On land:
Severne traditionally sets the first exclamation mark when determining the sail weight on the scales - at 2.90 kilos, it is almost half a kilo lighter than the heaviest sails in the test group. However, the sail also achieves its weight advantage by "leaving things out": The film used is slightly thinner and the Gator also has a somewhat fluttery appearance in the leech area. The Gator is also rigged on a 400 cm mast, the boom size is significantly shorter than the average for this model. The protector can be folded down easily and extends far enough downwards.
On the water:
The Severne Gator is easy to trim, it works best with moderate loose leech between the upper two battens and a slight pull on the boom. Under no circumstances should it be over-trimmed at the boom, as you will quickly kill the profile and the sail will become a little fidgety. In the planing phase, it takes a little longer for the sail to load up properly, the right angle of attack to the wind needs to be set with more sensitivity. However, with good planing technique and some sensitive fanning, the Gator can also deliver very good planing performance. On the other hand, if you are only passive on deck and less experienced, you will need a little more basic wind to exceed the planing threshold than with other sails in the group. When powered up, you can rattle along at absolute top speed and show yours homies the tail lights. The great thing is that even at the upper limits, the sail is in your hands without any load changes or pressure point changes. No sail feels lighter than the Gator when fully powered up, only the leech occasionally starts to flutter in strong gusts. In manoeuvres, the Severne Gator also sets the bar in terms of handling, although the wider lower leech is a bit of a hindrance in moves like the duck jibe. For looping, wave riding and classic moves, however, the sail is a force to be reckoned with, and for racing around in strong winds anyway.
Severne Gator - the conclusion
The Severne Gator is not the planing cannon of the year, but it scores as an above-average light, agile and super-fast all-round sail. This makes it suitable for both sporty freeride and freemove boards with single fin as well as fast-turning multifin boards.
Top speed and handling
Light wind power; partial flutter in the leech
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Technical data Severne Gator
- Mast used: Severne Blue RDM 400, 75 % carbon, weight 1.72 kg*
- Sail weight: 2.90 kg*
- sleeve opening: 94-156 cm*
- Info under severnesails.com
*surf measurement
