Getting sail and wondering?

[TimVa]

Is there a way to add automatic line release between the sail line and the sail that will release when the wind catches the sail in a bad way. Something like a outrigger line release. I guess this would have to be at the sail end. The problem will be to get the sail connected back? Any ideas? This would seem to help any one trolling and sailing at the same time.

[TimVa]

Is there a way to add automatic line release between the sail line and the sail that will release when the wind catches the sail in a bad way. Something like a outrigger line release. I guess this would have to be at the sail end. The problem will be to get the sail connected back? Any ideas? This would seem to help any one trolling and sailing at the same time.

[CT angler]

I use a plastic cord stopper
http://www.umei.com/stoppers-s.htm

It holds fairly well in light breeze and will release in a strong gust. I hold the line before the stopper between my fingers so I can have control of the sail. Use of outriggers is a plus and a must if trolling. You can also use a clam cleat but you have to release the line with your hand Hope this helps

[Scott]

I'm not sure what you're asking...but let me answer anywayhttp://kfs.infopop.cc/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Normally the safest place to have the wind is off one side or the other. From the front the sail will point straight back and just flutter. From the back, the sail goes way out to the side, either side, and can have a habit of flip flopping. But taking the wind more from one side will eliminate that.

It sounds like what your are trying to remedy is when a gust hits.

In a typical sailboat you have several options. One is to turn into the wind, this produces the effect described above where the wind passes down both sides of the sail and it just sits there fluttering. Most sailboats have a natural tendency to do this, it's called heading up and a boat that is balanced correctly will, when you release everything, tend to turn into the wind. But another way is to "ease the main" or let out the sail so it's angle to the wind is increases(becomes more allowing of the wind to pass down both sides), the wind has less force on it and less tippiness to the yak.

Unfortunately, the way the hobie is rigged, the sheet deos not move smoothly...so....here is what I would recommend. get yourself a new main sheet of about 20-25 ft. 1/4-3/8 line will do the job. At the sail end of the sheet(the line that controls the sail), attach a captured SS carabiner(Jon has them). this has a hole to tie the line into, and a carabiner to attach to the sail. Allows easy on and off. Second would be to apply one or two dinghy sized blocks (pulley's) where the main sheet makes turns on the yak, so the line runs through pullies instead of the cleats or guides. this whole set up will allow the sheet to be much more responsive.

Now when you hit a gust or "bad wind", you could literally just let the sheet go and the sail will fly out until it is parallel with the wind and fluttering, it loses lift, the kayak straightens up, and you can gather your senses http://kfs.infopop.cc/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif Be sure to tie a "stopper knot" in the end of the sheet you hold. So when you let go the whole thing doesn't run right out of the blocks and goes flying into the water where you can't reach it. typically a figure eight knot will do the job.

Let me know if this answers or more confuses you. I can go either way http://kfs.infopop.cc/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif Scott