Tushingham Rock 2009

// Rock - Hardcore Wave

Many sailmakers will tell you that there are many different types of wave sail and they back this up by producing three full ranges. Tushingham experience has always been that wave conditions are many and varied and that few sailors are able to specialise in one specific 'style' of wave sailing.
Their focus has been to produce one super adjustable sail that will cope with whatever's thrown at it. A brand new Rock for 2008 which, builds on the reputation for all-round wave ability.
Big variations in power can be achieved by using the outhaul as well as the downhaul. This makes for easier adjustment on the water, even during a competition wave heat. The new panel layout with 30mm double seams in all high stress areas, plus Tushingham's unique PVC crash panel incorporates many detail improvements for an incredibly high level of durability. Although very strong, the Tushingham 'Airframe' construction keeps the sail physically light and its aerodynamic efficiency makes the Rock feels remarkably light in the hands. It's what Ken Black calls his 'Forget about it' feel, allowing 100% concentration on the job in hand.
Two new super small sizes extend the Rock's appeal to include storm-chasers and kids with a high level of wave ability.
The Rock features the unique Tushingham elliptical crash panel in the centre of the window. This panel is made of flexible PVC; it acts as a shock absorber during crashes and impacts, which greatly reduces the point loading on the rest of the sail. This allows building the sail from stable, high performance materials, for maximum performance combined with a crisp light feel. .
Covered seams prevent premature wear in foot area.
PVC crash panel absorbs impacts.
Optic 2 laminates for strength in key areas.
New head, luff and batten pocket protection.

Rock	2.7	3.3	3.7	4.0	4.2	4.5	4.7	5.0	5.2	5.5	5.7	6.0
Luff	316	345	367	383	393	408	420	426	430	445	452	462
Boom	140	148	148	152	155	160	162	168	173	177	180	185
Imcs ideal/ range	16; 16-19	16; 16-19	16; 16-19	16/19; 16-21	19; 19-21	19; 19-21	19; 19-25	21; 21-25	21; 21-25	21; 21-25	21; 21-25	21; 21-25
Price	£269	£279	£295	£305	£315	£325	£335	£345	£349	£359	£365	£369

Yellow: Red: Black . If you have a colour preference, please advise us when checking out in the 'special instructions' box on page one of delivery instructions.If your colour prference is not available, we will contact you with alternatives.
Rock 5.7m, Boards Magazine, April 2007 The Rock has been around for several seasons now as the only wave sail in Tushingham's range. They claim there's no need for a range of wavesails to suit different conditions or sailor weights if one sail can do it all.
Style:
Tushingham sails haven�t changed much in style recently, so the high levels of rotation and very low levels of preset shape feel comfortably familiar. The leech goes progressively loose from the head down to the boom, and the sail has a lot of moderately soft spring.
Performance: While not feeling a standout when used on its own, this sail came out as the favourite every time we tested them all head to head. Its low end power is good, being of the springy, easy to pump style and holding the leech fairly tight. It can be usefully bagged out in very light winds to provide a bit more power rather than change up a sail size. As the wind increases, the sail responds well with extra downhaul and outhaul - it�s all very progressive and the sail remains well mannered, stable and very forgettable throughout. The only criticism is a slight inclination to be a bit luffy in the gusts, a trait that sounds worse than it is, some testers actually appreciated this as it gives a bit of grunt to the back hand meaning you always seem to have a bit of power in reserve. With lots of downhaul it can be effectively tuned out anyway, giving the sail a very impressive top end. We think this is the best Rock we've used in several years (and they've never done badly in that time!) It's a fast and smooth blasting sail and more than capable in the waves or in freestyle as well.
Popularity: Everyone bar one who used all the sails back to back on their recommended masts picked the Rock as their top favourite (and that one person elevated it to favourite when rigged on the Tushingham RDM mast!) It also performs well with most other masts, proving itself to be very non mast critical. The graphics were the only aspect not universally liked; although Tushingham have revamped their range visually there�s little doubt that other brands still fare better in this department.
OVERALL A very easy sail to recommend to anyone for whom performance counts more than looks, and who isn�t after a really full grunty sail. It's very clearly in the forgettable camp rather than a powerhouse, but nonetheless suited to all sailor weights and styles and very highly recommended.
Mast Supplied: Tushingham standard diameter 75% Carbon