Quote:
Originally Posted by HellRaZoR004
That looks like a recipe for disaster...looks like a lot of moving parts (lines).
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The kite can be raised by one person, with just two lines. The kite is extended high into the stronger winds found aloft: those winds being unavailable to all but the tallest sailcraft.
A few years ago, while fuel prices were increasing, kites were used on ocean-going ships to save about 20% in fuel costs. On some ships, the savings was passed to crew members.
• Anne Quéméré kited across the North Atlantic (and Pacific) in an 18-foot boat—solo. To use the weather to her best advantage, the usual kite was used with the occasional
sea anchor.
Story and video at site:
http://yachtpals.com/kite-sailing-boat-quemere-3095
• Ironically, it was a search for a missing
US Navy "rescue ship" that resulted in a
US Navy submarine becoming disabled itself, and being forced to sail into Hawaii:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_R-14_(SS-91)
This is Anne Quéméré adventuring the North Atlantic: