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/ ***************************************************************************
Doug Thanks for such a comprehensive reply: that's a tremendously helpful review. I also sail (a wee Drascombe Dabber 16 foot yawl) and I agree that being able to spill wind in a hurry is vital for safety and control in any sailing craft. (I know that the Spirit is supposed to spill wind "automatically" by bending, but sometimes that might not be enough?) Nick -----Original Message----- From: Doug Lloyd [mailto:dougl_at_islandnet.com] Sent: 27 October 2002 05:36 To: Nick Reiter; PaddleWise_at_paddlewise.net Subject: [Paddlewise] Experience of Spirit Sails Nick asked for feedback on the above subject. <snip> 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/ ***************************************************************************
Nick Reiter wrote: > Doug > > Thanks for such a comprehensive reply: that's a tremendously helpful review. > I also sail (a wee Drascombe Dabber 16 foot yawl) and I agree that being > able to spill wind in a hurry is vital for safety and control in any sailing > craft. (I know that the Spirit is supposed to spill wind "automatically" by > bending, but sometimes that might not be enough?) It does definitely spill wind, as the maker claims and as I and others have verified in actual use. The degree that it spills is what is in contention, and I may have not made the distiction in my earlier post. During a stiff blow, it maintains a fairly erect profile -- from what I could comprehend was happening. Certainly there is nothing intrinsic that lets the sail spill wind, other than some malleability in the plastic parts, etc. (unless I'm missing something here). Also, with un upwardly increasing "V" sail, the maximum propulsion enjoyed with the sail profile, is also the same leverage phenomena that can knock you over in a side gust. I had a friend off Port Hardy, at the top of the island, get in to some trouble when he couldn't take the unit down. He wasn't too sure last time I spoke with him if he would recommend them to his kayak rental customers. I think for moderate winds, the Spirit Sail is still a good unit. Anything is better than a kite (IMHO). DL *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
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/ ***************************************************************************
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.4.0 : Thu Aug 21 2025 - 16:33:31 PDT