Despite having five slats, the Alchemy is one of the lighter models on the scales. This is made possible by the use of a high-quality grid material. Rigged on a 400 mm mast, a little more tension is required on the luff to pull the moderate loose leech into the sail. In light and medium winds, you should only use a little tension on the boom so as not to stall the already flat profile. It is also astonishing that the Alchemy is more powerful in chop and in a straight line than you would expect given its low weight.
The sail takes pumping pulls well, when powered up it is tight but with the necessary damping in the hand and keeps the pressure point stable for a long time in the centre trim. On the wave, it tends to favour the side of the off-sails, which don't pull through the turn with bear forces in slack conditions, but instead shine with very neutral handling. Especially on spots with sideoffshore wind and clean waves, the strengths can then be ideally teased out.
Surf summary of the S2Maui Alchemy 4.7
Not the top tip as a powerhouse for wave beginners and days with little wave thrust, but blessed with good control and fine off. The S2 Maui Dragon is even lighter and slightly more powerful.
Neutrality; control
Somewhat trim-sensitive
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Technical data S2Maui Alchemy 4.7
- Sail weight: 3.05 kg
- Mast weight: 1.62 kg
- Fork recess: 100-151 cm
- Mast used: S2 Maui Northshore RDM 400, weight: n/a A., 100 % carbon; Price: 505 Euro
- Price: 839 Euro
More info at s2maui.com
