William,

It was neat, although I didn't spend much time actually sailing it.  Most of the time I spent standing on the beach waiting for a gust so I could beach start, swimming, or walking upwind.  All I really did was beach start, get up on plane, hook in, get in the straps (once), and then fall on purpose.  I didn't want to go any farther that I wanted to swim.  I was real conservative with the weather being so cold.

I was really amazed that that I could even get it going.  When I did, I was surprised that it felt nicely balanced and comfortable.  It didn't feel like the sail was pulling as hard as it does on the Phoenix and there was much less tendancy to get pulled over the handlebars.  

I put the mast base all the way aft (I measured the distance from the mast bast to the front strap on the Phoenix and it's the same) and put the fin all the way forward.  I even tried to carve it a couple times before falling in and it seemed to turn o.k.  I never tried to tack, although I did try uphauling just for grins.  I'm 190 lbs and managed to do it once with the board completley submerged about calf deep.

Here's a few other observations I've made about short boards, they are...

1. Easier to swim with
2. Easier to sail down wind
3. Easier to walk back upwind
4. Easier to carry.
5. Easier to transport (Fits inside van, no need to strap on roof).
6. Cooler looking

I'm hoping to give it another go tomorrow.  I do have a question though.  Is it me or is this board REALLY fragile.  There was a couple holes by the mast track that I don't remember.  I think I put them there but I don't recall ever doing anything would have caused the damage.  It's currently in the shop waiting for the repairs to cure.

Bill