Starboard take on the speed circuit with the new iSonic 50

New for 2007 is a remarkable board from the Starboard stable that indicates their intention to compete for the World Speedsailing Record. The new iSonic 50 has a typical 'speed needle' shape being only 217cm in length, 46.5cm wide and maintaining a volume of only 50 litres but hides a lot of development work under its skin. Its unique speed shape has clocked some incredible speeds at lower winds than any of its rivals.

Ian Fox AUS-001 (Starboard and Severne team rider) has already established an amazing time of 43.8 knots on an iSonic 50 prototype back in February at at his home spot of Sandy Point, Victoria in Australia sailing in only 20 knots of wind! Check out Ian's story of how he spent the day testing the new iSonic and Severne SSR RDM and how he ended up in hospital after taking a sting form a local stingray!

The Starboard team have taken a fresh approach to the design basing the shape on maximum efficiency principles. The board carries a squared-out tail shape which is wider than the norm yet the overall maximum width at 46.5cm is a lot narrowe than other speed baords. This unique approach to speed board design gives a lower and therefore more efficient angle of attack to the wetted surface area, as well as more power, more tail stability and control. Tail side-cuts with wingers improve release and fin drive and improve the boards initial acceleration.

The 50 is just one of nine boards in the 2007 iSonic range and Starboard have ensured that they have all conditions convered - these really is a complete slalom and speed range. Designed by Tiesda You and French World Champion Antoine Albeau - maximum speed whilst maintaining stability and control are key words for this range.

Starboard iSonic 50 - a real speed machine! - pictures http://forum.surfspullen.nl

The centrepieces of the range, the iSonic 87, 94, 101, 111, 122 and 135 models are designed for slalom racing. The new 2007 designs feature wider tails to increase the aspect ratio of the wetted surface area and reduce the surface's angle of attack with the water: efficiency is increased, top speed is higher, tail stability and fin control is improved. The tail volume was reduced on all models (except the 87), and new winger side-cuts on the 101, 111, 122 models improve release and fin drive further.

To complete the range, Starboard have introduced two Lightwind specials, the iSonic 145 and 155. Designed for use with sails at least 10 m² these two boards have massive wind range and powerful upwind performance. Available in both Wood and new Technora they offer even more performance in lighter winds. Multiple footstrap inserts offer various tuning options, including an extra-accessible third row.

The iSonic range is an ambitious attempt to cover all conditions a sailor might encounter on the slalom or race circuit - high performace windsurfing at its best.

Kevin Pritchard carving his iSonic hard into a gybe mark at this years PWA in Fuerteventura

Specifications:

More info: www.star-board.com