Re: [Paddlewise] Towing kayaks behind sailboat

>Sea Kayaker routinely has an ad showing a sailboat towing multiple sea
>kayaks, with three of them tethered to the same cleat jostling each
>other at their bows.  While this makes an interesting picture, it would
>appear to be questionable seamanship, especially when crossing rough
>seas.
>
>What would be the best way of towing two unladen sea kayaks (with all
>openings sealed) behind a cruising sailboat?  One on each quarter?  One
>tow line to the yaks tied up like an elephant parade?  Tie them up short
>to the bow toggles with the bows lifted a few inches out of the water (I
>like this best)?
>
>Perhaps the whole concept is flawed:  If a kayak flips over, what then?
>You can't safely stop in a storm every five minutes to flip your kayak
>upright.  How much iron would I have to lash to the seat of a typical
>sea kayak to make it self-righting when otherwise empty and sealed?
>
>Ken Cooperstein

My wife and I lived on a cruising sailboat for just under two years.   We 
learned (by making mistakes) that towing a dinghy, kayak, whatever should 
only be done in protected waters with calm seas.  Even towing our Tinker 
inflatable dinghy, which is very stable, would get us into trouble.  
Trying to get a boat upright from the deck of a sailboat in less than 
ideal conditions is VERY difficult.   If you can, put that kayak on deck. 
  

Regards,

Keith N. Smith
Duluth, GA.     
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