I sailed my Sea Wind under the one meter BSD for the first time last week. Having want of a smaller, fast, easy to rig sail, I did consider the PAS type sails but since I already have a 38' BSD I went with the one meter BSD sail. Furthermore I knew that I could reach (how effectively I was not sure) with the one meter BSD; I've heard mixed results concerning the PAS's ability to reach. I attached the cross bar and set up the sail - and then collapsed it (including the mast) and stowed it so that I could set it up quickly when needed - and commenced to paddle up the Black Fork River waiting for predicted 13 MPH winds to peak back on the reservoir in the PM. I left my cross bar on wanting to see if it presented any problems manuvering through log jams. No problems encountered but I did have to be more watchful that I didn't inadvertantly ramrod it against something or get it entangled in overhanging branches/vines. Arriving at the mouth several hours later I was facing a nice SE wind. It took me about 5 minutes to set up the sail and attach the lee-board (no amas-Dave V. said I would not need them with a stable craft such as a Sea Wind and some comman sense) and bingo, I was under sail. Very cautious at first but quickly coming to my comfort level, it took me no time to figure out a comfortable, speedy reach (45-50 degrees I'm guessing). Under the prevailing conditions I did not need amas; shifting my body weight leveled things out very well; I was quite stable and had no reason to panic during unexpected gusts. Being that I do not have a GPS I could not document my speed but when you "hear" your bow parting the water and "see" the resulting spray, you know that you are moving at a pretty good clip. Sailing down wind was not as fun (is it ever?) but was very stable; shifting my body weight was not at all necessary which allowed me to focus on paddling while under sail thus making very good time if I wanted to. I got the one meter for the same reason that anybody gets a smaller sail, namely unencumbering, quick and easy to set up/take down and a neat, simple, efficient way to compliment one's paddling. To ice the cake, the BSD one meter does reach very well (in my opinion). Only had I used a PAS type sail would I be in a position to compare their upwind ability one with the other. Regards to all, Noseeum
Test drive one meter BSD sail
(8 posts) (4 voices)-
HonuSail
MemberI guess I'm more a sailor than a paddler. I had a PAS on my SeaWind and was very happy with it. I was able to maintain an easy 45 degrees +- when I wanted too by assisting with my paddle and playing with the rudder. Downwind it rocks. I had it out in a squall with 22-25kt winds with 30-33kt gusts and got 6.8kts. I verified it with buoy info when I got back.
I once watched a Guatemalan on the Rio Dulce River sail a cayuca canoe type boat with a garbage bag and 2 sticks shaped like a PAS. He was pointed into the wind quite nicely. From a distance I thought it was a PAS and that he was dressed in hi-tech gear until we got closer. When we did we realized he was using stuff that was "trash" to us gringos!
Randy "HonuSail"
Posted 8 years ago # -
Hi Noseeum,
Thank You for your impartial report on the one meter. BSD depends on the Watertribe for reviews of our products. BSD could never improve without it. BSD is please with the results of your test and take pride in the hard work of our staff to produce a great sail. The one Meter was designed to meet the Watertribe performance and to improve performance on a reach and has the ability to depower on a moment notice. Jon Sairs have push the one Meter to its limits. <font color="#0066cc">http://youtu.be/MgLL3t1RLiY Tha
It was great talking to you. HAPPY SAILING. Maddave
<small> </small>Posted 8 years ago # -
noseeum
MemberSlow2Run, Sorry, I have no pictures. Mad Dave's comment about the ability to very quickly depower the one meter is the very reason I mentioned that "I had no reason to panic during unexpected gusts." Thank you Dave for that clarification. One of these days I'll get my sailing terminology down pat where folks in the trade will know what I'm talking about. Anyway . . . having declared myself an expert, I'm going to teach my grandson how to sail my Sea Wind with the one meter and amas and then move him up through the various reefs of my 38' sail as he progresses - maybe to my own demise. Last fall he started paddling my Sea Wind and now he refuses to get back into my Old Town Applachian. On top of that he has assummed possession of my cherished ZRE carbon paddle. You can guess where that puts me - up a creek in my Old Town without a paddle or a sail!
Posted 8 years ago # -
Hi Noseeum,
Enjoy life and I am happy to hear you are sharing your sailing skills with your grand son. Maddave
<small> </small>Posted 8 years ago #
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