Shifting the balance of power.
Power is nothing without control. This years’ Compact Clew enhancement takes a gives better management of sail-power. It’s a simple redistribution, the new clew allows greater area in the lower to mid leech section of the sail where it’s closer to you and therefore more balanced. The Compact Clew spells an end to top-heavy sailing, giving riders a confident neutrality and quiet strength, kind of like the Switzerland of superpowers.
The Compact Clew improves control of the sail in 3 ways:

1.
Shorter “Working” Boom Length
A shorter boom improves stability by limiting movement of the draft, and gives the rider greater control over the increased bottom and mid-leech section surface area.
The 2010 wave and crossover sails have a lower aspect ratio than in previous years. So, whilst the boom length is not actually shorter than in the past, without the compact clew a longer boom length would have been needed in order to reduce the luff length.
2.
Rider Focused Surface Area
Sail surface area can be removed from the head and transferred down towards the rider. This places a higher percentage of the sail’s surface area in direct connection with the boom, ensuring easy control and powerful acceleration when fully sheeted in.
3.
Improved Sail Twist
The Compact Clew gives the leech ability to twist further under high loads, again improving stability and control of the sail.