Francisco Goya is the driving force and inspiration behind one of the friendliest brands in the business. it is always nice to test new windsurfing gear but this Goya Eclipse 5.3m sail review was high on my list of priorities.
Windsurfing gear
After years shredding on the PWA wave scene and securing a world title win in Y2K, ‘Cisco reluctantly bowed out of professional competition to concentrate on growing his windsurfing gear brand.
In 2013, the Goya name and logo represents quality, innovation and performance with Francisco having lost none of his enthusiasm for the sport. The Eclipse is just one of the many products manufactured by Goya that’s guaranteed to get you ripping it up on the water.
Goya Eclipse 5.3m sail review
We got hold of the Goya Eclipse 5.3m to review and put it through its paces during the recent UK arctic blast. Read on to see how it fared with this windsurfing gear..
First impression
The Eclipse is a sexy looking bit of kit. The minimalist colour scheme, with extensive use of Goya’s unique scrim, is quite eye catching in a world where some windsurfing products aim to stand out by using lairy graphics.
Each manufacturer these days has its signature look and Goya’s Eclipse range is no different with its Kevlar reinforcements, reduced head leech outline and Everclear flex window.
Coming in Pro construction, Goya state that the Eclipse 5.3m is their ‘most advanced design – combining light weight, excellent durability that blends the latest in scrim film technology and durable X-Ply.’ Taking this statement into consideration, it’s not hard to see why this is Maui ripper Levi Siver’s wing of choice.
On the beach, the sail certainly looks the business and we couldn’t wait to get it rigged and rocking out on the water.
Rigging and tuning
The sail was supplied with a Goya RDM 400 Direct Drive mast that features the brand’s patented Diagonal Flex technology.
For optimum performance, it’s always best to partner every sail with the designer’s recommended mast. Foils will happily rig on other types but you may end up losing that edge once out on the water. Follow the rigging guidelines and you’ll be ripping in no time.
Setting the downhaul, the Eclipse was best rigged with less than recommended, which looks to the naked eye to be too little. On the water though this translated to smooth and light handling with a big wind range.
The outhaul was left neutral to compliment the minimal downhaul. This worked a treat during our sessions testing the windsurfing gear.
A choice of two clew options is available but it’s the top eyelet that keeps the centre of effort locked in place – this may be less comfortable for riders of smaller stature though.
Also worth noting while discussing the two clew eyelets is that the lower position reduces the ‘power triangle’ making the sail less grunty and more control orientated, which may suit lighter sailors.
The higher position is the reverse and gives the Eclipse full power – better for heavier riders.
Goya Eclipse 5.3m sail review: On the water
The Goya Eclipse is a delight to sail, feeling as light as a feather but offering loads of bottom end oomph to unstick even the most stubborn of boards.
Due to the lightweight nature of the sail, manoeuvres and the general throw about feel of the Eclipse are great. Every time we dropped into a wave it begged to be cranked into a bottom turn before being whipped off the top.
You’d think that with such a large amount of bottom end grunt the Eclipse wouldn’t lend itself to flicky sailing, but it does.
If you want to use one on your next windsurfing trip remember, it’s a great choice for lighter riders in gusty and light conditions or heavy weight riders looking for maximum performance from a bigger wave sail.
The power of the Eclipse will suit ‘aerialists’ and moves such as forward loops are completed with ease and in full control, even though the Goya does power up relatively quickly upon landing.
Its featherweight feel though means that this surge is never off putting and the rider can concentrate on their next hit.
It’s not just waves
We tried the Goya Eclipse in a variety of conditions – from slight onshore moderate waves, to gusty flat water blasting, and found that it’s also a great crossover sail.
Wave heads will love its performance in the lumps but higher wind blasters will relish its easy handling and early planing characteristics – making it a good choice for any type of coastal sailor.
Chucking the Goya into a few slidey moves was also a joy as, once again, the light handling meant it could flip and spin with ease.
Goya Eclipse 5.3m sail review: Conclusion
The Goya Eclipse 5.3m is a great choice of wave sail for any style of sailor and a variety of different weights.
Boasting a powerful bottom end, but with featherweight handling, the Eclipse would be a great choice for light or heavier riders.
Wave heads will love its throw about nature while bump and jump coastal sailors will appreciate its versatility.
Thanks to Zero Gravity Distribution for sorting out the kit for this Goya Eclipse 5.3m sail review.
