>Getting set up to sail upwind seems to add > several layers of complications. Principal difference (from downwind) is that upwind sailing requires a "leeboard" (sailing dingiest call it a "centerboard"), otherwise upwind results in side-way drift, however you are still moving forward. Also, upwind sail area should be at least 24 sq.ft, preferably 32 or more. Such area results in a strong heeling when wind is over 9-10 knots, therefore outrigger is necessary, and this is a second and probably the last complication. Again, it depends on kayak width - some doubles may do well without outrigger, and both S4-Klepper and Pacific Pouch rigs were designed for use on doubles without outriggers, although for me in a single in a North Pacific waters it's not an appealing opportunity. Tastes differ, though. >in a downwind rig would be the ability to run the sail rig hands-free - leaving > the paddle available for bracing/boat control/grabbing a snack/etc. If you > have to hold the sail up with your arms and back, my guess is you'll be > almost as sore when you finish a long run as if you paddled it "Downwind only" rig still requires sheeting. In winds over 8-10 knots you won't be able to sail any rig without permanent attention to wind direction relative to your boat, and permanent (every 15-30 seconds) corrections of rudder position or sail angle. It may sound complicated, but with little experience it goes almost automatically, like maintaining lean/speed/turn radius balance on the bicycle. Bracing isn't needed with an outrigger (and majority of people with BSD or Folbot rigs are using outrigger). Hard pulling of rough 3" sailing rope by a dozen of tough seadogs in a storm is more a movie myth, and has very little in common with a kayaking sail rig. 32-38 sq.ft rigs like Folbot or BSD are equipped with pulleys, and need much less efforts than paddling. It's good and bad at the same time - sailing a kayak isn't any workout. Alex. *************************************************************************** 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 Fri Feb 14 2003 - 19:07:41 PST
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