For years windsurfers are divided into two groups when it comes do choosing cam or no cam sails. Some believe that cambers make a sail too complicated, others can’t see any reasonable performances without them. Each group has its reasons, often very rational. But there are also some myths that should be explained when you think about any modern sail. Benefits of cams One of the most popular myth usually repeated by windsurfers is the belief that for real power you need cams. Well, not really, because their role is limited to another task. Generally speaking they are needed for providing more stability for the rig and to keep the center of effort in one place especially in overpowered conditions. Thats why all racing sails are equipped with cams. Thanks to them sailors have better control of their huge sails, which are usually chosen according one rule - to take the biggest size for given conditions.



But in reality more flexible, softer and more breathable nocam-sails with not too much loose leech generate more power in marginal and medium wind conditions (in similar size). Freestyle sails are good example.


Another argument often repeated in favor of the cam sails is their higher stability. And it’s absolutely true. Stiffening role of cams significantly improves stability of the whole rig, even in some stronger and gusty wind. But you have to remember that modern no-cam sails are hugely improved than they were, lets say, 10 years ago, when in fact you could talk about large gap in terms of stability. A good modern no-cam sail certainly will not disappoint most of the recreational windsurfers.


Cambers give speed. Thats another popular belief. Well… cambers themselves do not translate into any increase in speed. They simply allow for better rig control in stronger winds, making it more stable and keeping the sail’s center of effort in one place. But there is one well known rule: the better the control the better the speed. However, when you just blasting with your friends on sunny lake during a weekend in 15 knots of wind, and for sure you are not fighting with any aspect of extreme conditions, recreational no cam sails can give you very similar or even better performances. Especially in recreational hands. Advantages of no-cam sails One of the strongest arguments against the cambered sails is their more difficult rigging. It is hard to disagree, because they in fact require longer and more careful procedure. But this is not as terrible as it seems, simply requires taking of a proper practice. If your patience ends up on inserting the mast, fastening  a boom and pulling two lines, the cambered sails are not for you.

 

Usually no-cam sails are praised for their lightness and for a good reason. Sails without cambers are clearly lighter and more pleasant in hands. Another often mentioned advantage of no-cam sails is their maneuverability. Yes, maneuver oriented sails such us wave, freestyle or freeride models can rotate much faster and easier than cambered ones. Things can get more complicated when you take a more slalom oriented no-cam sail. Sometimes a good recreational cambered sail (especially with roller cams on RDM mast) can rotate better and faster!



In conclusion - there is no clear answer which sail you should choose. It all depends on your type of sailing, preferences and what you want to achieve in your windsurfing career. But let's try to group several types of sails and assign them the best matching types of windsurfers: Racing sails race/slalom