We kept changing rigs as the kites got wet and finally managed third fastest for the week in one class and second fastest in another. It turned out that this was the last good sailing day as the wind shifted direction and the course couldn't be opened. As often is the case, the best conditions and highest speeds for the week were on the first day. This was a pity since we sailed as fast or faster on each succeeding day, in lighter and lighter winds, as practice took its effect. The boat is quite capable of sailing to windward, or downwind, but not fast.
Sailboats generally are only fast across the wind.
This article first appeared in Kitelines, the journal of the American Kiteflier's Association in July, 1988. Since the October '87 Portland Speed Trials chronicled above, Dave Culp Speedsailing has expanded the concept of high speed planing multihulls with a new kite powered catamaran. This boat blends the latest work on 40 knot sailboard shapes with proven Flexifoil kite power. It's a tremendous thrill and can easily become an obsession. We become so focused on the pure thrill of the sport that safety may take a back seat.