Maybe these guys could help you figure out the steering mechanism.

http://www.trendsportworld.com/artic...2&r=4&sport=-1

Matt

"Parallax" wrote in message
om...
I dont use a spinnaker, just too complicated for a simple minded
person like me, but I have been wondering...

SO....Useless idea #3437

What would happen if you put up a very large helium filled balloon
several hundred ft where there is really good wind, say in the trade
winds and attached it to your deck? Could you steer?

Lotsa commentary on skysails already, but...

"Parallax" wrote in message
om...
I dont use a spinnaker, just too complicated for a simple minded
person like me, but I have been wondering...

SO....Useless idea #3437

What would happen if you put up a very large helium filled balloon
several hundred ft where there is really good wind, say in the trade
winds and attached it to your deck? Could you steer?

Absolutely. That's what the guys with the kites and wakeboards do now.
Control lines and rudders, and off you go. Makes wave-hopping windsurfers
look like they've got lead in their pants.

I had the pleasure of watching a talented one in STT last January. He was
doing barrel rolls, loops, helicopters, and the like. Airborne several
seconds at a time. *NO* problem going upwind.

Watched a lesser talent near Saba Rock later. Mostly went back and forth,
no aerial moves, but still *very* fast.

L8R

Skip

Lotsa commentary on skysails already, but...

"Parallax" wrote in message
om...
I dont use a spinnaker, just too complicated for a simple minded
person like me, but I have been wondering...

SO....Useless idea #3437

What would happen if you put up a very large helium filled balloon
several hundred ft where there is really good wind, say in the trade
winds and attached it to your deck? Could you steer?

Absolutely. That's what the guys with the kites and wakeboards do now.
Control lines and rudders, and off you go. Makes wave-hopping windsurfers
look like they've got lead in their pants.

I had the pleasure of watching a talented one in STT last January. He was
doing barrel rolls, loops, helicopters, and the like. Airborne several
seconds at a time. *NO* problem going upwind.

Watched a lesser talent near Saba Rock later. Mostly went back and forth,
no aerial moves, but still *very* fast.

L8R

Skip