Oh well, what the hell. Having spent some time sailing and some time paddling I can see why some would like to mix the two. Sailing can be easier than paddling. On the other hand, I can sure see why one wouldn't want to mix the two. . The design parameters for the two are vastly different. Perhaps that is why I don't sail my kayaks or my canoes and don't paddle my sailboats. I now what a good canoe can do and what a good sailboat can do. I guess I am spoiled. Also, I suppose I am a bit of a purist regarding simplicity. Every time I paddle I am a little overwhelmed by the simple beauty and efficiency of a canoe or kayak. Kind of like getting back to essentials. Then, on the other hand, when I am sailing I really get a bit blown away by how efficient we have made sailing since I was a kid racing on the Chesapeake Bay. I recall building super racing yachts at C&C and wondering where it would all end. In the end, I left because it was just more technology than I wanted to deal with. The boats were no longer good sea boats and the cost was obscene. I kind of agree with Doug. It really is hard to be both sailor and paddler. When sailing I want to do everything possible to go faster and the old tech weenie bug gets me. I would start wanting a better sail or a center board or something and the next thing you now I am wanting a sailing canoe with a sliding seat etc.. Maybe some can stop at the first drink, I can't. Sailing for a lot of us is a search for speed. (Read Howard Chappelle's "The Search for Speed Under Sail" for insight into the heritage). I suspect Doug and I are alike. All those gadgets just beg to be improved an pretty soon you are thinking that this kayak just isn't right for the job. I don't think it is wrong to feel as Doug does and I don';t think his opinions are wrong. They might not be right for some but they sure are right for me. I don't think anyone should be provoked. There is no right and wrong in opinion - just opinions that differ. After all, personal experience and preferences are not a science. Cheers, John Winters Redwing Designs Specialists in Human Powered Watercraft http://home.ican.net/~735769/ *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************Received on Fri Apr 03 1998 - 03:45:32 PST
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