Voiles et Voilier 02/1986

WATER SKIS AND KITE

Bruno and Dominique Legaignoux, two brothers from Quimper, have invented a new kite shape, even more spectacular than windsurfing: the rider, on a pair of water skis - each one shaped like a mini-board with a fin -, is pulled on the water by... an inflatable kite! The patented model can go slightly up wind, in any case, just as well as a windsurfer. The main advantages of this original formula ? A great surface of aerofoil of up to 20 m² (other choices: 9.5 m² and 5 m²), allowing sailing in the summer in light winds, easy learning (but yes) and small overall dimensions after deflating. Without forgetting, of course, the pleasure of practising an exceptional activity !

How does this new machine work ? The wing is controlled by two ropes, which pass through a pulley and swivel fixed to the harness. Once in the water, the skier launches the kite with the wind behind him and the ropes become taut. He then pulls on either side of the wing, which flies away, pulls him out and off into the open sea at high speed.

As of now, this original work has given some great rewards to the two brothers: the prize of Ingeniousness, a fund from the Finistère prefecture in the name of Funds for the initiative of young people, and the sponsorship of the EDF. But the best reward that Bruno and Dominique hope for is, at the 1986 Speed Weeks. They are counting on, very reasonably, to be timed at 25 knots there. Last year, they were already "worth" 17 knots. And, since then, material and technique has considerably evolved.
Good luck to the Legaignoux !