Our friend Peter Canning writes:
I need a lightweight kayak that also sails OK. Fully understanding that kayaks don’t inherently sail great, does this thing sail “well enough”? I don’t expect it to be thrilling, but would it would be nice for your basic “lake in Texas,” throw it on top of the truck racks, easy sail, kinda day? Can it stay upwind? No need to comment on its paddling, I’ve seen the dimensions and can intuit that part.
Readers, can you help him out in the comments below? —Eds
Hi Peter. The answer is an emphatic Yes. However, this said it would be helpful to know the model or kayak type with dimensions you have or are considering. It is possible to sail just about anything that floats but choosing the right boat and right rig match is key. As we know all boats are a bundle of compromises. There are always trade offs. Having a boat with a wider beam does not necessarily mean paddling will be compromised to a point of dislike. What is key is that capability/performance/comfort/discomfort/expected use expectations all need to be in line. One of my deepest areas of interest in the small boat realm is the sailing/paddling kayak, sailing/paddling canoe genre. I am a believer in reality use and choosing the right boat for the type of sailing/paddling planned. For example I once sailed and paddled a sea kayak for 91 days through Tierra del Fuego, the Beagle Channel and twice around Cape Horn far out in the Southern Ocean. I am sure some here may scoff at this voyage but facts are facts, meaning I chose wisely and was able to sail and paddle with great efficiency because I chose the right boat and matched the sail rig to it. In addition my expectations were in line. The boat performed perfectly because I knew what to expect from choosing based on testing. If you haven't settled on a design yet all the better as perhaps the collective SCA brain trust here can help lead you to a performance paddle and sail type. Respectfully there are a number of other posts here suggesting certain design types but beware as the paddle sail equation has to be carefully thought through as your intended use may not line up with some of these. (FYI I just sent another email to you regarding finishing your SCAMP), fire off any specific kayak sailing questions in your email response if I can help. Always good to see your name Peter!
No - I've tried it a number of times with different types of rigs and they never sail satisfyingly enough to justify the time or money.