Hi Doug, " I think there is a nice one available out of New Zealand if I'm not mistaken." You are probably referring to Pacific Action sails http://www.pacificaction.co.nz/kayaksails0b.htm I have not used the commercial model, but it is the same as the homemade sail which are popular around the Auckland region. They work great as a downwind sail (up to 45 deg of the wind) and can cope with 25 + knot winds. In the stronger winds the sail starts swaying sideways and trying its damnest to escape the kayak, but the effect on the kayak is easy to counter and not a problem. Like what you experienced, trailing the paddle for emergency bracing is needed in strong winds and a carbohydrate powered engine is also needed to get back upwind. Since it is hands free, you can paddle as well in low wind strengths and use the sail as an aid. The sail is taken down by simply pulling the two sheets at the same time. This brings the masts together and pulls them onto the deck for storage. Setting is just a matter of undoing the velco wrap and letting it go (the front bungie pulls the masts up). The commercial model sells for close to $300NZ which is expensive since you can make your own for $50NZ or less if you scourge materials. Plans for these can be found at http://home.clear.net.nz/pages/grantglazer/kayak/Hintssail.htm . If anybody is interested, just e-mail me with any questions. Cheers Grant __________________________________________ Want to build your own kayak ???? http://home.clear.net.nz/pages/grantglazer/kayak/ *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************Received on Sun Oct 27 2002 - 20:39:51 PST
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