
GS-R 2025 TESTED BY STEVE LAUBANEY
Steve Laubaney, one of the most experienced windsurfers in the GUNSAILS France team, tells us his first impressions after testing the brand new GS-R 2025.
1. Steve, you've just received three new GS-R 2025s, what was your first impression when you unpacked them?
Steve Laubaney: “To be honest, it's always a nice moment of excitement when you receive a new sail. When I took the GS-R out of its bag, I was immediately struck by the care that had gone into its manufacture. You can tell that GUNSAILS has further optimized the construction. The sail is still very well made, with high-quality materials such as the 3D Square Ply and the Kevlar reinforcements. Details such as the neoprene protection or the double clew eyelets show the pursuit of performance and user-friendliness. The sail radiates this impression of solidity and technology. GUNSAILS has clearly worked to optimize every detail and it makes you want to go straight out on the water.”
2. How did the rigging go?
Steve Laubaney: “I rigged the 7.7 m² for a first test this weekend. The cambers set naturally and the tension at the luff point is super easy to adjust, which is made easier by the tack strap. What I particularly liked was the feeling of having a perfect profile right from the first trim. You get the feeling that the sail is designed to make your life easier and is still super powerful.”
3. How did the sail behave on the water?
Steve Laubaney: “It was incredible! I sailed in 15 to 20 knots of wind and quite strong swell, and the sail impressed me with its stability. It has a gentle but effective power when planing, so you stay in control even when the wind picks up. And when maneuvering, it's fluid, as if it anticipates your movements. A real accomplice on the water”.
4. When you compare it with the GS-R 2024, what did you notice most as a difference?
Steve Laubaney: “The 2025 feels smoother. It's also lighter in the hands. Pumping is more direct and I found it required less effort in gusts. The camber rotation is softer, which makes a real difference on a longer session. In short, it's like GUNSAILS have taken all the good things from the 2024 and refined it to give us even more comfort.”
5. Were there any limitations or points that you would improve?
Steve Laubaney: “To be honest, not much in this first session. Maybe in very strong winds I need to work on my trim a bit more to keep full control. But in normal conditions the sail is very intuitive. It's a real pleasure not to have to fight with your equipment.”
6. Who do you think the GS-R is suitable for?
Steve Laubaney: “I would say for anyone who wants to push their limits in slalom and at the same time wants a sail that is easy to handle. Whether you're a competitor or just want to have fun with high quality equipment, it's perfect. But you have to like being fast, because this sail only wants one thing: to push you all the way!”
STEVE'S SET UP