Re: [Paddlewise] kayak sails

>  now that thats out of the way how do you compare a parafoil kite of the
> same sq. ft.
> as a sail in performance , handling and easy of use and storage? You can
> let your prejudice
> toward sails show here a little. I did not compare price because thats not
> fair.That is in a 
> hundred words or less with out (ha ha ) promoting your product. I have done
> quite a bit of
> kayak kiting but not with a sail. My kites are 8&16 sq. ft.

Dana,

There is a good post by Andrew Eddy today that expresses many of the
pros and cons of parafoil type kites. It seems that you have spent some
time kite sailing, why don't you relate your kite sailing experience.  I
would like to learn more.   I have done some research on kites and have
built and sailed one parafoil but have not had as much experience kite
sailing as many people have.  I am intrigued by the marine traction
kites such as the Wipika but for the most part feel that comparisons
between kites and sail is a little like apples and oranges.    They both
have stong points and weak points.  All in all, I think a good sail rig
is more versatile than a kite but at the cost of complexity and weight.
I don't think I have a prejudice toward sail rigs so much as a
preference toward a certain kind of sailing.  My own fantasy trip is a
long distance ocean passage.  On a trip from the US to Bermuda, I think
a sail rig could be quite useful, but with prevailing winds, a kite
would be somewhat limited. To me it is the use that determines the
gear.  I feel there is a use for kites and uses for different kinds of
sail rigs. 
You must first decide what you want to do then choose the appropriate
equipment.  Kites, even among parafoils vary widely in performance and
the best ones are the ones tuned for traction.  To generalize, the stong
points for parafoil kites are light weight and simplicity.  The weak
points are limited directional ability and limited wind range.  When the
wind is light they are troublesome and the require a minimum wind range
to launch and sail.  Once aloft, if your boat accelerates downwind, the
apparent wind on the kite is reduced and if the apparent wind drops
below the minumum the kite goes in the water.  In heavy winds some
parafoils become unstable and the ones that don't can sometimes be
difficult to retrieve.  I can not give a direct comparison between
parafoil kites and sails from experience. Most of what I have heard is
similar to what Andrew Eddy has reported.  If forced to choose between
the two, I would choose a good downwind sail over a parafoil if I had
the room and payload capacity to carry the extra gear.  I would consider
a parafoil if carrying a deck mounted sail was not practical.  
Traction kite technology is advancing and is very interesting. Kites
like the Wipika are of reasonably good performance and can be launched
and relaunched from the water in 8 to 10 knot winds.  They can create
very stong pull.  As of now, I personally feel that due to the
continuous attention they require, they may be better suited to sport
sailing than to touring or cruising.  This is a personal opinion. I also
think they may be a lot of fun in the right place and conditions. 

I hope some more kite sailors on the list will share their experiences. 
Bruno from Wipika has written me that he will be posting some phots of a
kayak sailing with a Wipika kite on his site within the next two weeks. 
Those who are interested should take a look at his site.  I think it is
at <wipika.com>.


Mark
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