Margarita was the first time I was able to sail my new kit from Mistral and North. I used my 104 Synchro RD (test winning board) and North ICE 5.7 wave sail almost everyday, when I could prise it out of the grip of my guests!

A number of significant things to report-

1. The North ICE range claims all sails fit only on one mast (you must have seen Bjorn Dunkerbeck's video clip online at north windsurf?) Well they're right. I was using a 5.7 on a 400 mast, something I didn't really believe was going to work perfectly for 87kgs of me, I was concerned I'd loose some grunt in the lighter winds, but in fact it was PERFECT. Loads of power to get me going, but loads of control at top end- which I needed since I only took two sails- and used the 5.7 ICE everyday bar two in winds from 12-25 knots! Really, one mast for all my wave sails! I love it- I'm flying all the way to Hawaii and only taking one mast and boom, what a pleasure! http://www.north-windsurf.com/

2. Despite a heavy battering, the Mistral Synchro's nose remained undamaged for the whole two weeks- this is a remarkable feat since most boards loose their nose in one wipe out! At only about 6kgs, they have certainly got their construction right as my guests certainly put the board through it's paces!

3. It is true what everyone is saying about Mistral boards for 2008. They have the best range they've ever had, and many are claiming they have the best range of any brand. Certainly they have put more R&D into many of the boards than anyone else, and I can hand on my heart say the Synchro 104 is the dogs bollox. It blends incredible control and gibing characteristics with blistering speed- two opposites in board design that seem to defy everything we previously knew about shaping. Everyone loved it, including myself. It is the best funboard in the 100 litre range for anyone already cracking a few gybes, would be deadly around a slalom course and is certainly my chosen board for the B2B downwinder later this year, giving me loads of confidence, comfort and control.