Fixed rig sailing

There are quite a few sailing rigs that use fixed mast systems. You can buy or make your own sail and mast.

These sail systems have the advantage of being most like a true sailboat. They allow the kayak to be handled like a sailboat and will allow a paddler to get closer to the wind than kite sailing or umbrella sailing.

Some sail rigs use two masts in a V format - this puts the bulk of the sail above the kayaker's body. Others use a conventional triangular sails - either main alone or main and jib. Other's still look like a fan - a semicircular sail rising up from the deck. There are sail designs that use a single mast with two booms that extend to either side. Both booms are extended when running with the wind, while the two booms are pushed together, folding the sail in half, to run close to the wind.

Masts can be stepped on the keel or on the deck. The step can be permanent or removable.

A lot of information is available on the web sites linked to on the Making a sail page.