Kites with Holes

[rhinorhino]

Some time ago I recall reading about a new type of Kite with a parafoil attached to a slot in the sail. At first I thought that it was a wind-up however the idea seemed to make sense.
Does anyone have contact details for the maker or any other information?
Thanks


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[Rowana]

I read it as well. I think it was in either YM or ST, but can't recall for definite.

Probably some antipodean wheese. They seem to be good at that sort of thing.



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[kesey]

It was in Yachting World. Parasail.
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://homepage.eircom.net/~ajpower>http://homepage.eircom.net/~ajpower

 

[ChrisE]

Goodness me!

If the sail lives up to the tests, such as the YM test, then it looks like a very useful piece of kit.

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[Keith]

A very similar idea was tried about the turn of last century, basicall the sail was vented with lots of scoops that funneled the air down the back of the sail, there by increasing lift and letting the sail "breathe"....its not a new idea, generally its modern materials and CAD that takes the guess work out of it,apparently two identical ships were trialled one with the sail one without, and all things being eqaul at the end of a days run the vessel with the vented sail always came out in front.........keith

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[Close hauled]

They were very popular on the ARC this year - seemed de rigeur on the Halberg Rassys. I heard an owner say that he could fly his kite in 40 knots! Mind you it was a very shiny boat.

I'd contact HR and ask about them.

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[rhinorhino]

Thanks for the information.
I E-mailed them and had a reply within the hour, not bad when the message was sent at 2200hrs.
I will let you all know how it works out if I go ahead.
Thanks again

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[ChrisE]

I, too, will be pursuing this.

Mrs Enstone has given me permission to buy one, if (there's always an if, isn't there?) I get the contract I'm currently pitching for.

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