s.w.a.t.h. kiteboat - is this possible?

[water addict]

Originally Posted by eponodyne

I have no idea why, 12 years into development of kites for boardsports and landsailing, this myth continues to perpetuate. People, please do a little research before you post something that is demonstrably and provably untrue. Please.

I'm not sure the SWATH is the best bet for a kiterig-- and 6M draft? For a coastwise rig? Planning on towing a dinghy?

Ok, if I'm wrong, show me a kite boat or board tacking through 80 degrees, and I'll believe it. I've seen kite boards sailing at maybe 70 degrees true wind angle, or tack through about 140. Not really upwind.

Show me, and I'll believe it.

[Munter]

Originally Posted by water addict

At least part of the time for coastal sailing, you would likely need to go upwind, or at least close reach. You can't do this, at least very well, with a kite.

Well there's certainly no issue with close reaching with a kiteboard which I think demonstrates that a kite is capable of sailing upwind regardless of whether its been done yet on a boat.

The angles might not be the same as a racing yacht but they can certainly get upwind. The way I interpret your comment it seems you are suggesting that kites are not even capable of close reaching which I believe is incorrect. Some GPS track plots would help determine the angles. I'll have a dig around for some.