Our kayak club is planning a very challenging paddle here on the Big Island in March. About 35 miles downwind, along very rugged cliffs, and the active volcano. The wind and sea conditons can become very nasty, I hope that won't be the case! I'm interested in a sail setup and leaning toward the Pacific Action Sail, from NZ. Does anyone have any experience with these sails, or the company?
Thanks,
Al

Not me, but I'll go to their site and check them out.

I'll take a peek too and see what they're like. Canonly offer opinion though. what are you paddeling? scott

That is a pretty traditional sail shape for a yak. they tout some "true" reachig with the sai, but it's proabably fairly limited. Another point, and I;ve seent his on other manufacturer's...if the winds becme very gusty, there is no mechanism for spilling the wind easily. In a traditional sail boat, letting go of the sheet will allow the sails to go slack and flap in the breeze. None of that here. But I did see someone out there with the same sail shape that had built in a device which allowed the sail, while in use to spill wind over the top by partially lying down. That seems to have some protective quality to it. Just a thought.

there are some rigs that are more traditioal in that they have a single mast, marconi shaped sail, etc. What are you paddeling? Scott

Hi Scott,
I'll be taking my Prowler. I've been going over their website for awhile now trying to make a decision. I looked at the videos on the site. Spilling the wind was one of my biggest concerns, along with the ability to furl the sail and fold the setup down and out of the way under duress. One could control the sail shape with the trim lines, I wonder if you could spill the wind the same way.

redyak - I bought a Pacific Action sail directly from New Zealand. Good savings at the time as compared to U.S. distributors. They were good to deal with. Helpful and timely exchange of e-mails, as well as no hesitation to phone me. I have not put it through all of its paces (strong wind) but it has performed well the several times I've used it.

I just got my Pacific Action Sail this saturday. It's their new 1.5m sail. Rigged it up, and will get in the water tomorrow. Looks and feels like a good product. We recalced our trip distance, more like 50+ miles. This sail will be a must. A very rugged coastline, beautiful but intimidating.

Keep us posted.

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.
Al

I hope this works:

Looks great! Let us know how you make out in heavier winds.

Wow, so much color!!! Looks like it'll be a great down wind rig. scott

Impressive looking rig--I like it! The inter-island boat traffic shold be able to see you guys from a distance, especially when you hit a crest. Have fun!

Our trip has been postponed, bad weather. Nasty wind and sea conditions with a lot of rain this Easter weekend.

I should be receiving my sail...same one but in red, white, blue, and clear...for my Prowler in about a week.

The guys in NZ were really responsive.

Looking forward to posting my experiences.

Great dave! welcome to the site. S