2-Cam Freeride 5.3-9.4m

Near-race sail speed without the fuss

We’ve long believed in the twin cam format: there’s no escaping that camber inducers bring added rig efficiency with more low end power and high end stability.

A number of years ago cammed rigs had a poor reputation with many brands offering designs that were almost impossible to rig. This couldn’t be further from reality with the Lightning, which has proved in rigging tests to take no longer than the T4 to rig if the correct procedures are followed.

The Lightning comes extremely close to a full race-sail’s performance and retains the character of a good rotational. Forgiving in choppy or gusty conditions, the huge tuning range offers an accessible route into slalom or simply fun, efficient freeride sailing.

Cyan Magenta Red

"A great all round twin cam sail suitable for all levels of rider, from recreational freeriders to focused freeracers and speed freaks."

Windsurf Magazine on the Lightning 7.8m

Cyan

Cyan

Magenta

Magenta

Red

Red

Tushingham Flag

Lightning

Power and control

Tushingham Flag

Lightning

Tuning tips

Tuning

Downhaul tension:

Familiarise yourself with a minimum and maximum setting for your sail plus a mid-point which is a good place to start for most sailing. Fine-tuning between these settings will really help you get a feel for how the sail can be tuned and cover all wind conditions.

  • MINIMUM SETTING for light winds: downhaul so the leech is loose (i.e. quite floppy) to the 2nd batten.
  • MID-POINT SETTING for most “comfortably powered” sailing: as above but with a loose leech to the 3rd batten.
  • MAXIMUM SETTING for overpowered windy conditions and speed: loose leech to the 4th batten.

Just one centimetre more or less downhaul can make the difference between good control and being pulled out of shape while sailing. If you’re struggling on the water, come in and change it! Two minutes to do this could transform your session from a struggle to perfection!

Outhaul tension:

Whatever your downhaul setting, for most freeride sailing your sail will work best with about 3cm of positive outhaul tension. When more downhaul is applied the mast bends more so it’s important to check the outhaul and re-tension. If downhaul is slackened off it’s also necessary to take a little outhaul tension off the sail. 

Trim

  • FOR MORE CONTROL – apply 1-2cm more downhaul
  • FOR ULTIMATE DOWNWIND SPEED – let off the outhaul by about 1-2cm so there is no tension (called neutral). Sailing overpowered will help – using a square metre bigger, well downhauled usually does the trick!
  • FOR MORE UPWIND PERFORMANCE – apply an extra 1cm of outhaul.
  • UNDERPOWERED – Reduce downhaul to the minimum setting (as described in the tuning section) and reduce outhaul so battens above and below the boom rotate with the front tips touching the side of the mast.

Remember: the optimum settings are dependent on conditions and personal preference. One of the principal factors in the rig's performance is the rider and the optimum setting for one sailor may not suit another, irrespective of ability. The main thing is to experiment and find the setting where you feel comfortable, can focus on the sailing and forget about the sail. The pro’s spend many hours experimenting and familiarising themselves with a sail. With intelligent experimentation and noting your favourite settings you will extract the best from the Lightning.

Mast Selection 

  • The standard diameter Carbon 75 is the recommended mast for the Lightning, with a good balance of light-weight performance, durability and value. It's also compatible with the Freewave 45
  • Maximum performance can be achieved with the Ultimate Pro or Speed Pro.

Lightning

7.0 June 2011 Boards Mag

"The Tushingham stands out for being a very competent all rounder. Over powered or underpowered, in the straights or around the corners, the Tushingham has plenty of performance, but perhaps most importantly, a great deal of ease in the way that this performance is delivered."

For the full test report please click HERE

7.0 June 2011 Boards Mag
Lightning