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Images tagged "sails"

June 10th, 2023 by

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  1. How much better can sailing be?Beautiful country side and peaceful
    waters to play on.Love that head sail on David’s canoe.
    Thank you for sharing, Patti & David.

  2. This is got to be one of the best things to do sitting down!
    Like the new canoe Patti.I also love David’s headsail in action!
    Thanks for sharing.

  3. Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point. You obviously know what youre talking about, why throw away your intelligence on just posting videos to your blog when you could be giving us something enlightening to read?

  4. Thanks for the thoughtful comment. My mind seems to work in a visual way and I really enjoy expressing myself through video.
    Writing has never come easily to me. But, I must say it makes me feel good to know that you enjoy the words.
    l will try to write more.

  8. Well, I guess you’re right about all that, but you know not all voyages start out with a destination in mind and some of them work out anyway.
    Back in my commercial fishing days I had a partner whose motto was
    “Indecision is the key to flexibility.” I’ve kind of lived his motto even though it was never my own.
    This from a guy whose life theme song is “Cast Your Fate to the Wind”

    Keep up the good work you’re doing. And get my 1.6 built.

  9. Thanks.
    There seem to be two types of people. People who go with the flow and people who use the flow to get where they are going.
    We are looking forward to building your rig! Cheers.

  11. Really good and available through the internet if , like me you live a long way from dealers, good of course for hard shells, us folder people have to come up with different ideas.

  13. Thanks for the comment John. Of course you are right, folding craft require different mounting solutions.
    I have been meaning to write a post dedicated to folders and skin-on-frames. Hope to post it soon.

  14. Your idea is a good one. I’m not sure that we can buy the hardware for much less than you can, but I will look into it.
    We just contracted to have a bunch of Micro Blocks made for us. They should be available in about a month or so.

  15. Contracting to have a “bunch of Micro Blocks” made sounds promising.That must mean the much anticipated Genoa cannot be too far away. Just in time for Summer down under. Yay!!

    The alternate mounts look good .

  16. Thanks Gavin. The mounts should make it much easier for people to mount their rig, especially if they don’t have the DIY gene. 🙂
    We are also getting jib sheet cleat base plates! Yes, not too far away! We are quite pleased with the design.

  17. Dave and Patti,

    Thanks for that serene post. I just had a really stressful day at work, as many of us do, and watching the peaceful glide of a greenland paddle through the tidal waters of Oregon took me from stress to less…

    Thanks,
    g

  18. Loved the video and excited to be seeing the new jib. How’s it going with the development of the jib? Sign me up for one !

    Thanks.

  20. Hi Sonny,

    Thanks. Jib production is under way! We anticipate having them available sometime in January. We are pretty excited about it also.
    Happy sailing on the ICW.

    Cheers,

  21. Other than the railblaza starport, are the left and right saddle clamps, on the cross tube, an” off the shelf item” or constructed from an assortment,or assembleage of railblaza products? I,m interested since my Barracuda has already been accessories by the manufacturer, with several railblaza starports.

  22. Hi Laurie,

    That’s a good question. The photos of the mounts were sent to us. We haven’t actually tried them ourselves but the setup looks pretty sweet. From the information available on the railblaza site, it looks as though the saddle clamps for the cross tube are stock rail mounts. How they attach to the star ports, we’re not sure but we’ll look into it.

  23. Great.Beautiful place． Kayak was born from your precious fingers would fly over the lake with incredible speed.　

  25. How is the genoa coming along? I’m looking forward to adding it to my Kayaksailor. In September of 2012 I plan to kayak sail to Catalina Island. I’ve made 14 crossing by paddle power to The Channel Islands. I’m looking forward to documenting my first crossing by Kayaksailor. I hope you two make it back down to Mission Bay for the 2012 SWKS in March (and have a head sail for me?).
    Have a great new year, Steve

  28. Thanks for commenting Frank. It’s really fun to use a light boat, especially after a long day on the water and it still needs to go back on the roof racks. The boat paddles like a dream, a nice balance between tracking and turning. We are just waiting for some good wind to put it through its paces.

  29. Hi John, If this boat lives up to Patti’s expectations and sails as well as it paddles, she is going to be in for a real treat.

  30. Hi Steve! The genoa design is complete and we should have them available at the end of January. We are pretty excited to be able to get them out there.
    The idea of doing the crossing to Catalina has always appealed to me. Ever since I saw a cool picture of a paddler taken along side a blue whale during his crossing, I have thought, hey! that could be really fun, in the right conditions of course. We had such a great time with you guys at the SWKS. I hope we can get down there too!

  31. Hi,
    Good news about the genoa design being ready for sale shortly. Have you a price in mind? Will it be any cheaper buying the genoa with a kayak sailor rig as opposed to buying the rig first and later adding the genoa?
    Thanks,
    Ian

  32. Hi Ian,

    The genoa is an accessory and will be the same price whether purchased alone or included with a new Kayaksailor.
    As soon as the sails are ready to ship, we will notify everyone with a new blog post and activate the shopping cart for purchasing.

    Cheers!

  33. I’m just loving your site and will be putting in my order for a sail sometime soon.

  34. Just found your site. I have tried sailing canoes for years and initially my canoeing buddies laughed. since I just purchased a 16 foot kevlar canoe, I am looking for a suitable , stable rig to mount to it.
    Do you have info on using your rig on canoes?

  36. Hi Bob,
    Yes, we have some experience using the rig on canoes. Solo canoes work best due to the low freeboard that allows the leeboards to have more grab. E-mail me with a pic of your boat and I will be happy to comment.

    Cheers,
    David

  37. I have a new 17′ Delta Expedition kayak and am thinking about purchasing the Kayaksailor Rig for it. Question, would I be better off placing it on a sit-upon, self bailing kayak, untill I learn how to manage the sails properly? I seem to picture myself spending practice time re-entering and bailing a cockpit style boat. I do not have much experiance sailing and none in a boat with a 22″ bream.

    Thanks, Leroy

  39. I am new to your blog, and I find your post informative with an uplifting spiritual twist. This post was very interesting; relating the modern use of materials to that of the originators of this craft.
    Best wishes to you and Patti,
    Keep writting

  40. Hi Kevin,
    Thanks so much for your kind words.
    Skin-on-frame boats have a special place in our hearts.
    As soon as it slows down here a bit, I will take some time to update the blog.
    Cheers!

  41. Another point on the weather or lee helm issue. With lee helm, if one is separated from their boat, the boat ultimately will sail away. With weather helm, it will continue to go in irons, minimizing the drifting of the boat.

  42. Good Point Robert. Having slight weather helm is definitely desirable for most sailboats. With rudderless kayaks, our experience has been that with a neutral helm, steering corrections with the paddle blade can be minimized. I guess we could kick the blades back a little during a capsize recovery, but Patti and I usually just lower the sail prior to reentering.

  45. Aloha Patti and Dave!
    Really good to read about your business doing so well!! Some beautiful shots, thanks for the inspiration! Any trips south!? You two are always welcome here ( and the 2 pups )
    Aloha Nui
    Kimo 🙂

  46. Aloha Kimo! Thanks so much for your kind words. Any chance of heading up to Oregon this Summer?

  47. i am trying to figure how to mount to my nautiraid 460 single .any input would be a help

  49. Hi David,

    My Wooduck12 is all painted (yellow hull, clear deck) and been in the water. I was also wondering about wind strength and degree of heeling , or hiking out to keep from capsizing.

    Looking forward to hearing from you.

    Cheers,
    Robert White,
    Rochester Ny

  50. With reference to your trolling, I used to fish off my C &C30 cruising sailboat in Lake Ontario. For trolling , I would adjust the sails for heaving too (bringing the clue of the jib to windward and adjusting the main for the desired speed (used 2.5mph for the salmon and trout in the lake). Periodically I would jibe the rig to wind up with a slow zig zag drift downwind .

  51. Hi Robert,

    Thanks for the input. Next time I’m out fishing I’ll try backwinding the jib.
    Cheers!

  52. Hi Robert,
    It is probably best to communicate via e-mail. I’ll shoot one out to you today.
    Cheers! David

  53. A very very good account of your experience, thank you for sharing, many will now want to sail in your wake.

  54. Hey Patti and David,

    Thanks for sending that! I was able to view it this morning, after trying last night but not being able to due to the extreme slowness of our internet when everyone in the neighborhood is using it at the same time to watch movies, etc. Now I want to add Northern Vancouver Island to my list of destinations. Hmmm. Maybe on the way to Alaska? At first I pictured your trip as having been an expedition via your boats, but I guess it must not have worked that way if you had your dogs with you. Thanks again,

    Bruce

  55. Although this is an encounter of the huge kind, in Australia, i equate it with paddling, and spotting platypus. Like whales, they are unique in they,re own way, and when you are on the water, and they are about, you never know when or where they will surface for air.

  57. Patti, since I’m planning to get a Pakboat XT-16 which doesn’t have a rudder, I’d like to learn about rudderless sailing.

  59. Nice intermingling of philosophy and sailing, will be sure to take some Seneca out with me next time I am yachting.

  62. I am planning on purchasing a sail and genoa. I live near the Chesapeake so I’m thinking I should get the 1.6 sail. I have a 17′ Necky with a steering rudder and a Sea Eagle inflatable kayak. I have done some sailing, but am concerned about capsizing till I get the hang of it. Any suggestions?
    Sail on!!
    Denny

  63. Hi Denny,
    The proper size will depend on the model of your Necky.
    I’ll send you an e-mail with a few questions. The answers will assist us in helping you choose the best sail size for your application.

    Here is a link to our frequently asked questions;
    http://www.kayaksailor.com/faqs#24

    Smiles,
    Patti

  65. Hey Patti and David,

    I’m from Holland, Europe, so please, exept my excuses for my bad english.
    Many times i’ve looked om your site, and now what a beautiful film you ‘ve maked on the waters nearby Vancouver island.
    It must be very exiting to look at the whales that close.
    Thank you very much for publishing.

    Greetings,

    Henk.

  68. Hi Dave and Patti
    Nice travel.
    Thanks a lot for your posts and nice sail rigs
    I also have been sailkayaking on my “Little pilgrin”and my 1,6, me and my wife, over portuguese coast and some lakes as well.
    But my must was, last year, french Brittany and Chausey Islands, french Normandie.
    Astonishing
    So long fellows and happy navigations
    LuÍs and Susana (Peniche, Portuguese west coast)

  69. Thanks so much for sharing this great trip. I’d like to be included in future reports like these, so please add my email address if you would.
    I have an aging aunt in Eugene, and my father was from Cottage Grove, so I have seen some of the beauty of Oregon. My grandfather on my mothers’ side settled in Wyoming, the Oregon Trail ran through his ranch as did the Platte river. You are fortunate to live in Oregon, we can’t afford it. But we have some nice areas in Alabama too.
    Again I want to thank you for your great design, I thoroughly enjoy sailing my Prodigy 13. And you guys made this possible…have a blessed Fall….John and Joy

  70. Another trip shared to make us green with envy. You don,t just make a good sail system you actually use them.

  71. Hi Åke, Cheers! We hope your summer in Sweden was mild with good wind. Let’s stay in touch via e-mail. We are interested to learn how your Quest is sailing.

  72. Olá Luis e Susana, Thank you, it sounds like you are having lots of fun too! That is a lot of sail for the Little Pilgrim. At what wind speed do you have to reef? Happy sailing!

  73. Hi John and Joy, Thanks so much for your kind words. Yes, Oregon is a special place but Alabama is in a beautiful part of the country as well. Dave’s mom is from Pensacola, Fl. Some call it LA which stands for lower Alabama. We hope you get some nice autumn winds. The cold fronts should be getting down there soon.

  75. That was an awesome video, thanks for sharing it. I always see that truck in some of your pics and wonder if it’s still the one from the Keys. The I saw it turn 260K and I chuckled. can’t beat a good truck. The whales were amazing. You two are truly blessed.

    Rich

  77. Nice video. I can’t wait until the water returns to its liquid for so we can get back on the water and do more sailing.

  78. I love your video. The scenery is breathtaking. This year I was able to sail numerous times with the sail rig I purchased from you several years back. I love it & received compliments for it. I notice you now have a “Headsail,” that you are using. Is it available to the public? Please tell me about it.

    best regards,
    Dennis

  79. Los felicito el mejor sistema de vela que he probado, he recorrido 40 km en la laguna Mar chiquita, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina en forma perfecta en un Klepper Aerius II. Sigan así son los únicos que han creado un sistema de vela para kayak realmente práctico y que funciona. Cordiales saludos y muchas felicidades y prosperidad para el 2014

  80. Hi Rich!

    It’s been a long time. Thanks so much. Yep, same truck. She’s a good old gal and quite reliable. Amazingly, she had her first set of brakes replaced on this trip! I know it sounds incredible, but it is true. We were in this little out of the way town in northern Vancouver island and the local mechanic couldn’t believe it either. We explained that down in the Keys the roads are flat-flat, people drive slowly, and there are almost no traffic lights. He still scratched his head.

    It was super fun to paddle with the whales. We can’t wait to sail up there again.

    Cheers!

    Happy Holidays!

  81. Hi Dennis,

    Thank you for your kind words! Glad to hear that you have been enjoying your rig. It is always fun to pull up onto a beach and answer questions about kayak-sailing. The rig seems to be a real conversation starter and we’ve met so many wonderful people this way.

    Yes, the headsail (genoa) kit is available to people wishing to increase the horsepower and improve the upwind capabilities of their rig. We started playing with it a couple of years ago after a friend in Germany made one and convinced us to do the same. Now Patti and I sail with the genoa up most of the time. It definitely increases performance, plus it gives the rig that fun “micro yacht” look. More info on the genoa can be found on the Products Accessories page. If you have questions, feel free to shoot me an e-mail.

    Thanks again,
    Smiles!

  82. Hi Frank,

    Thanks! I know where you’re coming from. It’s been so cold here lately, it’s just crazy.

    Happy Holidays! If it gets too cold you could always follow the sun and head south! 🙂

  84. Just stumbled across this post but so pleased I did…..currently have plastic yaks but when I was a teenager I had a canvas on frame boat which I built with a friend. We got the plans out of an English magazine, the boat was 14’6″ long x 2′ wide. The frame was laminated white pine ribs on stringers. It was a beauty. So much space inside to get camping gear stowed, light and easily paddled. Groan… That was in 1964. The only problem with the canvas was that it was a bit fragile and would get ripped by underwater branches…. The technique you have here with urethaned nylon looks fascinating I would love to know more.

  85. Love your videos. They remind, at this time of year, why I love sailing my kayak so much.

    This past season I’ve tweaked the way I use the head sail. I enjoy sailing wing on wing and I made some clips that allow it to be held out more without collapsing.

    The rig continues to be a real conversation starter. I’d love to hear from anyone in the Vancouver, BC area. Nothing like a little friendly competition to help get more out of the rig. 🙂

    Ron

  86. Greetings Fishninja,

    Thanks so much for your comment! Skin-on-frame boats will always have a special place in our hearts. They posses a primal beauty, as well as being very functional craft. The material for skinning, as with most things, has advantages and disadvantages. The nice thing about canvas is that it’s mostly biodegradable. The downside, as you pointed out, is that it can be somewhat vulnerable to punctures. Plus, it can also be a little heavier than many synthetics. I am considering looking into hemp cloth the next time my boat needs a re-skin. It’s a stronger than cotton and has a long history of use in the marine industry.

    This last time we used ballistic nylon. It’s light weight, strong, and stretches sufficiently enough to reduce small punctures. The downside, is that nylon is hydrophylic (absorbs water) and therefore stretches slightly when it becomes wet. The result is that the skin appears tight as a drum on land when the air is dry, and looks a bit wrinkly when in the water and on land in humid conditions.
    This is why it’s best to skin nylon boats on cool damp days. Not a problem here in the Pacific Northwest!
    I hope this info helps.

    Happy Holidays!

  87. Hi Ron!

    Thanks! It’s so nice to hear from you!
    We would love to see your off-the-wind modifications.
    Please send us an e-mail with a pic or two and we would be happy to post them to the “Your Photos” gallery page. I’m sure others are now interested.

    As soon as it warms up a little, Patti and I would love to come up and visit. It would be fun to sail together!

    Smiles, and Happy Holidays!

  88. That would be great if you could get up here. I’d introduce you to the Deep Cove/Indian Arm area if you haven’t been there already. It’s the mecca for kayaking in this area.
    When my kayak is more accessible I’ll post a photo of how I improve my wing on wing sailing.
    This mini boat hook is part of the solution. I made it from half of a fishing rod. As the close up shows the end has the same configuration as a full size boat hook. Very useful for manipulating the sheets and sometimes untangling little snags etc.

  89. Thanks. It would be fun to come up and visit. I checked out Google Earth and the Deep Cove/Indian Arm area looks like a wonderful place for paddle-sailing. One of the great things about Vancouver is that, even though it is a somewhat large city, there are so many remote and naturally beautiful sailing locations so close by. Thanks for sending the photos of your wing-on-wing improvement. I will post them on the “Your Photos” section of the Gallery. Additionally, I think that I an going to make one for myself. I have an old five piece telescoping fishing rod with the tip snapped off that can play with. It could be pretty cool!

  90. HI Patty and David.
    What a beautiful video. I’m from Holland, and however we have a lot of water here, we don’t have sutch a nature here.
    Thanks for sharing!

  91. Muchas gracias por vuestra filmación, la musica es relajante, los lugares estimulantes y vuestras sonrisas encantadoras. Me han alegrado esta mañana gris y con viento excesivo, aqui, en Valencia. Es una alegría conoceros. Un abrazo de vuestro amigo.

    Thank you very much for your filming, the music is relaxing, the stimulant places and your charming smiles. They have made me happy this gray morning and with excessive wind, here, in Valencia. It is a happiness to know yourself. An embrace of your friend.

  93. Muchas Gracias Alejandro! Nos felicita saber que estas disfrutando de la vela. Para nosotros, este proyecto continua a ser una obra de amor. Saludos y Sonrisas, Sus Amigos, Patri y David

  94. I build aleut paddles and kayaks myself. I have studied the original aleut designs for many years, and am wondering if you know of David Zimmerly’s work? He was the kayak ethnographer for the Canadian national museum. The thing that I’ve noticed recently is that a lot of people are paddling aleut knockoffs that are more like a greenland paddle in dimension. Zimmerly spent his lifetime going around to museums and measuring all known remaining specimens. The thing that seems odd to me is that most of the paddles he measured had blade widths in the 120mm to 160mm widths, but most of these modern “white boy” interpretations are blades that are under 100mm. I took a lap around Tahoe this winter with a guy who had a paddle made by a well known PNW boat school owner, who will remain nameless, but whose initials are Cory Freeman. It was only 75mm wide, and the poor guy couldn’t keep up with us, as we were paddling more historically “correct” aleut blade widths of 125 to 130mm. I would recommend to anyone who is paddling these ultra skinny blades, that building a slightly wider blade to see what the Aleuts actually were paddling is probably worth your while. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how much these folks knew after 3000 years of paddle evolution. cheers, Chris.

  95. Greetings Chris,
    Thank you for your comment. Yes, I am very familiar with David Zimmerly’s work, and you bring up a good point about paddle widths.  It seems that while some examples are wider, there are narrow ones as well.  It’s interesting… in David’s book “QAJAQ”, on page 71 there is a graph of paddle dimensions in which he indicates that the average max width of the Aleut double blade was 3.7″ or about 93 mm.  The recent paddles that we built at the Skin Boat School in December came in at 90mm, which is in the ball park. While Cory’s “interpretation” may not be a direct historical replica, they work amazing well for paddle-sailing.  We often paddle-sail at speeds well over ten knots, and believe me, using these paddles the way we do is an absolute pleasure.  That said, we always love to try different blade designs.  Do you ever make it out here to the Gorge?  The wind blows like a hurricane in the summer and the swell riding is often phenomenal!  Cheers, David

  96. Where can I learn to use a sailing Kayak? Looks like fun, also, are you wearing wet suits or just rain gear?

  98. Hi Chris,
    Thanks 🙂 Just posted another one. It’s a little longer and I spent more time editing it.

  99. Hi Flemming,
    Performance kayak-sailing is still a relatively new sport. There are many people who teach sailing, also kayaking, but few who combine the two. Yes, it is quite fun. A little addicting too I must say. We are wearing waterproof fabric drysuits made for kayaking. Most good kayak shops sell them. It’s important to dress for immersion and reduce the risk of hypothermia. If the water is cold they will keep you warm, dry and comfortable. When the water is warmer we generally use a combination of farmer-john style wetsuit and splash top. And when it’s really warm we wear swimming attire. But in the Pacific Northwest, especially near the ocean, cold water is the norm.

  102. Thank you for this information. I do have some problems with the balance and in am going tot try out some of your tips.
    Greetings from Holland, Europe,
    Henk.

  103. My wife and I experienced the bow heavy plowing when we borrowed an open cockpit tandem with a rear sliding seat. I was very frustrated with the boats behavior until we beached and slid the back seat aft to trim the boat. WOW what a difference, from that point on it cruised like a dream and we had a great day. Thank you

  104. Hi, I’m an happy owner of a pogo1 in Italy, based in Anzio, close to Rome, my boat: JolieRouge FRA568, sailing msniclais races in Italy, and one day ..who knows, maybe the mtransat? my compliment for this web site, I’ll be in touch. Fede

  105. We wouldn’t be without our rudder on our “Old Town Twin Otter” kayak when we are long distance paddling and loaded with camping gear, but not sailing. In these situations we both prefer to use single beaver blade ash paddles. Because of the rudder, each paddler with a single paddle can paddle on whichever side they prefer and can change sides when they want without adversely affecting their partner. However, when sailing double with our Kayak Sailor rig, and using the rudder, the forward paddler controls the rudder and paddles with an Aleut double paddle while the aft seated crew does not paddle.

  106. Ruder oder nicht?
    Auch als angefressen Finn Segler versuche ich mein Boot ohne Ruder zum steuern. Luven mit Kränkung im Lee, und abfallen gegen Luv.
    Ich denke am Bordseite ein Paddel befestigen wäre optimal.
    Congratulation für die Realisation vom Rigg Kayaksailor bin total begeistert.
    nordbeer

  107. Hello,
    I’m about to purchase a used 15′ old town tandem and was curious about a rudder. Funny I should see your comment. I will be using it for backcountry camping as well and short sea trips with my fiancé. Can I ask what make model was the rudder you used? Also, I could be wrong but as far as I know the otter doesn’t have mounts or holes for the rudder to be rigged…was this an issue upon install? Never even heard of kayak sailing until today, but would love to know what sail kit you used on it as well? Thanks eh

  108. I am purchasing a Pelican Unisom 136 tandem Is there a rudder unit that will work on it and how much is it. The kayak sail on this sight is it easy to install and how much is it.

  109. I noticed another Rochester, NY poster here. Maybe we can get connected somehow?

  110. Six Ways of Steering Your Sailing-Kayak that is awesome, and very informative.

  113. Hi, We like using the Smarttrack rudders, mainly because of the toe-pilot controls. They can be adapted to most boats. There are a variety of models as well as gudgeons to fit most stern shapes. Feel free to shoot us an e-mail info@kayaksailor.com We will do our best to help. 🙂

  118. This is a great article. Altering the center of gravity of the kayak has a similar, though less pronounced, effect. Simply by leaning fore or aft, the kayak can be made to either fall off the wind slightly, or round up into the wind, to maintain a tack This is particularly useful where the winds are gusty (like, in Ohio), because the adjustment is fast. As such, maybe there are 7 ways to steer a sailing kayak.

  119. Hola me gustaría recibir información detallada de las velas !! Se puede esta lar en cualquier Kayak??

  120. Nice! In a couple of months I’ll be back on the water. Good way to celebrate age 80.

  124. I bought a Folbot Yukon last year just before the company folded. Can I adapt your sail to my boat?

  126. Wow! I see the rudder up in the video, and yet your kayak looks to be tracking pretty steadily across wind. Is that because of the dagger boards?
    I want to rig my sot to sail it. Its an OK Scrambler xt. No rudder.
    Thanks,
    John Tschogl
    jayshaygull@gmail.com

  127. Hi John,
    Thanks.
    Yes. The leeboards are balanced to the sail’s center of effort.
    This allows for neutral tracking and upwind performance.
    Your Scrambler will make a good sailor.
    I’ll send you an e-mail with details.
    Smiles,
    Dave

  128. Hi,Used this rig for 4 years now.Want more sail mass.Thinking about a jib that will attach to the top of the mast like your first experimental one. Why didn’t that work?

  129. I’ve been using a 215 cm 26 oz. cedar or 27 oz carbon fiber composite Greenland paddle while sea kayaking for a half-dozen years now. Once I discovered the ease of using an ‘extended’ Greenland paddle for onside and offside rolls, and the comfort of low angle paddling –
    sliding between brace and power or rudder strokes – I was sold on that design as the most versatile tool. My whitewater paddles were zero and 15 degree feather so the angle transition was seamless.

    This past winter I mounted a thru-deck receiver to accommodate the top half of an old windsurf mast and learned enough about broad seaming to build a full batten .75 m sail, which I’ve used about a dozen times this summer in my Impex Force Cat 3HV. The 20.5″ beam is very ‘tender’ for sailing close hauled but I enjoy ‘motor’ (paddle) sailing in the 5-15 mph wind range and downwinding in stronger wind conditions. My experience thus far is that kayaks are not sailboats (unless off the wind) but the combination of paddle/sailing is interactive and interesting.

    I’ve been thinking about making or buying a longer paddle to add more bracing area. I’m curious about the advantage of the ridged side of the Aleut paddle as well as the weight of the Aleut paddles you use. I’ve never noticed issues with fluttering using the traditional curved power face Greenland paddles. A friend builds greenland paddles and flattens one side and I have encountered flutter trying to get the hang of using the flat-sided face of his paddles but not otherwise. The ridge on the Aleut paddle seems like added material and therefore added weight unless it offers some clear advantage?

  130. I love sailing my kayaksailor on Long Island Sound. But I have found that when a 15 kt gust hits I often need to headup fast in order to keep from going over. Bracing with the paddle on the leeward side makes things worse.
    Also, riding the small waves is a thrill, but should be even more fun with a rudder. I am in the process of installing the Perception rudder kit on my 14′ Catalina. Wish my arms were longer.

  131. Hi Woody,
    Glad to hear that you are enjoying the sailing! It is fun. Yes, heading up can ease the pressure in the sail, also sheeting out. Whenever we brace while sailing we lean to windward with our paddle. It’s not really a brace because we are not pushing down on the water with the blade, but quickly extending our arms with our torso to windward definitely helps counterbalance in a gust. Bracing to leeward only causes more heeling. That said, standard bracing can be effective while sailing downwind on a dead run. Agreed, the rudder should help with your wave riding. And I know what you mean, installing a rudder can be frustrating at times. If you have access to a small child, you can always ask them to go down below decks in order to reach where you can’t! 🙂

  132. Such an awesome article!!

    I love to go for kayak every weekend and truly feel that safety should be a major factor in the adventure.It’s really fun to fo for kayak especially for the ones who are planning to go kayaking for the first they must keep in mind about their safety first.This article is very informative and must be followed by every beginner.

  133. Great post on self rescue.
    I sail my 14′ Carolina with Kayaksailor alot on windy days and find it very exciting. I added a rudder for quicker response to puffs. But I just saw a picture of a Hobie Sidekick outrigger that attaches behind the paddler. It’s inflatable floats look as if they might keep the kayak from tipping over. Does anyone have any experience with add on outriggers ?

  134. Thank you Woody for your comment and my apologies for the delayed reply. Yes, kayak-sailing on a windy day can be quite exciting. Of course it’s not like a foiling America’s Cup cat, but sitting down low in the water in a good breeze makes every little swell and wind chop seem like an open ocean crossing. Most people don’t use outriggers with the Kayaksailor but some really enjoy the added stability they provide. You may want to try posting something on the Kayaksailor Facebook page and perhaps someone who uses the Sidekick will comment with their experience. I would think it would be important to position them so they don’t interfere with your paddle stroke. Behind the paddler seems to be the best spot. Outriggers are a bit cumbersome, but if you absolutely need to reduce the possibility of a capsizing, it may be worth looking into. It should be noted that while outriggers provide amazing stability, if one does manage to capsize with them, let’s say for instance in a steep wave environment, bringing the boat back to an upright position could prove to be challenging.

    Dave

  135. Hi Kelly,
    Thanks so much for your kind words. I’m glad you like the article.
    A safe kayaker is a happy kayaker!

  136. Very helpful tips. I have always been terrified of drifting away from a flags view, the stirrup looks quite interesting. Definitely going to give it a try. Wish me luck!

  137. Boa tarde , gostaria de saber onde encontrar o conjunto completo da vela com a bolina,como mostra nos vídeos.
    Grato.

  140. Thanks, David, this is very helpful. Unfortunately, I am not familiar with some of the sailing terminology. I hesitate to make this request after you put so much time and effort into these blogs but is it possible to include line drawings or something similar to clarify exactly what you are recommending? Thanks again, keep up the good work!

  141. I found this write up very interesting and very helpful and I’m looking forward to my next Kayak sailing trip here at home in Sussex in the UK when I can try out the various tips described.
    Some years ago I made a wooden Aleution paddle after reading one of David’s write ups about the advantages of the Aleution paddle and I much prefer it to the standard broad paddle blade for both general touring and kayak sailing.
    Thank you David.

  142. Thank you! These are great tips and would be the basis for instructional videos you could make in your “spare time” — hah! Really great descriptions and I appreciate you making explanations for those transitioning to sailing with a kayak…

  143. Thanks Luna! Yes, video would be best. My plan is to make several 10 sec. videos and insert them after each tip. If you have questions, feel free to give me a call. 🙂

  145. Hi Mark! Thanks for the comment. Agreed, visual clarification would be helpful. Just waiting till things slow down a bit to add to the post. If you have any questions, please feel free to give me a call. I’m always happy to help.

  149. Thanks a lot for your generous information you provide. Untill now I am a potential kayak sailor. I have only read sailing. I’ m supposed to sail this sommer for the first time. Your tips have helped me to understand things which were not clear to me. Thank you.

  150. Hi there,

    I came across your site while searching the web for an answer to the question, “How does added weight effect the tracking of a canoe?”

    Great article be the way, and excellent description of how weight distribution effects the steering of the kayak. I have not tried sailing mine, and your rig pictured at the head of this page looks incredible!

  151. I seriously take pleasure in merely reading through your sites. Simply planned to show you that you’ve
    got men and women including me personally that take pleasure in your work. Definitely a fantastic article.

  152. Hi Patti and Dave. I Enjoyed the video ! Thankyou. I have wondered about the Hobie Revolution Kayak and I congratulate you on improving it with a sail. What is interesting is that you can stow the paddle and operate with only pedal power. Great pictures too and I like the color matching jib !.
    I am on my way to South Padre Island tomorrow for Kiting. But I get to Hood River 6/18 and am looking forward to getting my new Kayak Sailor and Hurricane Skimmer on the Columbia .
    Best wishes, Woody

  153. Hi David. Late comment – a year after the blog – I have been using a Lend Kinetic wing Paddle since the year dot and highly recommend them to my fellow Kayak Sailors AS the perfect tool for the job. The inbuilt flotation makes the paddle into a movable out rigger as the curvature of the backface combined with the inbuilt flotation prevents the paddle digging in when bracing allowing one to keep the main powered up for longer. I believe the paddles are now made by Celtic Paddles in Scotland. Happy Paddling. Gavin

  154. Very useful information and confirms my thoughts…noticed my sonar pod on my feelfree was not working unless I stood in my boat, so I added a weight vest to the bow. Sonar now works and it is tracking much better into the wind.

  155. Hi Gavin. A real pleasure to receive your comment. You’ve been on our minds. Many of our friends use Lendal blades and love them. Don’t know why they stopped producing the Kinetic.

  157. Hi Woody. Thanks. Been checking the weather in South Padre and it looks like they’ve had quite a few really good windy days.
    Let us know when you are ready to go kayak-sailing! The water here is still super cold but the sun has begun peeking out, a sure sign Summer is on its way. Yes!!

  161. Thank you for the excellent information! Based on this, I ended getting all of these (the Seals rescue straps, the North Water rescue stirrup and foam paddle float, the NRS pump). I also got a SealLine basic bailing sponge, which works amazingly well, almost a pump in its own right! I’ll be practicing with these in my launch area until I have it all down automatically.

  162. Thanks for sharing this important info. It’s critical to be safe and have the right safety equipment when you’re on the water. I appreciate the pictures and step-by-steps here. A lot of sites don’t include that info and it’s helpful to see the process.

  164. I am looking for the people who have sailing kayaks out of big coppit key. Is this you or do you know who they are ?

  165. When was this shot Patti it must have been Jan/Feb time, before lockdown
    surely. Over here in the UK I can only dream of going out on any form of water probably for months yet. We pray the boffins at the Oxford hospitals come up with a vaccine fast, our only hope. Absolutely great to see somebody out on the water, free, bring it on.

  166. Been waaay too long !!!!! Always so cool to see where you 2 have been !! Looking great as always !!!
    Aloha Nui,
    Kimo 🙂

  167. Very nice video. I sold my plastic fantastic kayak with my KayakSailor equipment on it several years ago, but was really impressed with the design and quality of the components. We spent 6 years living on Marco Island from 1987 to 1993, and loved that area. Wish we had a KayakSailor back then. No scenes like that here in TN.

  168. Hey Jim! Thanks for the kind comment. We drove by Marco on the way to the keys. Wow, how that place has built up! The Tamiami Trail drive through the Everglades is still just as beautiful.

  169. Hey Kimo! Thanks. Yes,way too long. We are still paddle-sailing all over the place. Always somewhere to fun to explore. Hope you are doing well. Cheers!

  170. Hi Ray, David and Patti here. Thanks for the comment. Yes, February, before the lockdown. We kind of wish we were still down in Florida. The Keys are surrounded by so much beautiful water, and that makes it really easy to maintain social distancing. Plus, it’s almost always breezy in April and May. Bring on the vaccine!!

  173. Such a GREAT Product!
    I am in need of the mounting kit.
    I had this mounted on another kayak and lost the mounting parts when I moved.
    I’d like to put it on my new kayak, a BIG FISH 108.
    Thanks.

  176. I’m very interested in purchasing a kayaksailor. Looks like a great product.

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  191. Have you found a potential buyer? Good luck in your retirement years. Would like to purchase another 1.6 meter sail rig. Thanks, you gave my wife and I many hours of enjoyment using your sailing rig. Dennis Rhoades

  192. Thank you so much for this article I found by chance , as this question popped up in my mind experimenting with single and dual leeboards.
    Am a really a novice sailor and on prototype 3 twins at the moment based on reading , and an unintended broach and recovery exercuse having to much fun.
    I think I am starting to understand the group of dynamics involved in sailing much better now and love building things myself.
    All of this around an old inherited 4.2m x .9 beam Canadian canoe fitted with an old 5m2 windsurfer mast , sail and boom added – and all the little things found on fancy sailboats.
    Have a nice dam and sailing club very close by to work in and really enjoying enjoying it.

  193. Hello!
    I want to buy a 1.6 meter kayaksailor sail rig. Please place my name in the queue.
    Thank you!
    Diego

  194. Hello!
    I want to buy a 1.6 meter kayaksailor sail rig, all White. Please place my name in the queue.
    Thank you!

  196. je suis interessé; merci de me tenir informé de la disponibilité à nouveau de ce systeme de voile

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