So I'm bout an hour and a half away from this massive lake called Cold Lake. It has a pretty big marina, and they have a pretty popular sail club. But when I look at the weather there, the wind can't be more than 10mph. Which got me wondering how much wind a sailboat needs to get going. The club has meets once a week and looks like they have regular races and events so thinking that maybe getting in contact with them might help with insight when the best times would be for me to plan a trip there for some kiting. Anybody here sail that can inform a fella of these things work???

i imagine the boats have reefable (adjustable) sails or just run up/down more/less sails as per wind requirements.
i'm hopeing to get a small boat maybe next year if i catch on well enough to this landsailer i got here.

We have a 24 foot sloop and it does not take alot of wind to make it move. But to have fun we need at least 10-15 solid. And more is funnerer. Like my Grandfather said. If the toerail is above the water your not sailing!!

Yeah... that's kinda what I thought. Probably don't need much wind to move but higher winds are needed to have any fun. With the mass of that lake I'm thinking that in the middle there is a better chance of wind anyway

Be careful one may turn into a POLE DANCER

They will have a variety of sails from storm sails to spinnakers for light winds, just like we have different sizes.

But for little class dinghy racing, they will still race chasing light wind puffs and breezes ghosting over the water. It's not America's Cup action but challenging, just like us chasing the same winds with big kites for the buggy. I can launch in a puff with the Reactor 10.8 and stay moving in near zero with apparent wind, but even a small sailboat will not build apparent wind with that little and needs to chase the puffs.

Sounds way more technical than kiting in low winds. Also wayyyyyyy harder on the old pocket book. Glad I so this sport that's for sure.:embarrased:

I have to agree with everything said but just want to add that they also (Racers in particular) use several "Sail shaping" devices to get the best aero shape (Flat, deep draft, etc...) from their sails such as cunning hams, adjustable back stays, and travelers. It really does amount to a lot of money and time on the water to beat the other boats. Many of them take it very seriously but that does indeed make them an ideal source for seeking favorable conditions for kiting because they watch the weather like hawks...

Tony
PL Comp XR
GI Patrol
HQ Rush III Pro 3.5
Beamer TRS 5.0

If the sailing bug has bit ya, you seem to be able to find a hobiecat 14-"17" double hulled catamaran for sale on just about every craigslist.

Catamarans! :wee: get someone on shore to fart in your direction and you'll break the sound barrier

Yesterdy Bobby and I were chasing light winds on Jekyll starting 4-6 mph with our Reactor II 10.8's. Was straight on shore. Speeds near 20 mph were easy but with wind building to 8-11 we were way overpowered, sliding sideways up the beach at 25+ backing off with the kite overhead but with drafts under our butts trying to stay in. I have bruises on my thighs from harness straps fighting against being pulled out sideways over the rails of the Ivanpah. Then we switched to 18 m phantom and 19 m Charger for more relaxed flying with speeds around 30 but no drama or sores. 19 m Charger with straps loose auto zenith but still active and required constant trim changes at different speeds to keep it with stable shape. Once moving light air and light wind it was a delight with fast easy turning. 18 m Phanny kept up well though.

my hobie 16 will go FAST in 10 knots. but it takes an hour to get it and take it to the water and another hour to step the mast and go sailing. it takes me 7 minutes to leave my house, drive to the beach, launch, and tack upwind with my kite wih 15 knots.

I raced sailboats for a few years and you do have to spend a lot of money to be competiive. even class racing requires new sails regularly to win.

I feel your pain Kitesurfer...I too had a 16. Though the craft was most exhilarating when rigged and sailing...it was a pain to set up and take down. Plus I got pitched poled in front of a bunch of beach goer tourist that had a great laugh at my experience. I just do love the logistics of kites.