I noted an earlier thread discussing the up-coming Guillemot Petrel Play. I had an opportunity to try the prototype for a day in some moderately raucous conditions a couple weeks ago in Fishers Island Sound. I just loved it. The water line length helps it keep up with the pod of longer craft (Nick) or at least near it (me) out to the destinations. Once there, the Play was definitely in its element. Maneuverability on the standing waves was exceptional - not like my Mega Cyclone exactly, but way better than a Brit sea kayak. I wondered about the shorter length and getting enough velocity to overcome the current. Not a problem - I was surfing one line to the next to the front wall with all the joy of the day. That was in a 3kt current with a 15-20 kt opposing wind. Very comfortable cockpit and a smooth paddler. Lay-back is great - rolls like a log. I did not get a chance to try it in the off-shore boomer sites, like Catumb Rock, or in the Point or beach surf breaks (3-5 feet). But, those who did, like Harry Whalen (Brit Coach and co-holder of fastest Ireland circum nav) time said they loved it and wished for even bigger stuff to play in. I've sold my 65 pound NDK Explorer and will build a Play this January - pushing my Night Heron to the top rack in my garage boat storage. My only recommendation to Nick was to make a skeg available in the kit, which he had intended to do. For the return trip I made the mistake of overloading the front compartment. That, coupled with my longer legs for the seat placement, subjected me to some weather cocking in the beam wind on the return to Stonington. I confess I've gotten to rely on skegs. Correcting strokes on longer crossings get tedious for me. In any case, a very, very cool play boat.
Some shots of Harry in the shore break at Napatree Point, RI in a bit of a nor'easter at Greg Paquin's Autumn Gales Symposium
http://ct-pov.smugmug.com/Other/Autumn-Gales/i-JPwCcnT/0/X2/P1030172-X2.jpg
http://ct-pov.smugmug.com/Other/Autumn-Gales/i-SDkSQCM/0/X2/P1030180-X2.jpg
Regards to the Forum,
Carl