This year marks the 40th anniversary of NeilPryde, and to celebrate, the brand has produced a history-spanning book entitled “Will to win” and released a limited edition wave sail called “40”. Beyond the festivities NeilPryde managed to introduce another innovation in their sail production process. Roller printing is said to bring enhanced colour and durability to the 2011 sail line-up. The EFPT caught up with Maarten van Ochten to talk about the sails for the upcoming season.

EFPT: Hi Maarten, your Skype status says you are currently on Maui?

Maarten van Ochten: Right now I am on Maui for developing the new NeilPryde Firefly and other sails, equipment they want me to test for next seasons 2012 sails. So far the wind has been pretty good and we've head some nice waves for starboardtack jumping. But now during a lack of wind I'm writing this interview and focusing on other stuff.

EFPT: Over the past years NeilPryde brought many innovations to the sport of windsurfing. What role do riders play in the process of creating new sails or rig parts?

MvO: This is my first time being involved in the design of the new sails, which is really interesting and I'm learning a lot here. The NeilPryde development centre is taking riders serious and here on Maui they have there own sail-loft. So whenever we have a prototype which has to get fine-tunded or when we have to build a new sail, it's done the next day, so we can test the new sails and improve it fast.

EFPT: On the EFPT 2010 you were using the X-Over sail Firefly. Will this also be your sail choice for 2011? If so, why?

MvO: Yeah definitely this is the best choice for me, the Firefly is a light manoeuvrable sail it planes fast and it features good control being under- and overpowered. Then NeilPryde made a big step with the new Dynema X-ply. This material is even lighter then monofilm and way stronger to. This ideal combination of durability and weight allows you to go sailing on flat waters and also even in tougher conditions when having waves.

EFPT: NeilPryde introduced a new printing technology for their sails which makes it possible to use more colour and reduce weight at the same time. Do you like the new designs?

MvO: The new sails look really flashy I would say, and quite different from all other sails on the market. As mentioned before the new dynema X-ply is a stronger material, lighter and better UV-resistant on top of that with new printing technique it's a really cool-looking sail.

EFPT: NeilPryde exists now for 40 years. The brand was always focused on competitions and featured some of the greatest team sailors around? Can you describe what it means for you to sail with NeilPryde?

MvO: For me NeilPryde has always been a really professional brand if not the most professional, the inventor in the development of windsurfing, delivering a wide range of the best products on today's market. So it's great being part of such big, professional team.