With a gap in Vancouver’s winter rains, and light breezes in the forecast, it was an ideal day to get the kayak out. And to test my new sail system.I’ve written before about my interest in – some would say “obsession with” – grabbing a free ride from the wind when I can. For the latest evolution of this never-ending project, I’ve adapted a sail made for a Sit-On-Top kayak to my SINK (Sit INside Kayak). This semi-upwind sail is taller and tippier than my previous ones, so I’ve also grafted on a pair of outriggers for additional stability.
The wind was barely detectable when I launched – just what I wanted for my first time with the new system. Though I had my drysuit on, I much preferred not to have an unplanned swim at this time of year.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a73x5xKVNO8&w=480&h=360]
Even the faint breezes were enough to waft me along at a decent walking pace.
What with not paddling and the wind coming down cold from the North Shore mountains, I got a bit chilled. So I pulled on my cag. This oversized anorak is as functional as it is funny-looking. It slides right over your PFD and fastens around the cockpit over your sprayskirt. It’s the perfect solution to the perennial problem of how to add and subtract layers while you’re sitting in your boat.
A couple of miles out from Stanley Park, I was becalmed completely. That was OK. It meant I could pull off the cag and get some honest exercise paddling home. So please, no complaints from “back east” that I wasn’t really sea kayaking. You’re all just jealous that your water is too thick to paddle right now.
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