Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Gear Guide New Gear WindPaddle™ Downwind Sails

WindPaddle™ Downwind Sails E-mail
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Our Sails - A New approach to kayak and canoe sailing!

KFm
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WindPaddle™ downwind sails offer boaters:

-A lightweight downwind sailing opportunity
-Quick and easy on-the-water deployment
-Fast, efficient and safe on-the-water
take-downs (dousing)
-Non-corroding parts
-Attachment using existing deck hardware
-More...

There are currently two models available; The Adventure and the Sport. Both models have the integral stuff sack/paddle pouch used for storing the sail and launching attached to the blade of a paddle or oar.

WindPaddle stowed in intregral pouch.
KFM

The “Adventure” model has a clear window in the center panel.

The “Adventure” model attaches directly to the perimeter line or existing boat deck hardware and is flown with "sheets" or contol lines to the cockpit.

KFM

-Stows compactly on deck or below deck in one-eighth its deployed size.
-Launches instantly while out on the water.
-Can be totally depowered by slackening control lines.
-Paddle remains in boater’s hands.
-Can be paddle/oar mounted like the Sport model.

WindPaddle sails are currently approx. 1 sq. meter in size.

The unique circular design of the WindPaddle sail keeps the center of effort low for stability; the lowest center of effort of any small-craft sail available. As wind speed increases, the center of effort or force remains fixed and doesn't move up or down.

All WindPaddle sails are made using traditional triple-stitch zig-zag sail seam construction. A triple stich zig-zag results in a strong seam where the panels are sewn. The sail LOOKS like it was made by a sailmaker, because it is!

The sail is made from 1/2 oz. polyester "spinnaker" sailcloth, the same material used on racing yachts. This material is low-stretch fabric that will not absorb water and become heavy when wet. Just shake the sail to dry it.

WindPaddle sails get their shape using a laminated flexible and non-corroding permimeter high modulus yet highly elastic batten. This batten can be deformed (twisted, bent, etc.) yet will still return to its original circular shape. The batten allows the sail to be coiled into 1/3's (18% of its original size!) for compact stowage and storage.

 

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