come with TekCam2 SDM.

Sail Specifications

Construction Details

• The Skyblade features radically high aspect ratios, wide mast pockets, and a lower foot. The mast pocket construction uses multiple laminate and woven panels with a double-layer stretch-resistance zone made from 2-mil quad-axial x-ply and IYU250 woven material. This integrated 2-ply tendon extends from head to tack just behind the mast, helping maintain mast pocket integrity over time.
• The downhaul roller is connected to three layers (both mast pocket sides and the mast pane in between), distributing downhaul loading evenly for a clean, smooth-rotating leading edge and excellent cam rotation.
• All camber contact points use Metallic Cam Interfaces to prevent wear and ensure long-term performance.
• Central window, leech, and foot use x-ply panels for durability. Bi-ply top panels offer resistance to catastrophic failure and UV damage.
• All Skyblades come with one camber set: TekCam2 RDM for 5.0 and smaller, TekCam2 SDM for 6.0 and larger.

Rigging Instructions

• Lay out your Blade on a dry, sand-free and ideally wind-free surface.
• Check that the Tekcams match the mast you want to rig on it: Large for SDM masts, REDUCED for RDM masts.
• Insert the recommended mast fully into the mast pocket WITHOUT threading the mast through the Tekcams (by-pass all cams so that the mast goes easily above the battens & mast panel and directly up to the sail top).
• Check that the sail top plug is correctly seated into the mast top.
• Set your mast extension to the recommended length, thread downhaul line and apply firm tension so the mast bends to allow the boom to be mounted.
• Set the boom to the recommended length and mount the boom on the mast.
• Apply FIRM outhaul tension; pull the sail flat so that the Tekcams are pulled back and away from the mast.
• FULLY release downhaul tension.
• Set Tekcams into position on the mast by pushing up on the cams from the lower side with one hand and down on the sail batten inside the mast pocket for each cam. Do not over-apply pressure! If cams do not easily go into place, apply more outhaul tension & less downhaul tension.
• Once all Tekcams are set in place on the mast, apply full downhaul tension.
• Check all batten tensions with the Loftsails batten tensioner included inside your mast pocket.
• Set outhaul tension to suit windsurfing conditions and GO ENJOY THE WIND!
• TIP: Avoid allowing cams to ‘snap’ off the mast when de-rigging. Manually removing cams from the mast (opposite of rigging sequence above) will extend the life of your Blade.
• Tekcam Spacers:
  4 to 6 Tekcam spacers are included in your sailbag.
  Tekcam spacers can be placed between the cams and mast panel front edge to promote a cleaner leading edge.
  Spacers may affect cam rotation (more difficult).
  Mounting more than 2 spacers per Tekcam is not recommended!