Re: [Paddlewise] Sail vs. paddle?

Jim Holman wrote:
> 
> I've been starting to do some reading and research on folding kayaks.  I'm
> interested in the fact that it is possible to sail in one, but I have a few
> basic questions:
> 
> 1)  How well do single-seaters sail compared to dual-seaters?

The two seaters, especially the ones with a single large cockpit, tend
to be better sailing vessels.  More room for dealing with the sheets,
several options on where to place the mast (forward or in mid-cockpit,
etc.  That is not to say that the singles are not suited for sailing. 
They are.

> 2)  Is it "fun" to sail a kayak, or a hassle, or difficult?

Depends on your attitude.  I think a person is either a sailor or a
paddler.  You don't find too many who bridge both worlds well.  Most of
the good sailors I know haven't the foggiest idea how to paddle except
for the few strokes needed to get away from a dock or pull into a boat
ramp.  Try asking one whether he feathers his paddle and you will get a
look of puzzlement that suggests they think you are asking about
sticking feathers in it.

It can be a hassle.  It does require a lot of concentration.  You are
thinking, wind direction, ruddering, tacking, amount of wind in sail,
etc.  I think it is relatively unsafe to be sailing a kayak in heavily
trafficked waters as it takes away too much attention from things going
on around you.
 
> 3)  How effective are the upwind sails vs. downwind only?

Well, depends on what direction you want to go.  A downwind sail is not
going to go into the wind.  If you mean, which is more efficient in
doing what they are supposed to do, the downwind ones are better going
downwind than the upwinds are going upwind.  There isn't enough momentum
in such a light vessel as a kayak to sail efficiently upwind.  It can be
done, but it is quite slow and requires such wide, frequent tacks, that
you are better off pulling out your paddle and paddling.  Or doing what
is called power paddling, which is basically sailing on upwind tacks
while also using your paddle to get more wind  into your sail.  But for
that you need a front passenger to do the paddling.
Upwind sails are best on a beam reach, i.e. perpendicular to the wind or
slightly pointing upwind 10 degrees from perpendicular.  Then they fly
like bats out of hell.
> 4)  When  all is said and done, are sails worth the cost?  If you have sails,
> would you buy them again?  If you don't have sails, do you wish you did?

Again it depends on your attitude and outlook.  Those who sail can't get
enough of them.  You often see people in double Kleppers, Folbots, etc.
adding another sail to their boats creating a schooner rig.  I have even
seen someone have a jib and two mainsails (of slightly different square
area).  It is addictive.  I don't like sailing BTW although I do hang
out around a lot with sailing kayakers and have been at every one of the
sailing conventions in North Carolina each fall run by Balogh Sail
Designs, the premier sail maker and designer for kayak sailing.  And I
believe that my folding kayak book is the only sea kayaking book that
really discusses sails plus gives fairly long description of sailing
tips regarding the 3 or 4 principal type of sail rigs.  There is a whole
chapter on how to sail these various rigs and sections of other chapters
in selecting sails.

> 5)  How much total cost do upwind or downwind sails add, all things considered?

Assuming you have a rudder, figure around US$1200-1400 for an upwind
sail that would include leeboard and outriggers (Balogh), around US$1100
for the Klepper S-4 rig (leeboards, no outriggers) and about US$300 to
$400 for downwind sails. You haven't asked about kite sails...that's
another story and issue. 
 
> Thanks in advance for any insights.  I know a couple of people with kayaks, but
> no one who sails in one.

Well, I don't sail as you can see from my responses.  I learned enough
about them to write about them and pass on information since sailing is
a big part of the appeal of folding kayaks.  But I rather be paddling.
:-)
> 

ralph diaz
-- 
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Ralph Diaz . . . Folding Kayaker newsletter
PO Box 0754, New York, NY 10024
Tel: 212-724-5069; E-mail: rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com
"Where's your sea kayak?"----"It's in the bag."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------


***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List
Submissions:     paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net
Subscriptions:   paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net
Website:         http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/
***************************************************************************