Folding a WindPaddle sail can be a bit challenging the first
time or two - don't give up! Everyone says that once you get the
hang of it, it really is quite simple!
Some important things to remember before folding your WindPaddle:
Watch the Folding Video. Watch it again!
The WindPaddle is folded into thirds, not halves. You collapse
it in such a way that it makes three loops that fold down on
each other.
As you fold your WindPaddle, make sure to keep it in one plane
- that is, don't let the bottom twist and turn. This is much
easier to do when the sail is attached to the boat...if it is
not attached to your boat, you should brace the bottom of your
WindPaddle against your legs,keeping it flat against you and
not letting it twist.
We
highly recommended that you master folding your WindPaddle
before you venture out on the water with it!
Here is a modification to folding that we use when folding the
"Cruiser" sail.
Make "thumbs down" sign with both hands.
With thumbs in this position, grasp sail at top over grommets
at the 10 and 2 o’clock positions.
Push hands together while rotating top of sail down.
The sail should now take on a "Pringles" potato chip
shape with the top portion taking on a loop shape.
IMPORTANT: Don’t let sail twist (this is easier when sail is
attached to boat).
Tuck top of sail down and under. Keep rotating your wrists
until top loop of sail curls back up inside itself. You will
notice that the left and right sides of sail are now shaped
as loops.
Fold left loop of sail down. Once left loop is folded on top
loop, grasp the edge of both loops with left hand.
Fold right loop of sail down. Once right loop is folded on
top of left loop, grasp the edge of all three coiled loops.
Secure sail. Wrap compression strap around the coiled WindPaddle
sail or, if attached to boat, secure under a deck line or bungee
cord.
Practice, and when you've got it down, you're
ready to go sailing!
