: Those of us on this board that sail know that a slight bit of weathercocking
: is good for safety and we usually tune our sailboats to turn into the wind
: when no one is at the helm. If the boat's just sitting there, the force of
: the wind should turn it into or towards the wind (weathercocking). Why? If
: you're in the water and trying to get back in the boat, the boat will
: point up, turn into the wind, stalling any forward motion it might have.
: If the boat turns downwind (leecocking) in the breeze, a sailboat can just
: sail away without you, and a kayak can easily be blown away faster than
: you can swim to catch it.

: Just an FYI.

: Jim

You make a good point. I never have checked to see if my kayak will weathercock when empty, I haven't had the nerve to let go of it in a good wind. It should since the paddler's CG is more than half way back.

There is also the concern if a paddler becomes diabled in the kayak, the kayak should point into the weather for best unassisted stability.

Dave