Wind paddle

I ran into these guys at a paddlefest this weekend ... http://kayaksailor.com/

It's a more traditional sail and includes leeboards.

-Allen

Hmmmm, their mast support system looks familiar...

Arrrr! Creek pirates!

Allen, I like the looks of the Kayaksailor. I checked 'em out, but didn't like how the mast-track setup would prevent opening the bow hatch on my Tarpon while out on the water.   Pretty slick design, though, with the easily retractable lee boards and pop-up sail!

For storage while paddling, the Pacific Action Sail rolls up over the masts and lays down with the top end bungied to either the port or starboard side grab handle (amidship on my T-140), so there's the possibility of interference from fishfinders, poleholders, or console bars, etc.   I don't have anything mounted in the way on the port side, so that's where it gets bungied.

I checked 'em out, but didn't like how the mast-track setup would prevent opening the bow hatch on my Tarpon while out on the water.   Pretty slick design, though, with the easily retractable lee boards and pop-up sail!

Yeah, I shared the concern on hatch access, but since I have a rod pod, the concern became less!

-Allen

Allen, Uh Oh... Now what other reason do you have not to go for it, other than AOTY rules?

Allen, Uh Oh... Now what other reason do you have not to go for it, other than AOTY rules?

Hah!  I run AOTY so I'm not even eligible to compete at any level except for the fun of it.  So I guess I have no reasons left.

-Allen

Allen, Uh Oh... Now what other reason do you have not to go for it, other than AOTY rules?

I just happened to have ordered the windpaddle after I noticed the Kenai River in the lower section ALWAYS blows from downstream to upstream.  I have a feeling this windpaddle thing is open up a huge chunk of the lower river for me and my yak.

But what's this about AOTY compatibility?  Didn't see anything...then again i didn't see anything that specifically says I can't stick a 225hp engine on my mini-x either!  Maybe the definition of kayak doesn't fit anymore once wind power is utilized?

Ruling please! 

But what's this about AOTY compatibility?  Didn't see anything...then again i didn't see anything that specifically says I can't stick a 225hp engine on my mini-x either!  Maybe the definition of kayak doesn't fit anymore once wind power is utilized?

Ruling please!

Human powered only.

-Allen

But what's this about AOTY compatibility?  Didn't see anything...then again i didn't see anything that specifically says I can't stick a 225hp engine on my mini-x either!  Maybe the definition of kayak doesn't fit anymore once wind power is utilized?

Ruling please!

Human powered only.

-Allen

Got it...just needed clarification since I couldn't find it on the rules page.  I can live with that!  Thanks!

But what's this about AOTY compatibility?  Didn't see anything...then again i didn't see anything that specifically says I can't stick a 225hp engine on my mini-x either!  Maybe the definition of kayak doesn't fit anymore once wind power is utilized?

Ruling please!

Human powered only.

-Allen

Got it...just needed clarification since I couldn't find it on the rules page.  I can live with that!  Thanks!

Yeah, we could probably clarify it better.

-Allen

A couple of weeks ago, after being skunked and on my way in, I unfurled the wind paddle on the Revo in a light north wind.  Got me up to 3 kts.  The mirage drive works well as a center board and the sailing rudder works well as, well, a rudder.  It's easy to control unfurl and furl while sitting on the water.  I suggest you practice while sitting on the floor of your living room.  It helps if you secure the tie-downs (like under your feet) during practice.  After a bit I got bored, furled the sail, and made better time peddling.  I'm guessing in 5 kts and above winds it would be useful and make better time than paddling.  At anytime, it takes less energy than peddling. 

Next time I get skunked I'll try more aggressive maneuvering.