Kona 380 Elite
November 15, 2009 · Print This Article
This pure raceboard is an evolution of the Exocet Warp X380, a proven concept and top contender in the Raceboard class.
The “blueprints” inherited from the prominent Warp X380 was key when developing this exiting concept. All the positive characteristics of the previous design have been preserved and the conclusion is outstanding.
The Warp X380 was a board with astonishing speed and stability upwind, – yet we have succeeded in adding to the performance by moving all the appendices (fins and dagger ) further back. As a consequence the footstrap and mast track positions have been moved as well – giving the board a free feeling and blistering up wind speed. Although working well, the step tail was eliminated in the process – which admittedly makes the board better suited for today’s upwind -downwind courses.
With the fin positioned far back into a standard set up we also managed to decrease the size – adding speed both up and downwind. The Kona 380 E rides high and effortless through chops in rough conditions.
The volume has been increased by 15 litres and the VE has been altered to coincide with this innovative concept. A complete new package, delivering uncompromised speed and pointing abilities, being produced in a new high tech construction and delivered with a top of the line racing daggerboard.
We hope you will enjoy the board as much as we enjoyed developing it.
This press release was taken from kona-windsurfing.com
Specs;
Volume 310 litres
Length; 380 cm
Width; 65 cm
Weight; 13 Kg
Fin size and box; 40 cm Tuttle box
Mast track; Adjustable
Sail size; 6.5 to 9.5
Looking forward to trying one of these out and comparing it to the Phantom!
Pat
Nice board, but
Why not step tail?
The step tail was a very effective design, but for a raceboard it is compromised. In marginal winds you need the tail on but then as the wind picks up you need to take the tail off or the board speed tops out. If you are out in strong wind with the tail off and the wind moderates, dropping you below the planing threshold, you are slow.
The step tail could not simply be taken on and off on the water, especially if you are racing.
The new design brings the fin to a normal position, so no need for a step tail.
Top racers often prefer the Equipe/Pan-am, which is also around 66cm wide and narrow in the tail. The Kona has a lot more volume, especially in the tail, so it could be a real performer on the race course
Hmmmm My thoughts .
Straps and centreboard too far back, lot of board up front very little in the back.
All in a 380 length , and hmmm volume is over 300 ( is this allowed with the “raceboard box rule”?? )
so it looks weird as in, nothing like other racing longboards.
Now that sounds like a stupid statement BUT when something looks out of sorts ( from proven designs ) it probably is
simple as that .
Mistral prototype, a re thought design, re thought by some real good sailors i might add, looks nothing like this either.
Jeff
Not true, it looks the same as the X-380, a successful raceboard. In fact it simply addresses the negatives of the X-380
The shape is akin to that of a long surf board and this shape really picks up any small swell easily to increase speed.
The pic is an artist impression, so we will see how it all works on the actual board.
Mistral proto was tested by the Fanatic team and they decided it was not competitive hence it wont appear.
The Equipe is very successful but is also very narrow in the tail. Expect to see some raceboards from the new Mistral camp in the future.
Ian!
Jeff has a queation which I cant see none of you have answered. The volume?
The specs from kona-windsurfing.com is:
Volume 310 litres
Length; 380 cm
Width; 65 cm
Weight; 13 Kg
While ISAF COMPLETED LIST OF APPROVED RACEBOARDS says:
Length; 380 Weight; 13.5, Lenght; 3780, Width; 655, Volume; 290
What is correct?
When will we get some pictures?
I cant confirm the volume as yet. I can’t remember exactly but i think my X-380 says 270 or 280 lit on the hull. If the Kona is +15 then it should be just under 300 lit.
The Phantom states 303lit on the Starboard website and on the raceboard list, as does the non released Equipe 3 http://www.sailing.org/tools/documents/RaceboardCompleteList-1006.pdf
I can’t see any restriction on volume, only min weight within the Raceboard class rules.
http://www.sailing.org/tools/documents/RAC2008CR271008-889.pdf
The specs on the ISAF list are just estimates that are used for initial registration. Final confirmation or changes, especially weight, are updated(seems never)after the first production run.
My X-380 is heavy, over 19Kg, yet has remarkable performance in light winds, so a touch more volume and lighter weight can only be good.
In stronger wind its not slow either, clocked 25.9K last week with a 10m sail where in the same conditions formula boards were a little slower.
So the basic hull is a good design and as i mentioned previously, the Kona is addressing the negatives of the X-380
I can’t imagine that it will not be competitive
Thanks Ian!
I really look forward to try it out! (just tell if you need a “testsailor” in cold conditions – read Norway
If you really manage to get the weight down, and still get more volume, this board for sure will be competitive.
Do I read from your comment that you have some problems with the production….? Are you sure that you will be able to get the board out in january?