Description
Peter Lynn Kite Sailing is proud to introduce
the KiteCat. The ultimate kite powered catamaran, which is
very easy to control, even with little kite experience. The
KiteCats designer, Peter Lynn based in New Zealand, had a
vision of making multipurpose kite sailing accessible for
everyone, the result is the KiteCat
The KiteCat is steered by four stainless steel rudders, which
are operated and controlled by foot, while the sailor flies
and controls the water relaunchable kite by hand. Whether
there’s a gentle breeze or if its howling, you can still
grab a kite and get on board the KiteCat and have the ultimate
sailing experience!
As more and more people enter the world of kite sailing the
racing scene will start to grow, enabling course racing. So
keep your eyes peeled because next time you’re on the
water you may see a KiteCat scream past you!
Performance:
Its amazingly responsive!! The Kitecat turns
as quick as a buggy which is exactly what is needed to handle
the waves and to wash off power, this is achieved by the unique
steering system developed by Peter Lynn. It incorporates rudders
just forward of the centre as well as the rear of each hull.
This gives you the ability to really throw the KiteCat around!
The acceleration after a jibe is unbelievable - get the hang
of the KiteCat and its really hard to go back to a normal
sailing boat.
- The upwind performance is competitive with
most conventional sailing craft and much greater compared
to a kite surfer
- Speed matches any other watercraft on the
water
- Can be used on all types of water; sea,
lake or reservoirs
- Wave tolerant and stable in surf 1.5m+
- Anti heeling (sideward stability) meaning
ultimate stability when your kite is pulling
- Large wind range, from 5mph – 60mph,
depending on your flying skills
- Lightweight construction enables use on
and off the water by a single person
- Wind range - From 5kph to 50+kph
-
Reaching and downwind sailing - Can be faster than almost
any other sailing craft, more than 50kph has already been
achieved
-
Wave Tolerant - The Kitecat is extremely wave tolerant
and stable. It's useable to 1.5m (face measure) waves,
with care and skill.
-
Stability in heeling and in surf is much better than
any comparable size sailboat.
Moderate skill and athleticism is necessary, not particularly
age or gender limited. Currently lower set up cost than other
sailing options, relative to speed and performance.
The KiteCat is conceived and presented as
a single-design boat for racing and recreational sailing.
It does not require a high level of athleticism or physical
strength but does require and reward skill. KiteCat kitesailing
is similar to kitebuggying, not as demanding as windsurfing
or kiteboarding.
History:
The KiteCat was designed by Peter Lynn from New Zealand ,
the final result of intensive development since 1987. With
over a hundred and fifty prototypes of every conceivable style,
it's fair to say that Peter's dedication to kite-sailing throughout
the many years has been a driving obsession. His aim, achieved
at last, is to make all-course kitesailing practical for the
widest range of users in the widest range of wind and water
conditions.
The KiteCat is a cross-over from a variety of different sports.
If you've never flown a high performance kite before, or aren't
from a sailing background…..have no fear!! The KiteCat
is relatively easy to use, with beginners sailing successfully
after as little as a single day's instruction and practice.
There is almost no limit to the level of skill that can be
attained however, progress is satisfyingly continuous from
that first day.
The KiteCats are beginning to receive more
and more attention on a global scale from people of various
backgrounds and interests in countries such as Australia ,
Canada , Italy , Kuwait , New Zealand and the USA . With continued
awareness of kite-sailing, the KiteCats are sure to find their
place in the 21st century.
Awards:
Team KiteCat have won winning awards at Weymouth
Speed Week, UK 1-7 October 2007. Placed 2nd, 4th and 5th over
all and winner of the D Ward Innovation trophy
Product Over View:
Transportable by roof rack
General Specifications (Assembled):
- Total length (including hulls) –
4.3m
-
Width - 2.0m
- Height - 0.8m
- Weight - 35kg
Available in White, Yellow or Red
Specs
Kitecat Specifications:
| |
Length
(cm) |
Width
(cm) |
Height
(cm) |
Weight
(kg) |
| |
415 |
50 |
50 |
40 |
| |
430 |
200 |
80 |
35 |
Kitecat Nose:
The
bow-lifting section of the Kitecat is similar to a surf-ski
(jetski).
The upward tip prevents "nose-diving",
while surfing waves or out in choppy water.
Drainage Plugs
and Breather Tube:
The
breather tubes balance the internal air pressure when the
Kitecat is heating or cooling in the daily sun, in changing
climates, without letting water into the hull. On the inner
side of each hull is a 3mm diameter breather tube that's placed
through a mounted bolt and then coiled around the frame for
0.5m (50cm). This reduces the vacuum of a sealed hull that
will suck water through the fibreglass.
The drainage plugs are placed at the rear
of each hull. When necessary, the plugs can be opened to extract
the water that may have seeped inside the hull.
Steering Rudders:
The
Kitecat turns on a dime! Many first time users are amazed
of the tight turning circle of the Kitecat. For very fast
speed runs and time trials, users have been known to make
the modifications to slow the steering down!
The steering operates similar to a land yacht
or kite buggy with the sailors feet on the foot-pegs which
control the rudders. The four non-retractable rudders are
made from stainless steel which makes them strong and robust.
With two rudders at the front and two at the rear, all steering
provides very fast and precise turning. The rudders also take
the load of the boat when on land. A person can sit in the
seat of the Kitecat on land without any damage to the rudders.
Side Trampolines:
The
two side trampolines are attached onto the frame between each
hull and the seat.
This area is ideal for a passenger to sit
as well as providing standing space when the sailor climbs
aboard.
Sailor plus passenger weight should not exceed
160kgs.
Kitecat Seat:
The
adjustable fabric seat is one of the latest inventions on
the Kitecat that has really improved the overall comfort for
the sailor.
Not only are the side walls high, allowing
your body to be positioned securely into the seat (as you
would be in a racecar), there are also two hidden side bars.
These have been placed internally on the sides of the seat
to take the majority of the load off the sailors harness and
put it directly onto the seat and the frame. The sailors slots
comfortably into the seat, with the internal seat side bars
positioned above the harness. Essentially, it works like a
seat belt and holds the sailor to the seat without the use
of a lapstrap.
Only the best YKK zippers, buckles and marine
grade webbing is used to produce the most rugged seat for
the conditions.
Kitecat Frame:
The
Kitecat frame is very strong and robust, made of various sizes
of high quality stainless steel giving strength but keeping
weight to a minimum.
For transportation and storage, it's possible
to reduce the width of the Kitecat. Loosen six nuts and the
frame will will fold to 1 metre wide.
For a complete pack down, take the frame off
the hulls and disassemble the frame into four sections, which
are easly stored away.
Kitecat Hulls:
The
Kitecat hulls are made from glass fibre with a Gelcoat finish.
Internally, accurately placed bulkheads provide extra strength
in the sections that hugely improve the overall strength,
but keeping it light. The "upside down", low drag
displacement style hulls, provide maximum grip with the side
load of a kite.
The hulls have the perfect floatation, at
175kgms, hugely improving stability and speed, as well as
allowing an extra passenger on board for instructional purposes.
FAQ
What's the Wind Range
for the KiteCat?
It's easily capable of all course sailing in as little as
5-8knots, even down to 3 knots with specialist light wind
kites. At the top end, KiteCats have sailed in 60+knots with
skilled sailors. Ideally the best wind for the KiteCat is
anything between 5-20knots.
Can I use the
Kitecat in the Surf/Waves?
Yes, certainly. The duck bill prow resists nose diving in
chop or heavy swell and when surfing in . Also being a catamaran
that has relatively low centre of gravity, it's very stable!
What type of kites are recommended
for the KiteCat?
Any kiteboarding kite will work best. The most suitable design
for the KiteCat is a kite with an auto zenith feature, because
they will generally apex up and de-power when left to themselves,
which is great for times when the sailors attention is elsewhere.
In very light winds, 20sq/m and even larger style kites are
also very suitable.
What size kite do you recommend
on the KiteCat?
Any SLE 12m or 16m Twinskin style kite can be used 90% of
the time. Their power and turning speed for light conditions
and huge wind range will allow the same kite to be carried
through to well over 20knots in experienced hands. The KiteCat
can take any side load that the kite can provide- more than
can be resisted by a kite-boarder.
Anything larger than a 20m (flat area) becomes a handful in
the lighter winds and does not necessarily improve performance
anyway. 8m to 15m kites can be used above 20+knots for easier
control and in lighter winds also for cruising when maximum
performance is not the aim.
What length
of line should I use?
25m-30m is suitable for a majority of wind conditions..
How do you launch
the kite and get going on the water with the KiteCat?
It's highly recommended to launch the kite from the beach
(just like kiteboarding). Walk to the KiteCat which has been
placed close to the water's edge.
Pick the KiteCat up from both side frames in front of the
seat and move into the water until deep enough (about knee
deep).
Sit back into the seat and power up the kite and you're off.
How do I come to a stop when
Kite Sailing?
Approach the land at a slow comfortable speed with the kite
in the neutral position.
The fins are designed to take the boats weight, so “running
a ground” is not a problem.
Ride it in until the boat touches the shore.
Jump out of the seat and leave the boat at the edge of the
water.
Land the kite on the beach and go back to the boat and pull
the KiteCat out of the water.
Is the load of the
kite going through the sailor?
Yes. The load goes from the lines, de-power loop, harness
(body), seat and then frame. The KiteCat has a uniquely designed
seat that takes the majority of the load off the sailor.
The harness bypasses the majority of the load
off the sailor and onto the internal side frames, placed inside
the seat. The specs page has more information on the seat.
Please note: For your safety, the public's safety and for
the reputation of the sport – we don't recommend attaching
the load of the kite directly onto the frame of the KiteCat.
Serious injury may occur!!
How is the KiteCat transported?
Most users transport the KiteCat on a roof rack on top of
their vehicle fully assembled. Another option that has just
become available is a folding system to allow width reduction
for even easier roof carrying. A trailer can also be used.
How is the KiteCat
carried around from the vehicle to the water's edge?
If there's one person, you can stand infront of the seat,
pick up the KiteCat by the side frames. You're free to walk
around unaided as you're standing in the central postion without
the KiteCat dragging on the ground.
If there's two people, it's easy to have one person on each
side of the seat.
How many people can go on the
KiteCat at one time?
The KiteCat is primarily a single person craft but a passenger
seat is optional, which is great for taking children / partners
for a sail as well as being perfect for instructing. The sailor
and passenger weight should normally not exceed 140kgms.
I'm from a
sailing background, I've never flown a power kite before,
how do I start?
The basic knowledge required to fly and understand a power
kite can easily be taught to you by a local kiteboarding school
close to you. Go down and book yourself a lesson to understand
more about the wind window which will lead you to sailing
the KiteCat. Also, the sport of kitebuggying (similar to a
land yacht but with kites) is a perfect way to tune your skills
on land with a safe environment.
I'm from a
kiting background, I understand the wind window and basic
safety, but how do I get going on the KiteCat?
You already possess the essential knowledge necessary for
kitesailing, and now it's only just a matter of understanding
how a larger kite with a bar works. Get yourself accustomed
to flying a kiteboarding kite by starting off in light winds
on a beach. When you're ready to hit the water, you'll find
that the KiteCat requires similar skills to kite buggying.
I'm from a
kiteboarding background, how do I get going on the KiteCat?
You most likely have all the gear (kite, harness, lines and
bar) and you understand all that's needed to know about the
kite. The KiteCat requires less skill than kiteboarding, can
be done in much lighter winds, goes upwind extremely well
and can go surprisingly fast when fully powered. All you need
now is a KiteCat!
What harness should I use?
A kiteboarding seat harness will give you the maximum comfort
you will require.
What size of kite
should I use on the KiteCat if there are other Kiteboarders
out at the same time?
Gernerally speaking, you can use at least
the same size of kite (perhaps one size bigger) as a kite-boarder,
so long as you're as skilled at flying as they are.
If the wind is light, how can
I see if there's enough wind without getting into the water?
If you have flat water, like a lake for example, fly the kite
on the land first to see if your kite will stay in the neutral
zone,directly above you (aka 12 O'clock ) without walking
around to keep the kite up there, you have enough wind to
hit the water with the KiteCat. If you're walking around to
keep the kite flying, you will need a little more wind. If
there's a lot of current or waves, you will need more wind=power
to get the KiteCat out.
Should I have
a paddle on the KiteCat just in case something goes wrong?
Yes, for sure. Just in case the wind dies off, or you have
some kind of problem, you can always get back to shore. Having
a life vest isn't a silly idea either!
How long does it take
for you to set up and go kite sailing?:
About 10-15minutes. Take the KiteCat off the roof racks on
the car, walk it down to the water and launch the kite - off
you go!
What are the best
learning conditions?:
As far as conditions go we would recommend for a beginner
finding flat water and clean wind. Small waves are great fun
and the larger waves can be a real handful. It is recommended
to make sure that you wear a helmet no matter what the conditions
and always use the KiteCat in a safe manner as recommended
by Peter Lynn.
Accessories
Kitecat Accessories:
The KiteCats are 100% New Zealand made. Once you've placed
your order, the lead time is approx 4 weeks, plus 4 - 8 weeks
for shipping (by sea).
Side
Trampolines:
The two side trampolines are attached onto the frame between
each hull and the seat. The area is ideal for a passenger
to sit, as well as providing standing space when the sailor
climbs aboard. Sailor plus passengers weight should not usually
exceed 160kg.
Kitecat
Roof Rack:
Transporting the KiteCat, with one person to the water, without
the use of a trailer is very important. The KiteCat Roof Racks
have been designed to clamp onto any existing roof rack. So
if your current roof racks run the length or width of your
vehicle, they will easily clamp on within a few minutes. We’re
yet to find a roof rack that isn’t compatible. Once
the KiteCat Roof Racks have been fitted, it only takes one
person to place the KiteCat on or off the vehicle.
Engine
Mount:
Attaching an out-board motor to the engine mount will open
up the secluded launching locations for the KiteCat, or use
it for a safety device to get you home in any weather conditions.
Whilst in power mode, the KiteCat steers by foot with possible
speeds of 25km/h. Engine not included.
Dehydration
Bladder:
Keep your fluids up when kite sailing the day away. The dehydration
bladder slots into the pocket, located at the back of the
seat. Velcro tabs keep the bladder upright, as well as keeping
the mouthpiece on hand when you need to gulp down some water.
Kitecat
2-in-1 T-Socket Tool:
All nuts and bolts on the KiteCat have a hex head of 13mm.
Use the specially designed KiteCat tool to assemble your boat
in minutes.
One end of the handle is pressed, into a flat
screw driver shape, to allow the bungs to be opened. Store
the T-socket in the seat pocket for safekeeping.
Kitecat
Paddle:
Keep a paddle on hand for safety reasons.
The lightweight paddle can be attached to
the frame whilst not in use.
Email:
info@powerkiteshop.com
