Kitefoiler mast test – March 11
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Today we tested the new kite-launching mast on the Kitefoiler for the first time. The setup includes the K1 winch with custom platform, two carbon windsurfing masts with extensions, and an intricate system of pulleys.
Don, Joe, and Dudu successfully launched the kite three times, but had difficulty transitioning from launch controls to sailing controls. Overall, the test went well, as each successive launch improved upon the last. However, they attempted a fourth launch, but the kite lost air after hitting a sharp carbon piece on the bow.
Today was also the first test of some of the new modifications to the boat, including steel reinforcements on the rail moldings and bronze bushings and smaller wheels on the cassettes. When returning to dock, we towed the Kitefoiler to test the efficacy of the new setup and found that the foils were not moving as expected. When hit with enough sideways force, they locked up, causing the boat to jump unstably. The source of this problem will require more investigation.
Kite launching video to follow on Monday!
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