[Paddlewise] kayak sails

Mark Balogh wrote:
"how many of
you dedicated kayakers or canoeists will admit to sailing their HPV's."


Mark, I sometimes use the Primex downwind sail on my Sea Star.  This is the
inverted V sail, and with the rudder on this kayak, I am able to sail as
much as 45 degrees off the wind, although more headway is lost the more I
bear off the wind.  I have considered various schemes for adding leeboards
to address this problem.  My current plan is to use one or a couple of
deck-mounted adjustable fishing rod holders with half a paddle fitted
vertically on each side of the deck.  However, I think I will need to
reinforce the deck so the concentrated torque at the rod holder plate
doesn't rip a chunk out of the deck.  Haven't added the fiberglass inside
the deck to accomplish this yet.  Also haven't devised a way to hold the
paddle shaft securely in the rod holder.
	I have used this sail solo, but one of the most enjoyable sails was with
two other kayaks rafted up on either side of mine, all pulled along fairly
briskly by 15-20 knot breezes.  Fred, Natalie and I sailed this way till
everyone's arms got tired of holding the raft together and mine were tired
from maneuvering the sail around obstacles (my friends' heads and
shoulders!).  We used both Fred's rudder and mine for some steering.  With
a favorable wind this was a welcome way to cover some distance a little
differently from paddling.

	Happy paddling (and sailing) to all,
	John Somers
	

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