🚀 go-pugleaf

> I'm interested in someday building a boat (someday, like when I retire in
> 50 years).  I would like a sailboat.  One of the most difficult parts to
> build would be the mast(s).
> 
> My question is:  Could I eliminate the masts by towing the boat with a
> parafoil kite.
> 
> It seems like a fine solution.  No masts, no rigging.  Just toss the kite(s)
> into the wind.  Steer with the rudder.
> 
> Any reason this wouldn't be feasible?  What do you see as big problems?
> 
> (Just as an aside, the difficulty I have with the idea of a mast is that
> I'm thinking of a non-rigid unsinkable hull made from cloth, rope, and
> hollow plastic beads).
> 
> Mark Thorson   (...!cae780!weitek!mmm)
With that rig, anything closer hauled than a broad reach is out of the question.
Even a beam reach would be impossible, so you might have a bit of difficulty 
going anywhere except exactly where the wind blows (i.e. running).  If you have 
ever run a spinnaker, you know that without some rigid support (spinnaker or 
whisker pole) it is extremely hard to control the sail, poleless spinnakers 
notwithstanding.  A rigid solid pole with masthead rig shouldn't be that 
difficult to build, if you are worried about biulding a mast.
-- 
______________________________________________________________________________

Earle A. Sugar
Disclaimer:"I doubt anyone else here agrees with me."
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