Neil Pryde Alpha 2007 a new era of wave sail

The stage is set for a new era of wave sail. Once upon a time there was the NR designed by Nils Rosenblade then Neil Pryde launched the Search - a sail designed for the power house sailors like Bjorn Dunkerbeck and Antoine Albeau.

We brought you news of the prototype early in July and after much speculation there is a new sail on the block - the Alpha. Based on the two previous generations of power wave sails the NP Alpha follows its roots, being designed for those less than ideal wave conditions.

Consistent power and control - that is the message. It is the most powerful wave sail in the Pryde collection and is designed to deliver consistent power across a broad
spectrum of conditions. With an entirely new configuration featuring a wider luff pocket, longer boom and reduced luff length, it was possible for the Design Team to create a powerful, yet forgiving, sail.

The Alpha is low-aspect compared to the Combat and Zone it features a slightly longer boom and shorter luff (relative to the 2006 Search) which enhances upwind performance, generates lift and delivers more constant power.

The reduced luff-length allows the sail to be rigged on shorter masts - so now the range from 4.5m to 5.4m all rig on a 400cm mast. This gives the sail a softer, more relaxed feeling - without compromising draft stability.

The ALPHA has the most shaping of all Neil Pryde wave sails creating the power that is needed to sail in less than ideal onshore conditions. Reducing the size of the head means the head can be designed relatively tighter compared to the Search. This enhances upwind ability but does not give the sail a top heavy feeling. The introduction of a wider luff-sleeve (compared to the Search) allows the sail to neutralise more easily and be less direct in gusty conditions.

Neil Pryde Alpha being pushed to its limits by Antoine Albeau and Micah Buzianis

Antoine Albeau enjoying the new NP Alpha

"When NeilPryde asked me to test the new ALPHA, I knew straight away that this sail was exactly what I needed, and was for sure going to be a winner! It has perfect handling in onshore waves and just enough power to dominate any break, but not too much. The ALPHA is a sail that can be ridden by everybody - not just by the guys my size."

Antoine Albeau / FRA192

You too can now own a new Neil Pryde Alpha - check out the link on the Kitforsale home page for the latest NP competition link - and fingers crossed you could be the lucky owner of a new Alpha!

The new Alpha line-up

Specifications:

More info: www.neilpryde.com