First impressions – Both sail ranges show the detailing of competitive sails – those small things aimed at getting the most performance out of them as possible. Small things like the mast strap at the base to allow you to tension the foot zip closure at boom cutout etc. The HA goes a couple of steps further by having the batten tensioners on the top three battens at the front inside the mast sleeve keeping the weight off the leech and the HA features a much wider and more complicated mast sleeve construction.
While most people will compare the number of battens and camber inducers between the two sail ranges it is in fact the sail profiles and and twist characteristics that mark the biggest differences between the ranges.
Visually the HA looks a much flatter sail but in fact it has a similar amount of drag as the GT3. It is the fact that the maximum draft on the HA is much further back. The HA has a very fine (flat) entry into the sail while the GT3 has a much more standart profile similar to many other camber induced sails. I will come back to this comparison when talking about the sails in use.
The top of the leech is looser on the GT3 .
On the water –
Uphauling – While both sails can be easily appalled should you totally sink the rig then the narrower sleeve of the GT3 is noticeably easier to pull back out of the water. Water starting is reasonable as you can easily flip the sail in the water due to both sails having great rotation. The large foot area can make itself felt when water starting.
Getting going – The HA sails are very efficient, they cut through the air with ease feeling light in the hands. When a gust comes along the rig wants to accelerate and keep accelerating. This is a useful feature to get relatively small front wings up to stable running speed. By contrast the GT3 offers more of a pull on your arms and allows for slightly more passive take off. In light winds while the GT3 can feel more powerful the HA will cut through the slow air and get you flying but it does require more precise handling than the GT3.
Once in flight the HA sails will allow you to concentrate on cutting through the wind. In gusty overpowering conditions the sail’s slippery nature allows it to cut through the gusts without any drama. That efficient profile allows you to cruise through holes in the wind. By contrast the GT3 may not go through such deep holes in the wind but where it does come into its own is in gusty conditions. The small head area on the GT3 and the main area being low down provides excellent stability in harsh conditions such as strong offshore winds.
Gybing – Both sails gybe well with good cam rotation. The power comes on in a more positive manner on the GT3 as the cams flip round a wider angle than on the HA. If you do find yourself grabbing the mast in the gybe the rdm mast of the GT3 allows for a good grip. Overall –
Who are they for? – Obviously the HA is for anyone racing or thinking of foil racing but also and probably more importantly anyone who enjoys that super efficient feeling. The GT3 shines in gusty conditions and therefore will be appreciated by a lot of people. Like all race sails with their wide sleeves the HA is for sailors who don’t find themselves in the water every ten minutes.