[Paddlewise] Experience of Spirit Sails

Nick asked for feedback on the above subject.

I put a blurb on Paddlewise a few months ago after trying mine out for
the first time (in strong gusting winds). (I had fun trying to retrieve
the sail from the ocean-floor after a slieght misshap). At the time, I
wasn't too impressed with the following:

1. Straight down-wind is fantastic with this sail in 15 knot winds (I
have the smaller one, given I'm in a Nordkapp - 21" beam); but, as one
starts to angle off, the sail looses efficiency and flaps somewhat.
Worse yet, there's a given propensity toward knocking the kayak over.
(BTW, I have a rudder).

2. I tried capsizing with the sail up. The kayak only goes over so far
(it would not go right over to 180, but hovered about 135 upside down
from fully upright). I tried rolling back up, but the sail then acted
like a sea anchor.

3. Once I realized I wasn't going to be able to roll back up, I pulled
the "Y" yoke out (it was too hard to get the sail out of the yoke, so I
had to pull the whole assemply out). The sail, with the yoke attached,
sank immediately. I think the sail would have taken sufficient time to
sink to retrieve it, if the yoke wasn't attached. I have tethered the
yoke now.

4. In higher winds, the sail undergoes some very violent kinetics. In an
attempt to dislodge the sail from the yoke or conversely the yoke with
sail from the mount, it was nearly impossible to do, due to the force
being applied by the wind to the various friction-fit parts of the mount
and yoke.

5. While under downwind sailing conditions  -- in whitecap conditions --
I was required to trail my paddle blade behind me to be "at the ready"
for a brace. This necessitated holding the blade just above the water
for some time - not a very comfortable position for the forearm of the
control-hand to remain in.

6. After sailing downwind for miles, I had to paddle back. :-)

Conclusions: I was impressed with the quality of the product, the
various mounting arrangements possible, the overall design and the neat
see-through window. However, the biggest safety issue would seem to be
the concern over trying to remove the sail if conditions worsen
(stronger winds or strong gusts). I think it is an issue that one has to
learn to live with, with this type of sail. I spoke with the designer at
length, and I was impressed with his very real concern over safety. His
remarks, the enclosed instructions, and the web site all call for
prudent use of the product in moderate, stable wind conditions. Of
course, the sea doesn't always guarantee that.

I've spoken with kayakers who also sail small boats and have tried the
Spirit sail whilst kayaking. The common thread in all their concerns is
over the difficulty taking the sail down in strong winds. The sail comes
apart easily enough, and is very well thought out for putting the thing
away -- its just getting it out of the mount safely, initially, that
presents some difficulty. A jib sail makes way more sense. One rope, let
go of it, and the sail looses all leverage instantly, and no matter
which way the kayak is facing, there is no danger of getting knocked
over. I think there is a nice one available out of New Zealand if I'm
not mistaken.

Anyway, I still like mine (I have to now, now that I spent the money),
and it is great for making fast time down inlets with a consistent
stern-pushing inflow wind or visa-versa; it's great for rafting up and
getting a free ride together; and it packs down nice when not in use
(which is a good thing, because most of the time -- in my case --
paddling in a following sea is just as crazily fast with a little extra
paddle power applied and some basic surf technique to catch the waves).

Doug Lloyd
***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed
here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire
responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author.
Submissions:     PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net
Subscriptions:   PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net
Website:         http://www.paddlewise.net/
***************************************************************************