----- Original Message ----- From: "alex" <al.m_at_3web.net> > Btw, if Ralph reads this ;-), Kahuna is in fact amenable to a sail, contrary > to what Ralph says in 2003 edition of his book. One version was installed > on Kahuna by Mark Balogh in 2002; another version has been installed by me > in 2003, i.e. after Ralph's book had been already printed. My version was > slightly modified aft rig design installed by Tony Niilus on K1 in 2000 or > 2001 and described on his website in 2002. Both versions are, of course, not > rollable due to outriggers. Yes, the Kahuna can be rigged for upwind sailing now. I know because I was instrumental in a very small way in the development of that rig. The fellow for whom Mark Balogh first fitted a Batwing sail on a Kahuna is a friend of mine, Alan Kramer, who lived not far from me in Manhattan (before I moved away). He had a double Klepper that he traveled with on business and vacations and was equipped with sail (actually a hybrid setup with the jib sail from a Klepper and a Batwing). Alan found that in the post 9/11 increased baggage size limit restrictions on airlines it was harder and harder (and more expensive) for him to travel with his sails and kayak. We talked on the phone and he came over to my apartment where we set up my Kahuna and spent quite a few hours and visits hashing out the feasibility of setting it up for sailing. Years earlier (1991) I had seen a Batwing sail that Mark Balogh had set up on a Feathercraft Short Touring model. It had been set up as a sail to the rear of the paddler/sailor (something that Mark had also done for himself on an old fiberglass hardshell). I discussed this with Alan as well as ways that he came up with for making the overall travel package smaller to meet airline regulations. He then had long discussions back and forth with Mark. As you surmised, I did not get this all into my book as all this was developing late in 2002 when my book was already in various stages of production at McGraw-Hill. I do have information on the process and things that were done in the Folding Kayaker newsletter that came out in early 2003. BTW, Mark worked closely with Feathercraft to do modifications that facilitate attaching a Balogh sail to the Kahuna. Feathercraft, for years, had entertained the thought of having an upwind sail but pretty much gave it up as one too many projects. Besides it's better to let those dedicated to the art of sail rigs (Mark Balogh in this case) do that end of the endeavor. ralph diaz -- ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Ralph Diaz . . . Folding Kayaker newsletter PO Box 1365, Highland, NY 12528 Tel: 845-255-7742; E-mail: rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com "Where's your sea kayak?"----"It's in the bag." ----------------------------------------------------------------------- *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
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