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Hi

On 23 Jun 2004 10:48:21 -0700, (Alex Horvath)
wrote:
[...]
On the other hand people regularly take the high performance craft on
expeditions in rough seas. One example is the Nordkapp which in
experienced hands is supposed to be one of the most sea worthy kayaks.
I guess NDK would claim that in rough seas the wider kayak tends to
tilt on the face of a wave whereas the Nordkapp would remain more
upright.

Even though many people says so, the Nordkapp is not a fast kayak.
The hydrodynamics for the Nordkapp H2O is listed in the latest
Seakayaker.

As for seaworthiness I never understood what that term covers. But I
do know that the NDK Romany is supposed to 'have it'. At least that's
what everybody keep saying. I remain sceptical until someone provides
the hard facts.

Perhaps it just boils down to experience level. What do you think
about this issue? I did not read the articles/info on your website in
great detail but apparently the speed difference between these boats
is not that great. If this is true, than can narrow kayaks be
considered as seaworthy or even more so than wider kayaks?

One month ago I went on a trip with a former german K2 national
champion. I was in the faster, lighter, cooler boat and in pretty good
shape. Still whenever he accelerated it was like I was standing still.
He's twice my age but practices 5-6 times a week in his racing kayak.

One can prove any fact by refering to some expedition(so that's what
I'll do). Nigel Foster and Geoff Hunter went around Iceland in
Foster's Vyneck design. There are few real seakayaks that are less
stable than the Vyneck(Nelo FW 2000 comes to mind).

My main point is: the ability to stay upright and go fast primarily
depends on the paddler.

--
Peter Unold - http://www.unold.dk/paddling