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PostPosted: Mon Nov 03, 2008 5:52 pm 
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Joined: Tue Sep 16, 2008 10:10 pm
Posts: 92
Location: Gilbert, AZ
I curious what others feel is the optimal wind and wave height for the AI? I was out last weekend in light wind 5-10 (more often 5 then the upper limit) and was disappointed by the lack of speed. I’ve been out in 20-25+ with 1-3 waves and it was a very wet ride; it seems like 15-20 may be the best range. Would like to hear what others think.


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PostPosted: Mon Nov 03, 2008 6:03 pm 
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Joined: Thu Mar 13, 2008 9:49 pm
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Location: Newport, NH
The AI isn't the best "light air" boat out there in my opinion. I think it would do better in light air if it had a larger sail. I find it does really well in moderate wind with little chop, it seems the waves really kill the momentum. I sail primarily on lakes, Im not sure if it's any different on the ocean.


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PostPosted: Tue Nov 04, 2008 9:52 am 
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Joined: Fri Jun 01, 2007 11:59 pm
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Location: Danville California/Kahana Maui
I find the best conditions are 10 to 15 knots of wind and smooth to light chop. Winds over 20 require less sail area and if there are waves (heavy chop) the AI will just start priecing the wave resulting in a wet ride and slow speed.


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PostPosted: Tue Nov 04, 2008 1:37 pm 
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Joined: Wed Dec 19, 2007 4:07 am
Posts: 619
Location: Punta Gorda, FL
5 knots: why bother?

10 knots: beats paddling or pedaling

15 knots: this is starting to get fun

20 knots: FULL power, starting to need a reef

35 knots: way fun downwind, didn't try it upwind.

Waves: I can do without them.

So, ideal is 20 knots and smooth water, if you can find it. :D


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PostPosted: Wed Nov 05, 2008 12:35 am 
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Joined: Thu Apr 26, 2007 9:57 am
Posts: 222
Location: Phuket, Thailand
donjoe wrote:
The AI isn't the best "light air" boat out there in my opinion. I think it would do better in light air if it had a larger sail. I find it does really well in moderate wind with little chop, it seems the waves really kill the momentum. I sail primarily on lakes, Im not sure if it's any different on the ocean.


Hi Donjoe,

Dont know about lakes (maybe they whip up into a short chop really fast) but on the ocean in light breeze and a bit of a swell/chop mine goes like a dream! Now where did I leave the shades and dont forget to untwist that mainsheet

Image
Image
Image
Image


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 Post subject: dang glasses
PostPosted: Sat Dec 20, 2008 1:53 pm 
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Joined: Wed May 28, 2008 8:54 am
Posts: 59
Location: Albuquerque
:roll: those sunglasses are pretty cool but if you go to Roswell New Mexico you can get the alien shaped ones---in GREEN!. I also own a set of captain america ones......keep for your second kayak when your friends forget their sunglasses.....


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PostPosted: Sat Dec 20, 2008 3:48 pm 
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Joined: Thu May 25, 2006 5:17 pm
Posts: 203
Location: Ettalong Beach, Central Coast, Australia
jholtco wrote:
I find the best conditions are 10 to 15 knots of wind and smooth to light chop. Winds over 20 require less sail area and if there are waves (heavy chop) the AI will just start priecing the wave resulting in a wet ride and slow speed.


I would agree with this. You certainly get a very wet ride when there is lots of chop, and it can be quite scarey having the AI over on its side, with a wave under you. Haven't gone over yet, but I guess it will one day. But its enormously stable, and I would sail more comfortably in tough conditions than I could with my H14.

Geoff.


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PostPosted: Sat Dec 20, 2008 6:44 pm 
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Joined: Fri Nov 21, 2008 3:39 am
Posts: 858
Location: Bairnsdale, Victoria Australia
Has anyone turned one over?...Captain Pirate


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PostPosted: Sat Dec 20, 2008 10:12 pm 
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Joined: Thu May 25, 2006 5:17 pm
Posts: 203
Location: Ettalong Beach, Central Coast, Australia
Pirate wrote:
Has anyone turned one over?...Captain Pirate


The only ones I have heard about managed to do it in the surf, going out, if I remember.

Geoff.


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PostPosted: Sun Dec 21, 2008 6:44 am 
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Joined: Wed Dec 19, 2007 4:07 am
Posts: 619
Location: Punta Gorda, FL
I heard that someone managed to flip one on Charlotte Harbor, and we don't have surf here. I didn't see it. It could be a case of the shear bolt breaking and an ama folding under sail. I don't know how else you would flip one without some help from waves. If they were easy to flip, mine would have gone over many times by now! ;)


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