I have had 1sq meter sails fitted to our two Current
Design “Storm” kayaks for two years now and just have to say that they are
the best thing since sliced bread was invented. They are absolutely brilliant
for hands-free fishing, especially soft-baiting around the rocks, and yet so
much fun when the wind blows - my top speed so far (registered on a hand-held
GPS) is 9.5 knots (17.6km/hr) in just 15 knots of wind and 2 to 3 foot waves.
I’ve included a photo of my best fish to date - a 14
lb snapper caught in less than 1 meter of water. So far no movies of my speed
attempts, I’m working on that!
Thanks for a great product. John Thornton, Arkles Bay,
NZ Sept. 2009.
Hi, I use your sail on our Lettmann Kayaks, maybe it
is interesting for you
to link to the video on Youtube
More kayakmovies you will find on ontracktube.
Kind Regards,
Willem de Jong
(30th
Sept. 2008)
Thought you guys might like the adventure we had
featuring your very
nice product. I own your smallest sail (Ed: model
PA_SI10 – 1sqm). We commonly have strong winds
of the Georgia coast.
Jim Farrelly
Tybee Island, Georgia
USA
I took my son shark fishing off Tybee Island, GA USA
a few nights ago. We went out at 630 pm in our double baidarka launching into
an extremely strong Southeastern headwind. An outgoing tide allowed us to
crawl forwards in lumpy conditions towards an adjacent barrier island in
spite of the wind. Twenty five minutes later we landed and started to fish
from the beach. Our luck was good and we caught and released a few large
bonnet head sharks and called it a night at around 945 pm. Again we launched
into the same strong wind and the outgoing tide. At least the wind would
carry us home which was the plan all along. The tide was ebbing hard and the
wind caused the water to really pile up. I gave the command to set the sail
and the boy let it fly. We took off startlingly fast and rapidly exceeded
what I imagined was the theoretical hull speed. It got very interesting when
the baidarka did what it does well which is surf a following sea. So there we
were father and son doing the bonding thing by surfing a double while under
sail at night. I was totally in the zone and knew we were riding on the edge
of a total wipeout. The boy was vibrating with excitement and so was I. The
only way I could see any detail was when whitecaps broke near the boat and
gently silhouetted portions of the baidarka. We were screaming across a
shallow area that can be especially rough when out of the darkness I saw the
flat bow of a pram being rowed towards us! I shouted a Winnie the Pooh,
"Hal-ohhh!" The man in the pram swiveled around and we sized each
other up as the bigger fool. He quickly faded out of sight. I asked the boy
for a report on our location. He replied with either near the fishing pier or
not now dear. I cant be sure which due to the wind. Utilizing the navigation
update I corrected our course slightly to the right and screamed in towards
what I hoped would be the boat ramp. Yes, there it was! I yelled,
"Strike the sail in 5, 4, 3, strike the sail now!" The boy had it
down just as we impacted the ramp. We really didn't land so much as center
punched the base of the ramp. The sea and wind quickly slammed the baidarka
sideways against the rotten concrete. We rolled spilled out and stood up
looking at each other with big grins. Dragging the double up the ramp a man
walking his dog asked us if it might be a tad rough to be out. We nodded in
agreement and he just smiled. He seemed to understand that sometimes you need
to push out even when perhaps others think you shouldn't.Jim et al(2nd Oct. 2008).
!!!Read
the great report on kayak sailing with our Pacific Action™sail system by Paul McHugh – San
Francisco Chronicle – Thurs. 22nd June.
I sent you a link to my rough weather sailing clip a while back. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AD6M0l6iABw)
You put it up on your website, and it's up to nearly 20,0000 hits. So here's another
clip. Your potential customers might enjoy it 'cos it gives them a sense of
how to gybe with the sail:
5 years
ago on becoming 65 I bought a Prijon Seayak and a set of Pacific
Action Sails (1 m2) . I had no previous experience with
kayaking,but owned a sailing boat of 27 feet. Since then-completely
self-taught - II have become an avid sail-kayaker. I live in a little
southern Norwegian coastal town and may launch the kayak directly from my
home. I go kayaking at least twice a week the whole year-apart from
the few occasions when ice conditions make it impossible. (Comparatively seldom
in these days of global warming). I then make excursions out on the
fiord,among the skerries and ocean-going for distances of 15-25 miles. I
therefore dare say I have attained good knowledge of the versatility,
durability and technical possibilities of Pacific Action Sails. These
qualities are all indeed remarkable and have allowed me to experience
wonderful scenery and intimate contact with nature .They make it possible
for me to straighten the back and just relax down wind, while by cleating I
may effectively sail/paddle at a surprisingly high angle without
the kayak drifting off . (Considering that there is no keel on the
kayak.) At the same time you may react very fast to any
unexpected changes in wind -direction, windforce or waves because of the
effective yet very simple rigging system. After these
years, in all Nordic seasons and weather-types, I have never
been on the point of cap-sizing. Thus the sail combines easiness of
deployment and operation with pleasure of action and safety.
These
technicalities other have discussed in greater detali. What I would like to
stress is that PA-sails deserves (ought) be used by a very broad
clentele. I personally am a very average person in training, corporal
activities and strength. Definitely not the Arctic Explorer type and-as I
have written- not a teenager!. Despite this (or rather because)
I recommend PA-sails as a unique and cheap means of having fun
in a kayak-- or just relax and let the wind do the job-- and all this in a
very simple and safe way. All this in combination may sound too
good to be true. And so I would have said too 5 years ago. Countless hours
and miles of experience with PA sails have however made this my honest
opinion. Because of this I have without remorse parted with my sailboat
because PA-sail contributes to giving me much more fun,challenge, contact
with sea&nature----- and at a fraction of the cost! The only negative
comment is from my wife who sometimes complain she is on the point of
becoming a "sail-kayak" window.
26/2-2008.
Kai Dyrkorn (Kragero -NORWAY)photo: WINTER SOLSTICE IN SOUTHERN NORWAY
PS
An additional indirect safety-factor is that during summer-months
there are lots of speedy motorboats often manned by unskilled youths.
Hoisting the sail then even when no wind feels like an extra
life-insurance.
"Last weekend my buddy Mark and I finally had the
opportunity to put our two Pacific Action sails to the test . We decided on a
day trip around Bowen Island in Howe Sound and had a great time. My rig is
attached to a Current Design Solstice and Mark's on a Sayward Navigator. We
picked up a nice following breeze to run down Collingwood Channel
....marvellous ...soon got the hang of it and found everything to be pretty
stable. Most impressive was crossing back across Howe Sound to Horseshoe Bay
on a broad reach.... certainly this ups the ante.... when the conditions are
right! The ease of raising and lowering the sail is a big plus and there were
no problems fitting the sails to the kayaks. Really looking forward to this
new kayaking experience..... June 19 we are off to West Coast Vancouver Is.
(Nuchatlitz Inlet) for a 10 day trip ... can hardly wait!!"
Cheers, John R (Canada) – June 10th, 2007.
Aug. 13th, 2006.
“Arrived yesterday (Saturday). Didn't have too much
trouble hooking it up this morning and took it out on Narragansett Bay. It
functioned just as advertised and I had a blast. I was a bit worried about instability
but in fact found it easy to compensate balance-wise. Also wondered if it
would reduce the enjoyment of the paddling part. In fact it worked well to
paddle and sail at the same time so I didn't feel like I lost out on the
workout-just went farther and faster.
Anyway...great product.” ADF, Providence, RI.
July 5th,
2006.
“Hello, My Pacific Action Sail Kit purchased Oct. 2003 is still in perfect order right down to the metal screws etc , I use this sail daily in Ocean conditions, Regards W.R.C., Ballina N.S.W.”
“Sail performed nicely, tho' the winds were
very light, 5-10 knots. I was able to reach, the prowler behaved herself.
With the sail set or down, paddling is unhindered. Easy set up, it's rolled
up and out of the way until needed, let it loose and it sets itself. I like
it, simple, easy, and with practice, a fast troll downwind outside the reefs
or drop-offs could be interesting. I think one could make a lot of distance
in the right conditions.” – excerpt from kayak fishing forum
Philip Torrens, Vancouver,
BC, Canada.
"Photo by: Heidi Henderson.
“What I like best about PA sails is the
ultra-quick setting and furling. The quick deployment lets me take full advantage
of fleeting winds. The quick take-down lets me sail on the edge of the
windspeed envelope, secure in the knowledge that if the wind kicks up from
"exciting" to "too exciting" I can be back to regular
paddling mode in seconds.
Cheers and thanks for the prompt service.
Philip”
Just
wanted to let you know what a blast i am having using this sail. It gives
another dimension to kayaking which is quite incredible. Tom holtey, who
designed a great sit on top kayak site, suggested i do a review of this sail.
I want you to know that your professionalism, and remarkable product will be
emphasized....thanks for introducing me to such a pleasurable sport, kayak
sailing...godspeed. John L. Southern California
Spring begin in France.
I enjoy my new sail. I don't need rudder. I just paddle a little to keep
direction. Really it's a new paddling dimension! Pierre L. France
P.C. - GeorgeSound,
Fiordland National Park, New
Zealand Ed. - this
is remote expedition kayaking at the bottom of the South Island
- fantastic scenery and it rains occassionally.
Gary,
Last weekend was the most fun you can have with your pants on. A
front blew in after a sweltering heatwave. we went to Lovewell Pond, my
favorite place in the foothills of the White Mts., bordered by a wildlife
sactuary. The wind was blowing up really huge waves and whitecaps. My gps
batteries went dead so I don't know how fast we were going . IT WAS
FAST! Sunday we went back , the wind was 1/2 as strong and I still hit 5.2
mph upwind. we were geting soaked but the water was like bathwater. It
was great we never felt out of control even in the big stuff. going downwind
with the big rollers and gusts coming from behind was a little hairy. but you
could pull the sail back to make it smaller. The interest is tremendous
wherever we go. Yours truely, Greg - Maine,
USA.
Gary,
You hoped that my
perception would sail well.........I can now answer that question. Today I went out into the Thames Estuary, 20 m.p.h.
winds gusting to 25 m.p.h. choppy conditions with wind against tide. As
soon as I put the sail up downwind I only used my paddle to steer the sail
gave enough power to let me relax! I then sailed across the wind, tacking in different directions without any
problems, progress across the wind is slower and I needed to paddle
occasionally. The stability was not affected by the sail. I got some
looks of surprise from other sea users, once the sail was up!! All in
all this has been a great investment. Well done, Best wishes. Ian M. England
I
purchased your sail after my vacation in Maine
last year - so I just got to use it on this vacation (this year in Maine,
2004). One word. OUTSTANDING! Simple to install and use. I was very happy with the wide angle
(port to starboard beam reaching) of wind that would drive my kayak
well. A couple of times I found myself forgetting that I couldn't sail
upwind. I maxed out at 5.4 mph (paddling while sailing) with the rudder
singing. I never dumped once. My longest day was 22 statute
miles, mostly in fog with compass and GPS. The all yellow (custom
order) sail provides great visibility.
Note:
Speed and distance from GPS track log measurements. Wind variable
10 to 25 mph. Kayak: Plastic Wilderness Systems Sealution II XL with
heavy gear load. Location: Exposed bays, islands, open ocean.
I
will never tour without it. R.S., North Huntingdon,
PA, U.S.A
Hi
Gary Here is the promised picture with the PA sail fitted to the Aegean. We are very pleased with the performance of the sail.
Best
Regards from Switzerland Daniel and family
Dear
Gary and Friends, we imported 4 sails to Alicante,
Spain, two years ago and
we are satisfied every day we make adventure kayaking. The last
circunnavigation has been to one of the most beautiful island in the Spanish
mediterranean sea called " Formentera" next to IBIZA.
During 6 days we enjoyed the fantastic sea views and wild cliffs. Surrounding
the promontories, your sails were as useful as little Honda engine pushing
us. It is amazing how your power sails, let us plan a longer trips than
before according to the prevailing winds. I send to you the file with an newspaper article that we write, to try to
promotion the adventure kayak here in MediterraneanCoast. I am sorry because is
written in Spanish. Thanks for help us in our trips, regards from
Agramenauer Kayaking Club from Spain.Fernando
Pacific
Action sails go the distance.... Hi its John from Ont. Canada, I had talked to you last spring about your sails and you sent me one. I
was atempting to kayak from the south side of Montreal to Prince Edward
Island.I had 3 weeks and found out that you can't expect to paddle each day
because mother nature just won't allow it. I left June 16 and returned July8.
Most of the people that I spoke with along the way said that they haven't
seen such a cold wet and windy spring in 16 years. The first week seemed to
be excellent for the sail,the wind seemed to be behind me for many hours a
day,and the going was very fast, some-times too fast for my liking. I met
many people along the way who were very intrested in the sail. I stopped at 2
kayak clubs and a few people took down the E-mail adress,there were also a
few whom I met at camp grounds that took down the adress,oh yea and a guy who
takes people out doing tour kayaking. I was surprised at the durability of
the sail, the wind was always very stong and I thought the salt water would
deteriorate it quickly, but it is as good as new. Even here at home I paddle
alot in lakeOntario
and people always ask about the sail, they are amazed at how quick it sets up
and comes down.Without it I certainly would not have made it as far as I did.
I managed to go about 900 to a 1000 Kms, it was an awesome trip with so much
country to see and people to meet. Thanks for making such a great sail. J.V.
Ontario Canada
"Gentlemen,
Just wanted you to know that I positively love my PA sail. I sail in Michigan,
USA on Lake
Huron, one of the Great Lakes.
Nothing I have seen or tried can even come close to the simplicity, ease or
quality of your product. Your distributor, Tundra Sails, in YellowknifeBCCanada
is one of a kind - most helpful and keeps an interesting website. I wish you
worldwide success, and proudly display my label on the bow of my 'yak.
If you sent me another one, I would put it on my car as well. I tell
everyone about you whenever I can, and believe me, I don't usually advertise
anything. Thanks!" J.S. Oxford, MI48371USA. Ed.
note: link
to tundra sails.ca
"Hi
there, I have just completed a circumnavigation of Stewart Is. in NZ and had
a fantastic trip in which I used one of your PA_ST1 sails on board a
Perception Ecobezhig. I was thoroughly impressed with how the sail handled
with ease the gusting winds we experienced. While paddling the SE coast of
the island we had winds averaging 30-35 knots with gusts up to 50 knots and
the sails performed way beyond my expectations. Even going across the wind
they handled the 50kn gusts well with the boat maintaining good stability.
Thanks again for such a versatile sail that seems very much at ease in strong
gusting winds. I'll certainly be recommending them to other paddlers
here in Australia
and overseas." John Jacoby, Torquay, Australia.
Hi
Guys, I have been using one of your rigs on my Perception Sealion for a couple
of months now and just had to drop you a line to let you know what a
difference it has made to my weekly paddle acrsoss Gladstone Harbour (Central
Queensland). We are blessed with a brilliant bit of water to paddle on
here, deep water harbour with southerly exposure, up to 4 metres tideal run
and heaps of islands to explore, about 4 kms of open water to put up the
Pacific Action sail in a stiff SE breeze and plenty of adrenaline leaping off
the 1 metre chop!!! Just don't want to stop some days!!!. Come
and have a look and a paddle / Pacific Action sail sometime!! Thanks
for a great product. Brian Newport, Australia.
G'Day Gary, We've been using the sails, mainly doubles on our Whitsunday tours this
season and we have had some great fun with them. The customers have taken
to them well and find them pretty easy use. Some photo's attached of WhitehavenBeach sailing. Rob &
Natalie - Aussie Sea Kayak Company Sunshine Coast, Australia website:
www.ausseakayak.com.au
"Hi Natalie and Rod (AussieSea kayak Co.)
just a quick note to say that the double Kayak sail I purchased on
our trip to Australia
has seen its first couple of runs in Thailand.
Attached picture of the Mirage and sail on our favorite rest stop, as
you can see heavy seas and monsoon rains!! We have also tried out the sail in some strong winds where it performed
incredibly, even through the surf onto the beach. The 2 hobbie cats out at
the same time decided not to play when we started to catch them!"
Stuart & Lana Deacon Phuket, Thailand.
"I finally got out last Sunday. My wife, son and I went to Westport,
Mass on the southern coast of Massachusetts
and we paddled across the harbor to a beach that we love. Later in the day I
put the sail on and took off. I believe the wind was blowing
about 15 to 20 knots and as a result I took off like a shot. It was terrific.
That was on a dead run. Then I experimented with heading up a bit to a broad
reach and a bit beyond and it worked just fine. The simplicity of the
rig makes it perfect for a kayak. Some of the other systems which I
investigated were much more complicated, much more expensive and tried to turn
the kayak into a sail boat. This system respects the fact that it is a kayak
and yet provides an extraordinary "lift" when needed." R. Hancock,
MA, USA
"I
got a chance to try out the sail on the Prism this weekend. In a word -
awesome! With the sail cleated back, paddling into the wind was noticeably faster.
Downwind sailing was extremely stable and you could cut to around 60 degrees
off true downwind with no problem. The sail performed well in very little wind, and
was a blast in a strong wind. I like to kayak fish, and the speed at which
the sail goes up and down made the entire fishing experience much more
enjoyable. I was easily able to cover more spots in less time with less work.
When the fish is done pulling me around the bay, I pop up the sail and get
another free ride. And the sail worked great even with large redfish in tow
on a stringer. The only problem was that no one had ever seen a
sail on a kayak on this part of the TexasGulfCoast,
and several large power boats came by to ask questions, look and take
pictures. I'm sure this problem will take care of itself with time, as you
are sure to sell more of your sails around here. Say, are you looking for a Texas
distributor? Thanks for your product and
support," J.Q. Rockport,
Tx.
"Got
out for a spin with it yesterday, thought it was excellent. I have tried many
sails but was nice to use one that wasn't hard to take off the boat.
Lots of control. Congratulations on a beautifully made product. I will demonstrate
with pride in the upcoming season." R. Boardman, AC Sea kayaking
Instructor, Jervis Bay Kayak Co, N.S.W. Australia
"Dear Alison & Gary
It's
a beaut still evening here in Mahana and I've not long finished washing my
boats down after a client half-day sea-kayak trip. Today was my first
trip with clients using your sails, and to say that I am impressed is an
under-statement! The homeward journey on my trips is nearly always
down wind, my clients are usually a bit tired by then, and the final 3 km's
becomes a little exhausting. Today, using your sails, we made the journey in
under half an hour (sometimes, at least an hour). Consequently, I may
have to spend more time lazing on the beach if we race across the final
stretch at today's speed! I had the fully rigged sails collapsed topside so
that we were ready to launch at a moments notice. Extremely easy to
flip up to the sailing position. I was a little concerned that we might have a
stability problem but the erected sails made absolutely no difference.
Slight adjustments to the rigging enabled us to go virtually any direction
with a side or aft wind. Well done, these sails are magic! I'm still
working on some photos for you and I intend to include a shot of my boats
with the sails up in my next brochure run. Needless to say, your sails
attracted plenty of attention. Once again, thanks for the sails, I intend
that they become an attraction of my sea-kayaking operation."
supplementary
letter and photos (22.11.01)...
"We
are having so much fun with your sails! Enclosed some photos of
recent trips. The use of your sails has transformed a long tiring
paddle at the end of the day into a romp across the bay, plenty of time for
reflection on the day, and a chance for a bit of a chat on the way home!
Cheers
and best wishes,
Jim
Young, AbelTasmanNational Park, Nelson,
New Zealand"
“Hi
Gary & Alison, Dropping a line to let you know how we have got on with your sails on the Kayaking trip. With the Trade winds that blow up here around 20
knots we managed to sail the whole way home on Friday. The double sail was so successful on the Perception Echoneze that I had 4 other double boats holding on to my boat and we were still moving along at a great pace and when everyone else let go we shot off way in front of the others. So
I managed to spend the whole day sunbathing without a single paddle stroke thanks to your sails, so a very relaxing day was had by me and my guide.” L. Turner, Fiji
“I'm having a lot of fun with your sail - averaged 7.4kph the other day
without paddling or outriggers” C. Harrington, StressFree Adventures, Waiuku, Auckland,
New Zealand
