Saturday 20 October at the Circolo Surf Torbole we witnessed the presentation of new tablets RRD X-Fire 2013 by shaper RRD Aurelio Greens and the mythical Finian Maynard with the support of the Surf Shop Planet.
Finian, sample expert – line at hand – showed us the technical changes made to tables with great dedication and the knowledge that comes from hard work on prototypes along with Aurelio. The latter Moreover he confirmed the technical approach of Finian development materials than other athletes.
Range of tables includes the same measures from the previous series (90, 98, 105, 114, 122 and 129 lt) but four tables (90, 114, 122 and 129) have changes to shape:
• The "rail" (edge) was tilted more to allow a more angled foot, with the heel out – to get more pressure on the pinna and more acceleration.
• In larger tables (measures 114, 122 and 129) the "V" hull was accentuated in the bow in front of tree – with a central plate and a "V" in the stern area to increase speed.
• New Stern "TT Tail" (more stability and control), with "cut out" and with rounded ends upwards to increase the flow of water coming out.
• Decreased the thickness in the stern to improve jibe.
• The boards 98 and 105 they kept the same shape, given the excellent performance this year: the 98 was a great success in PWA for Finian, Antoine Albeau and Julien Quentel. Finian with this table won the stage Slalom PWA Fuerteventura.
• The Board from 90 litres was not available for submission.
On this occasion and’ also been shown a preview of the new RRD with freerace sail 3 cambers: the Firewing.
Interview with Finian Maynard
RIW: Finian, at Fuerte have dominated throughout the event by showing your great qualities and performance of your boards and your new sails. What was the key to this success?
FM: Well, I was fine, I was at ease, I trained a lot before the event, the equipment was perfect and I had a good race, so were really fabulous moments!
In fact there was a particular key this success – you know when you get all at the same time ?
RIW: Finian, our European champion in speed, Andrea Baldini, who says Hi, always says that you were and are the greatest speedsailor ever and it is largely thanks to you that the movement of speed grew and reached a sizeable number of practitioners and enthusiasts especially in Europe. Commenting the words of Andrew and we will sooner or later your return to speed, Maybe for a new record?
FM: No, I don't think so.. I experienced great moments, I lived a dream for ten years.- of course anything can always happen – but the truth is that now I'm not thinking about what, are more concentrated in the slalom, in the RRD boards and in my company, the Forward Sails and this seems to motivate me more for the moment.
RIW: How are the new "String Sails" (technology borrowed from sailboats) ?
FM: Very well, We think that they represent the future, they are very light and resistant at the same time. Technically, they're harder to fabricate, but we wanted to do something good and different from other manufacturers. I think we have achieved our goal.
The sails work very well in light air than strong wind, they are easy to use because they are very stable and this is due to the material they are made. We'll see, We are very excited by the results obtained.
RIW: Antoine Albeau slalom has always been one of your most fierce competitors and lately it has become your teammate for RRD: How is it managed this competition and collaboration?
FM: For me Antoine is an old friend, We fought for a long time in water, is a very "cool" and so it's nice to confront him at the end of the day. I have designed many boards and if Antoine came to RRD means that my projects the loved!
RIW: How much time you devote to the development of the prototypes?
FM: It takes so long, two to three months to get it going out often. Anyway we don't make too many prototypes, that cost a lot, because we have a clear idea from the outset on what to do and that is important. I don't recall this year how many have we prepared, but I would say two to three of each size.
If trying the prototypes you realize that they're getting better from the previous series, you already know that the series will be even better because it will weigh about a pound in less!
text, photo & interview: Enrico Marchi 4 www.RIWmag.com
