It looks like I’ll be lucky enough to be doing some kiting from a Catamaran , and need to get this ‘launching from a boat’ technique down. I’ve had a read through this thread www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=51839 , and was thinking about trying a technique which is similar to what Big Air Paul mentioned, but just modified a bit. I was wondering if anyone has ever tried this technique for launching from a Cat? I have kites with 5th line safeties and am thinking that I will be making my way back to the stern of the Cat after each session (To the back steps of one of the hulls), and then pulling the 5th line safety to kill the power and then wind the kite in. But this would mean that I may not get back to a beach to lay the lines out again before the next launch, so I don’t see that I have too many options other than to somehow lay out the lines again to be sure there are no issues (unless of course I really want to add some possible excitement to my life). So, does anyone have any thoughts or constructive criticism on this technique below:

Cat is at anchor, bow into the wind.
Pump up the kite on the lowest step on the stern of one of the hulls (Most of the kite will be lying in the water, just the section near the leading edge would be up on the transom step.)
Once it’s pumped up, leave it on its back and tie the kite from the small loop at the centre of the leading edge to the back of the cat (using a short line – maybe even a death leash), keeping the kite sitting upside down on the back step.
Connect the lines to the kite, take the handle, get into the dinghy, and then unroll the lines while drifting away from the kite (and Cat).
When all the lines are tight and have been checked, motor the dinghy back to the opposite hull from where the kite is, leaving the lines in a semi circle behind the Cat. (Should be able to stay well clear of the lines in the dinghy , and I’m thinking that the wind will keep the lines away from the cat?)
Tie off the chicken loop on the hull opposite to where the kite is.
Untie the kite from the hull, roll it over, and let it sit leading edge down in the water.
Release the kite for a drift launch.
Walk across to the opposite hull, switch the chicken loop over from the tie-off on the hull to your harness, grab your board, and launch.

All of these types of launches obviously have an element of risk, but I wouldn’t want to miss some great conditions because there’s no decent beach nearby! It’s also basically an unassisted launch which would be good if you happen to be the last person to leave the boat to go kiting!

Any thoughts?

Thanks

Burls

As the above poster said pre rig your kite and bar before you get on the boat..... ie : pump up kite, set up lines as per normal then carefully wind up the lines onto the bar whilst they are still attached to the kite, When about a metre from the kite stop.. and use the line holders to keep the lines on the bar ( dont know what they are actually called, but the little loops of elastic on the bar ends ) if you have them , if not use elastic bands. Now you can deflate your kite and roll it up.... The only thing you have to be careful of is that you dont put the rolled up kite through any part of the lines.....

If you have done it correctly you should be able to pump up your kite in the stern step.... drift it out and your lines should be set.............

When returning to the boat.... wind up your lines onto the bar like a self rescue ( can be quite difficult in decent wind ) stop about a metre befor the kite as before then deflate and pack up as before being careful not to put the bar through the lines and you are ready for the next day.

If I stop for lunch or drink etc.... I dont bother packing down the kite but simply rest the wingtip on the waters edge ( obviously into the wind ) and hook the chicken loop onto the side rails or shroud and she is ready to go when you are.

It is also worth noting that most lines twists etc..... can actually be fixed from the bar and in the water.... it can be tricky to do but most can be sorted by threading the bar back between the front lines, or if only one line is twisted pass the bar through the front lines then roll the bar ...... ok this is waaaay to hard to describe have a go next time your lines are twisted and you should soon work it out.

The only caution is that in order to do this you have to disconnect your leash, and unhook so you will be holding your kite only by the front lines as you thread the bar through.... at this point you obviously want to keep a firm grip.