Revo against the wind

As my wife never comes out with me I have swapped my Outfitter for a Revo. I took it out yesterday for the first time. Fairly calm but a 12 mph breeze. After finding out that the Revo needs a different entry technique to the Outfitter I got on with it very well. It handles much better than the Oufitter does solo. One thing surprised me though. Having ended up some way downwind I was expecting a slow slog upwind. Instead I seemed to get a lift and travelled upwind, seemingly, as fast as downwind. It appeared that my body was acting as a sail and the Mirage drive as a keel. Is this a little publicised advantage of the drive or was I just lucky on the day?

_________________
malcolm in the UK

Hi malcum. I agree, Hobies are really good against the wind and the Revolution is excellent. I also enjoy a stiff breeze with the Adventure as it slices into the chop and peals through the wind:

Interesting concept.

Did you try tacking about 20-30 degres off a direct into wind course to test your theory. You might go even faster.

_________________

Hi Ya'll
Ok so just exactly what type of features on a sailing kayak makes one kayak better going upwind than another kayak ?
Is it rudder shape , hull shape, sail size, sail shape, two sails or all of these and something more ?
Just curious what the general consensus might be on that .
Kepnutz

I was about 20-30 deg off a direct into wind course but did not try tacking. I only had to peddle quite lightly but did have to peddle i.e. it did not happen if I was just sitting still. I was using standard fins and rudder. Although only 5'6" I am quite large in the body (too large at 240lbs) and short in the leg. It was a definite lift, as I have experienced whilst sailing when everything comes together and the boat suddenly accelerates and starts to "fly." As soon as I can get back out on the water I will try and experiment some more
Malcolm

_________________
malcolm in the UK

I nearly always have the sensation that I'm going mush faster when travelling into the wind too. In fact I try to avoid "with wind" headings when I can since it feels so slow (and warm!). I can't believe I'm ACTUALLY going faster when heading into wind ...but it sure it just FEELS like I am going faster. And it's a very strong feeling.

thomas

_________________
Absolute kayaking corrupts absolutely.

Good to find someone else has had the same experience. I have been trying to get back out on the water with a speedometer to check actual speeds but have not had the right weather the few times I have been able to get out. Checking the speed by watching the scenery go past though, the speed increase was real. There were no current effects at the time.

_________________
malcolm in the UK