[Paddlewise] Feathercraft sail images

In a message dated 1/9/03 6:41:48 AM, Craig Bowers writes:








> Just puzzled why Feathercraft owners seem to be less prone to write up


> about their sails. 


> 


Feathercraft makes a downwind spinnaker sail for the K-1. I've used it with 


satisfaction for years. I suppose it's like sailing any other kayak with only

a kayak rudder. If the wind is decent (10-15 knots) and going the right way, 



the biggest problem is steering, which takes obsessive concentration. With 


swell, the slightest broach will quickly become a mini-crisis, with the boat 



whipping around parallel to the swell and the sail pulling the boat over. The

kayak rudder is not a good sailing rudder. But it still nice to take break 


from paddling once in awhile.





The mast can complicate getting in and out of the sea sock in a hurry, but 


then again you should NEVER have the mast up in the surf zone-- that's really

asking for all sorts of calamities, like a boat loaded with water hurtling 


through the surf with a spear in front of it. I always stow my mast before 


launching or landing unless the surf is very mild. The mast breaks down into 



three sections and just fits in my large duffel-- except you should always 


put the mast in the nylon case first or it can punch a hole in your duffel.





As far as images are concerned, I've posted one on kayakguide.com with my 


write-up on paddling and sailing the Exumas. It shows my partner and me 


sailing across the Wide Opening. The sail looks a little puny, but it works. 



It works best if you hold the ropes in your hands and secure your paddle. But

I like to secure one rope to the feathercraft (just forward of the coaming) 


and the other past the connecting button below my paddle blade. I set my 


paddle blades parallel to avoid accidental ruddering (see broaching above). 


Then I get a wider sail surface and can secure the paddle with a spare elbow 



while I concentrate on steering.





One more thing. Always remember to strap the deck to the frame (with the 


strap provided) where the sail attaches to the deck. Otherwise a strong wind 



could rip open your deck.





douglas


san francisco





douglas


san francisco





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