Trimarans
The Polynesian word for the boom that extends from the boat to the float is the aka. The float itself is called an ama. These two make up an outrigger. With two outriggers deployed, the kayak becomes a trimaran (three hulls). Trimarans have great stability and can support a lot of sail. They sail very quickly, especially across the wind (beam reach) and down wind (running).
Wind Seeker outrigger sail, mast, boom, aka and ama
They do not sail as well up wind (pointing) and are difficult to tack (come about into the wind). The problem is that the down wind (leeward) ama digs into the water. This is also true with outrigger canoes. The South Pacific boats typically have just one outrigger. They point much better when the ama is on the windward side and the sailors are hiking out to avoid capsizing. One boat, the Proa, was designed to always have the ama on the windward side. To change course, the sail direction was reversed, or "shunted" and what was the stern became the bow.
One outrigger or two? You can choose. For sailing in strong winds, especially downwind, two outriggers are the way to go. The most effective way to tack up wind is with one outrigger mounted to windward. To avoid capsizing you will have to "hike out" to windward. For this reason we have developed an optional hand tiller system that allows you to take your feet off the foot pedals and hike out onto the aka. Caution: dress for immersion! Bring a bailer!
Righting a capsized sail rig
Capsizing
During the development of our sail rigs we have done extensive sailing on our own Vancouver coast, the Queen Charlotte Islands, Polynesia, Florida and the Caribbean. As long as we have had both amas mounted we have never had to worry about capsizing. However, it could happen! We suspect that the most likely scenario would be a narrow kayak with modest buoyancy in the bow, running downwind, down a steep wave. The bow plunges, doesn't come back up and the boat "over ends".
In our experience, the large amount of buoyancy provided by the amas prevents this. But, it could happen. If you capsize a large trimaran you can be in big trouble. The problem is that they are even more stable upside down than right side up! Fortunately, in the case of our sail rigs it is easy to take off the leeward aka after a capsize. Just depress the spring button. Then the kayak can be righted and the aka re-attached on the windward side. We encourage people to practice this. In order to capsize you will have to detach one of the akas. Remember to ensure that the sheet (sail control line) is free and uncleated so that the water will spill off the sail as the rig is righted.
Steering K2 sail rig with paddle
Steering K1 sail rig with paddle
Steering
The small rudders on kayaks are no match for the power of the wind on a sail. You will be steering with your rudder and your paddle. Typically, place one end of your paddle against the windward side of the mast and the other astern in the water to leeward.
Paddling
Depending on where the mast and aka is mounted, your paddle stroke may be limited in some way. We have found that a good combination is a kayak paddle and a canoe paddle. The aka does not interfere with the short single bladed stroke. Always tether both paddles.
Sails
(same for both rigid-hull and Feathercraft rigs)
Our three-sail system offers great flexibility. Our main sail is sewn in a local sail loft from high quality sail cloth. It has two battens and a boom. Its shape is similar to a windsurfing sail. Colour: white. Sail area: 28 sq. ft. (2.6 sq. m.) It is effective over a wide range of wind and sea conditions. Both our jib (for beam winds) and spinnaker (for following winds) sails are designed to add performance in light winds, approximately 10 knots or less. Used in higher winds with the mainsail you may break the mast. This is because these sails are attached only to the top of the mast, causing it to bend sharply.
K2 with spinnaker
In contrast, the main sail is attached with rings along the whole mast, pulling evenly on its entire length. Used wisely these two sails add an extra dimension to the sailing experience and move the boat along smartly in light air. Our jib is sewn from the same high quality sail cloth as our main sail. Colour: white. Sail area: 23 sq. ft. (2.13 sqm)
Our spinnaker, which is sewn from lighter spinnaker cloth, is the same as we have been offering for some time. Colour: red. Sail area: 37 sq. ft. (3.42 sqm)
Framework
All of the framework is made of anodized 6061 T6 alloy tubing. The mast is made of 1 ½" O.D., .058" wall tube with 1 3/8" O.D. inserts. Mast height above kayak deck: 3.68 m. (12'1"). The akas are made of 1 ¼" O.D., .058" wall tube with 1 1/8" O.D. inserts. Boom length: 1.35 m. (4'4").
Hardware and Lines
All hardware is highest quality sailing hardware. Blocks (pulleys) and other parts are stainless steel. Cleats are anodized aluminum. Halyards and sheets are quality, non stretch braided polyester sail line.
Wind Seeker sail rig on rigid hull kayak
Amas & Akas
The traditional outrigger has two akas supporting one long ama, which is really a second hull. Some rigid kayaks have this system. They work fine, but many units weigh more than our entire sail rig. Our inflatable amas are unique. They have two separate air chambers. A single aka tube is mounted right through the ama, so that the ama can pivot freely. It responds to every wave automatically, always staying above the water. On the downwind side the leaning of the boat causes the aka to exert a downward force on the fish shaped ama. To ensure that the wide part of the ama (the "mouth" part) stays facing forward, the aka tube is mounted aft of the balance point of the ama. This forces the tail down, the forward end up. On the windward side of the kayak the ama will be up in the air. Preferably it should stay level or the tail should point down. To allow for this, each ama has a small water chamber near the tail end. The weight of the water keeps the ama balanced even though the aka tube is positioned aft of the balance point. Even if the ama occasionally gets "turned around" by an errant wave, it is easy to rotate it back into position. A pump is provided for inflating the amas.
Sail rig storage - Ken in Florida
Leeboard
Storage
The mast, main sail, akas, amas, and leeboards all store in a bag that can be tied to the aft deck of the kayak. Spare sails are kept in separate bags and can be leashed onto the deck. For rigid kayaks the mast base is stored in a separate bag in the kayak, or it can be left installed on the kayak foredeck. It does not interfere with paddling.
Leeboards
Leeboards are important for reducing sideways drift and for sailing across or into the wind. For balanced sailing one is mounted on each aka (port and starboard). A large turn screw enables you to tighten a clamp and set the leeboard in any position.
The boards have an air foil cross section to reduce drag. Length: 86 cm. (34"). Width: 16.5 cm. (6 ½").
