Re: [Paddlewise] sail rigs

Susan Watters wrote:
> 
> You wrote:
> 
> The idea of using a
> sail as an awning would require a fairly large sail which is not a
> problem in itself but again might require a fairly tall and strong mast
> and step.
> 
> Why not simply double or triple up the sail by folding it and perhaps using
> velcro or some other means to hold its 'sail' shape and velcro would make it
> easy to take apart and use as an awning. I've also been mulling over making
> a spinnaker of some sort for my kayak. The inverted V sails seem ok, but
> after sailing for years, the spinnaker on a ruddered kayak should give some
> good speed and be a blast! Umbrellas just don't cut it!
> 
> Susan
Susan,

I think you might end up with a sail that was too heavy to sail well and
an awning that was less than ideal. If you just want a light weight
downwind sail, the sail itself only has to weigh ounces. You can use
lighter cloth for a small sail than what would make a durable awining. 
I don't think that the weight savings of combining the sail and a tarp
may be good economy.  I might try to use the mast as an awning pole but
I personally would carry a nice light weight sail and a good purpose
built awning. 

Mark


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