Kayak Sailing

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Comment by Owen Walton on April 15, 2009 at 10:24pm

Henry, Thanks for your input. I have been a sailor for the past 50 plus years (VJs to ocean racers) and I am pretty happy with the PA on our 730 double. I've spent hours today going through all the various opinions on the Sea Kayaker Forum etc and its a bit like the never ending rudder versus skeg debate. The PA sail is simple, comparitively cheap, well made, simple to fit/remove, keeps the sail centre of effort closer to the boat centre of gravity when broad reaching and running (therefore more balanced, though the C of E is higher). I'm just about sure that's the way I'll go, with a 1.5 Sq M model. Now to look round for the best price!

Comment by Henry Van der Kolk on April 15, 2009 at 9:33pm

Both Sails are much of a much. The only reason there were no sails at R&R is we were all there to paddle:-)
Mirage sail is good for beginer upwards, its very forgiving unlike the one I have. However, after time you will want to put some more zest in your paddle then your sail gets bigger. I have paddled and still paddle with people who have use the PA sail and I see nothing wrong with it at all. During my last QLD paddle a friend of mine was using one and he was in a double and flying along on the SE trade winds. Lake Mcquarrie is tops in Summer going from the bottom to the top and Sailing back in the NE breeze sipping coffee as you do.

Comment by Owen Walton on April 15, 2009 at 11:17am

Henry,
You mentioned that earlier you had a Mirage sail fitted to your 580. We currently have a PA 2.2.Sq M fitted to the 730 and are pretty happy with it. I am considering putting a sail on my 580 and was thinking of the PA medium size (1.5 Sq M). However, I noticed at the recent R'n'R not a single PA sail was to be seen, and most NSWSKC members seem to knock them. From your experience what is the Mirage sail like (+ and -) and do you have an opinion on the PA sail. Thanks. Owen

Comment by Henry Van der Kolk on April 14, 2009 at 11:49pm

Thanks John pity about the quality when uploading to youtube. But I guess you get the general idea.
Couldn't find much suitable music for Swansea paddle but when I find it I will change it.

Comment by John Anderson on April 14, 2009 at 11:35pm

Well that put a smile on my dial. Great music.

Comment by brad mcpherson on April 12, 2009 at 11:38am

Great video Henry. You should move Kayak Solitude to Wordpress and not run out of space. Then we can see more of your stuff.

Comment by Henry Van der Kolk on April 11, 2009 at 9:38pm

Hi Phil,
This is how you learn bracing skills. All hand held.. the videos you don't get to see are the white knuckle rides. I need to get a camera holder for those. This is my third sail. My first was a golf umbrella.. good for its time. My second was from Mirage and the most recent one is a beta model made from mylar has lasted longer than I expected. For your first sail I would suggest Mirage as they are a bit smaller and more forgiving. Once mastered move to the larger sail.

Comment by Phil Thompson on April 11, 2009 at 6:45pm

So that is how you make a 580 easier to paddle. I didn't like the last bit - that croc looked hungry!
Henry - can you tell me more about the sail? It looked fun and my wife would certainly like one for her 530.

cheers

Phil