This post is dedicated to our favorite sail ever, the Parasailor. Unfortunately, the conditions needed for this sail are narrowly defined. Wind has to be from behind at 120 degrees or more, and it has to be under about 17 knots. When conditions are right, though, it’s magical. It’s dead quiet and it easily moves the boat along at a minimum of half the wind speed.
It’s extremely rare that I manage to fly the drone while underway. In fact, I’ve lost two drones to the sea during my past attempts. I think I’ve finally got it figured out now, though.
If only you could circle the globe in just these conditions.
9 Comments on “Parasailor”
Wow!
fabulous
That’s a gorgeous sail!
Beautiful pictures!
Gorgeous
One of those “magical” moments in life which Ali, Ouest, Lowe and you will carry for the rest of your lives, wherever you go. Thanks for the memory.
Beautiful!!! So calm and peaceful….. Stay safe….Marilyn
I would be interested in your drone recovery technique. I just bounced mine off the aft solar panels and into the ocean. Up until then it was a pretty cool video of us under sail…
Great shots!
Strangely, I’ve now lost three drones, and all were when launching, not landing. Which isn’t to say my recovery technique is any good. I honestly don’t know how people do it in any real winds. My only thought would be to catch it in a big net and then deal with any broken propellers afterwards. But in light winds like this I put it in sport mode, which turns off the obstacle avoidance, and then I stand at the back of the boat and fly it towards me. When it is close I work on adjusting the height starting lower because it will keep creeping upwards. Then with one hand flying it forward I grab the drone from underneath. Once I have it in hand I “land” it with the remote and it shuts down. With a flyer and a catcher it might be a little bit easier, but no matter what I think it’s always going to be a tricky maneuver. Better luck next time! I just lost this drone the other day. Occupational hazard, I guess. I’m on about a 1 drone per 2 years rate myself.