Hobie Island Spinnaker Kit Fastest Speeds Yet

[@EmperorAmun-Ra]

Awesome action! Looking forward to my spinnaker set turning up! Go Hobie!

[@madogblue]

How much faster are you able to sail typically with the Spin, vs without?

[@paulwright7239]

Given the point of sail I"m curious as to why you left the main up, it looks like the spinnaker is doing most of the work. Might not have over-driven your rudder control that way.

[@dtglenz]

I broke my handle; I got into shallow water in a strong wind, the rudder kicked up and I was trying to steer it anyway and one of the reinforcement ridges/channels??? broke. I replaced it with a new handle, then filled the old one with J-B Weld. I did not re-install it, but it feels very stiff. Thought that may be an answer to your problem. Just saying.

[@evakozma2099]

This must be the southern hemisphere if Sun is in the front and you’re heading North.

[@Jeffsingleton100]

Took my TI (and spinnaker) out for it's maiden voyage yesterday! Love the boat! I knew I would want the spinnaker after watching your videos. Question though. Behind my snuffer bag I have a cheek block that came with the kit. It looks like you have something different and likely better. Did you modify that? Is that a padeye or something? The cheek block seems to cause a lot of friction on the spinnaker sheets and I don't know how you would hoist and douse the spinnaker from the rear seat with the default configuration.

[@AlistairKelsall]

what I have done is used the cheek block but mounted onto of a rope guide like the ones your cleats are mounted on to, nothing major.

[@robwilkinson8497]

what are these craft like going upwind? I must admit I am intrigued, I sail RS700 Skiff and Hobie cat 16...so am not expecting same or even similar performance...but for guddling around and chilling out, looks a lot of fun.

[@AlistairKelsall]

they dont sail that high but they do sail well upwind.

[@bryanedmonds5943]

when you reefed the main, what point of sail were you on? it looked broad Reach to beam reach.

[@AlistairKelsall]

Reaching

[@nestuccaadventures5062]

What devices are you using to sync with your Garmin? Or, are you just using the GPS information that comes built in to the camera?

[@AlistairKelsall]

You don't need to sync, all built in to the camera and software.

[@bryanedmonds5943]

what do you think can be done to stiffen the steering handle?

[@AlistairKelsall]

A complete new design, slightly longer and more stiffer. it's flimsy as it is.

[@DouglasFlather]

Thank you for your videos. They are terrific. Recently bought a '17 AI and now ordered the spin kit. Hobie should pay you royalties. How'd you get back to shore after your handle broke?

[@AlistairKelsall]

I always have a leatherman strapped to me somewhere.

[@johnheav]

Always carry one paddle for an emergency rudder!

[@tonystott7964]

Great effort Alistair! What software do you use to show speeds in the video?

[@AlistairKelsall]

It Garmin software

[@joetringali4884]

Are you using the garmin camera with the software?

[@AlistairKelsall]

yes verb xe with the gamin remote better than go pro now

[@therichyalf]

In lighter air can this boat be sailed wing on wing?

[@AlistairKelsall]

I have no idea what you mean by this.

[@tomroot6013]

Wing on Wing is a Common Sailing term that simply means that each sail is deployed Opposite of each other, while Sailing Downwind! As an example, the Main is deployed to Port and the Spinnaker is deployed to Starboard. You then, Maximize the available sail area! It may cause the Nose to Dive? You should try it out, and see? I'd be interested, actually if that is a possibility, as well? I have not decided as to getting this spinnaker kit yet. I did get the Chickenhead separately, from Hobie, as I have a Roller Furling Foresail, I might rig, perhaps? A Chickenhead, is the Proper Sailing Term used to describe that attachment that goes on the Top of the Mast to handle a Foresail/Spinnaker, BTW! Thanks for the Vid! Looking forward to more!

[@tomroot6013]

Sailing since 1981, and I never heard THAT Term? Must be a Local thing, perhaps?

[@tomroot6013]

Ahh, I see you are Down Under! We are traveling to the Perth W.A. area, next year! We have family there! I LOVE Australia! Wish I could take my Hobie with me, too! :(

[@AlistairKelsall]

I grew up in Perth, there is a Hobie Island club there.

[@vhisla]

What was the wind speed when this was shot?

[@vhisla]

And... what kind of speed would you expect at 10 mph winds (around 15 km/h or 4 m/s)?

[@oceantri]

Is that wind speed or boat speed on the upper right?

[@AlistairKelsall]

boat speed of course

[@morrisdennis]

Nice

[@macmichaelmicmicmic]

were you sailing up wind?

[@AlistairKelsall]

Reaching

[@macmichaelmicmicmic]

looks like close reach

[@AlistairKelsall]

it's where it sails best looks closer than actual due to apparent wind angle

[@markstraeter]

I do 17kn-20kn on my Hobie 18’ and it looks a whole lot faster than this footage. Leads me to believe the reading in the corner screen wasn’t accurate. Cool video. Love the craft and rigging. I’ll stick to flying the hull half I’m hiking out on over sitting center seat. 👍