Langman chooses a kite

Aussie Open 60 'skiff' sailor Sean Langman plans to use a kite instead of a spinnaker in this year's Rolex Sydney Hobart

For the first time in a major ocean race, spinnaker-replacement kites will be flown on a maxi racing yacht, Sean Langman's 66-foot AAPT (ex- Grundig), in the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.

AAPT is known as a giant-killer, regularly mixing it up with much bigger 90 footers, but to capture his first Rolex Sydney Hobart line honours trophy this year, Langman knows he has do something completely new - go fly a kite.

The OutLeader(tm) kite flies in the stronger stable wind well above the level of the boat's masthead, providing enormous pulling power. The kite looks like half of a giant parachute, but measures as a spinnaker. Unlike a normal spinnaker, it is sheeted only from the deck, so it doesn't contribute to heeling the boat or burying the bow. This means that the risks of uncontrolled spinnaker wipe-outs are almost eliminated.

Never one to shrink from adding leading-edge developments to the already blisteringly fast 66-foot 'skiff-on-steroids' AAPT, owner and skipper Sean Langman is excited to be breaking into new territory again. "I am definite on having a go," Langman says. "The whole crew is looking forward to the kite."

AAPT's 420sqm OutLeader kite is being designed and built by KiteShip Corporation based in Martinez, California. Kiteship have been developing sailing kites for more than 25 years. President Dave Culp explains: "We know of no other controllable traction kite which simultaneously has only three lines, no bridles, no inflatable chambers and no battens or spars, which is why we have patented it." Over 40 yachts from 30 to 75 feet are now using OutLeader(tm) kites, but AAPT is the first big boat to race offshore with one.

The AAPT crew is planning some serious training sessions with their new kite. "It's a bit different when your spinnaker flies on 100metre sheets, 70 metres above the water," says KiteShip's head sailmaker, Roger Hall. "But since the OutLeader kite needs no pole, it is a joy to gybe."

Using OutLeader kites will also free AAPT's crew from having to pump water ballast aboard the lightweight downwind flyer to counteract a normal spinnaker. "I reckon the most benefit for us will be the reduction of heeling moment, leading to less water ballast of which we currently use 3 tonnes down wind," says Langman.

The 60th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race starts on Sydney Harbour on 26 December If the wind gods allow, the huge spectator fleet will be able to view AAPT powering through the harbour under her huge kite. Sean Langman just wants to go fly his kite all the way to a giant-killing win in Tasmania.