Developing Kite Power Solutions
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- Are you interested in becoming an organizer in your area?
- Yes
- Tell us about your experience with alternative energy:
- Kite For Sail, LLC is developing kite technology that reduces fuel consumption.
Here is a Fish Factor Radio Broadcast about our project
- What excites you about this campaign?
- Catamaran kiting with the F-10
Power kiting with the F-10
Saving fuel and increasing safety with Kite For Sail
written by Ian Fisher
Spring time in Hawaii is a good time for fishing. Everyone is ready to try new techniques and the fish are hungry. Dan Tracy and Ian Fisher, members of the Maui company; Kite for Sail were ready to start fishing using their fuel saving kite. Setting up their 24 ft boat and preparing the new kite system was a breeze. A10 hp engine was used to motor out of the harbor and a F10 kite was deployed. Immediately the boat felt the steady pull of the kite and the engine was lifted. The force from the kite stabilized the hull as they headed offshore. By using the kite they were able hold all courses except strait upwind. In 10 to 20 knots of wind the boat under kite power alone was able to maintain 5 to 8 knots. The kite can also be used with the engine to reach 7 to 11 knots. Fishing lines were set and a bird pile was spotted. A few kawakawa were reeled in and the lines were reset. After trolling under silent kite power Ian and Dan decide to start the engine to increase their speed. A stationary iwa bird was spotted and the crew headed towards it. Soon the ratchet went off and a nice mahimahi was brought in. Upon returning to the harbor entrance the kite was easily retrieved and stowed away. They were happy to see that only half a gallon of fuel was used on the three hour fishing trip.
Kites date way back to 500 BC in China. Europeans used them to pull their horse buggies and the Hawaiians also invented kites for themselves. More recently in 1999 Ian Fisher created systems that allowed him to launch, control and retrieve kites from his one man canoe and kayaks. In 2003 Dan Tracy created and tested kite control systems from the back of his truck and then started using them on a small catamaran. During 2007 they joined up and started Kite For Sail, a company dedicated to the development of kiteboating equipment.
Whether you have a motorboat or sailboat using kites for additional power is proving to be a natural combination. With prevailing winds of 10 to 25 knots, auxiliary kite power is a solution to rising fuel costs. Kites tap into stronger steadier air currents than those found on the surface of the ocean. The pull of the kite is transferred through lines which are attached to the deck of the boat, thus creating a low center of gravity. This equals a smoother, stable ride and the boat does not pound over waves. During strong gusts the waterline will only lift a couple of inches. 20 to 90 percent fuel savings can be realized depending on hull shape and direction to the wind you are traveling. The Kite For Sail kite system can be easily stowed way for back up power or used regularly to save fuel.
Kite For Sail is now taking orders for the S10 and F10 kite systems. The S10 is for the occasional user. It can be used when engine power is lost or to save fuel. The S10 kite can pull a disabled motor boat through a course range of 45 degrees to the left or right of down wind. When the S10 is used with a kicker or smaller back up engine, hull speed is increased and the boat can travel on all courses except strait upwind. The F10 is designed for the frequent user with optimum fuel savings in mind. More attachments give the F10 improved upwind abilities and ease of operation over longer periods of time. The S10 and F10 systems are equivalent to a 10 hp engine in 20 knots of wind and can be used on all vessels under 40 feet in length. Kite For Sail systems only need 2 to 3 square feet of deck space when in use. These systems are user friendly and the pull from the kite is directed to the hull, not the operator. Whether you are a recreational boater or commercial fisherman, these kite systems will reduce your fuel consumption, increase safety and help out the environment.
Dan Tracy's Blog
HAWAII GOVERNOR LINGLE PRESENTS INNOVATION AWARDS
For Immediate Release: December 8, 2008
GOVERNOR LINGLE PRESENTS
INNOVATION AWARDS
Six Winners from October and November Chosen
HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle today recognized six recipients of the Governor’s Innovation Awards for their ingenuity and commitment to developing creative ways for Hawai‘i to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
The recipients, three each from October and November, include private sector organizations, government entities and private citizens. The winners… Continue
GOVERNOR LINGLE PRESENTS
INNOVATION AWARDS
Six Winners from October and November Chosen
HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle today recognized six recipients of the Governor’s Innovation Awards for their ingenuity and commitment to developing creative ways for Hawai‘i to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
The recipients, three each from October and November, include private sector organizations, government entities and private citizens. The winners… Continue
Posted on December 10, 2008 at 8:51pm —
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The wind is free, flying a kite is fun and the force stabilizes your boat for a smoother ride. Its the new green way to cruise.
Need your help.
I know that we are friends, and you get email updates from me, however, I think this is so important, I am reaching out one at a time.
I AM CREATING A "100CLUB"... members that have faxed in 100 or more signed pledges. So many thousands of people signed onto this site and said they would do anything or everything to help. Here is your chance!
We have the mechanism to build our numbers, we need to use it. It is the easiest ask- Boone has done the hard work. All we need to do is hitch our wagon to his horse and plow to the finish. I have sent in 240 so far.
It comes down to.... DO WE HAVE THE FORTITUDE to really go the distance on this? . I hope so. We aren't asking folks to take up arms. But this IS OUR REVOLUTION. And we have a very small window to get it done. I would like your help.
Glad you are here. Are you able to help us fight for this? Are you in?
Best,
Kim
Just 10 a day for 10 days! For our energy future, isn't it worth it?
Capt. Skip
P.O. Box 12123
Dallas TX 75225
I appreciate your support for the plan and I think its great that you're active on the site. I watched some of your videos and I think they are fantastic!
Energy independence will take everyone thinking outside the box. And you are certainly on the right track!
Geoff
I've seem many of your videos. That's a really fun and productive idea. Keep up the good work.
Clynton
We now have a RED "CONTACT CONGRESS" BUTTON on the main page, top right. Fill out the standard form and the letter is sent to YOUR Governor and Washington Representatives! Easy breezy. Perfect timing considering the energy bill is coming up. We must beat back the lobbyists!
WE CAN DO THIS.
Best
Kim
Welcome aboard. I can't tell you what to organize because it appears to be specific to where you live. Your town or city may have all the right pieces in place, it probably does not.
I would think that there in Hawaii you could easily run the whole state with a wind a solar combo. Not to mention the geothermal potential. I am curious if your state is moving in this direction. If not, you have an excellent opportunity in front of you to lead the nation.Image, being the first state that derives all of its energy solely from alternative, self sufficient means. I am envious of the possibility you have in your lap.
I am trying to get a meeting with my congressional rep and senators. I have put together a letter with others help and sent it out. I am also trying to affect my city and state zoning laws by lobbying them to change. Anything you can afford to do time wise is what is needed. This problem is big and there is no silver bullet. It will only die by the death of a thousand cuts. Each one of us has a small knife and we need to make our mark.
Each of us has to change our behavior and then change the laws, zoning and attitudes of others around us. If you need help, let me know. I will do what I can though it might not be much. I will help.
dan
Just wanted to take a second of your time to invite you to view the solar solution equivalent of the PickensPlan.
www.powur.com/homeenergy1
click View Our Mission and if interested click the back arrow to Become an Ecopreneur.
Also you can see what we offer home owners - www.glenburniesolar.com
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