Back in 1969, I was a young teenager and attended an unlimited hydroplane race (I think it was the goldcup). My best friend and I had both brought some old innertubes to float around on at the lake edge to get the best view. Before every race they would have these motorboats go along the course shooing everyone back to the shoreline for obvious safety reasons. My friend had a beach towel around his neck to keep from being burned but when the safety boats came to us, he held up his towel tucking it under his legs, holding it up with his arms and took off! With all the paddling and kicking, I still couldn't keep up with him...the problem for him was the wind was blowing him in all different directions but generally toward shore, no basic control. That's when the idea came to me. ...! If you had a daggerboard and rudder with a basic tiny mast you could really have some serious fun with this...even sail into the wind! Yehawwww!!!
So, over the years, I've been working on this concept off and on and finally developed the prototype that works as envisioned. I patented the frame that attaches to a large tube and provides not only a seat, but a daggerboard. The front of the frame has a slot for the mast and the rear extends for the rudder. End result is what you see in the pictures, a truly fun little sailor. This is the tiniest sailor and is perfect for those who have never taken lessons. Of course as you learn to sail and become competent, you can always move up into something bigger, but I doubt you would ever give it up completely because there is nothing like this portable little beach cruiser...heck, bring it along with your bigger sailboat or powerboat to use at your destination.. How cool is that!!!!
Give us a thumbs up if you like it. We hope a manufacturer will pick it up and turn-em out for all to enjoy at the beach or lake shore. Hope to see you in one soon. Thank-you!
update: In view of the new administration, I'm quite sure sales for the Sail a tube will be better than expected. With more folks working and money back in the economy, it should be obvious to all that the more people have to spend outside of their bills and savings, the more purchases they will make. You can't buy anything if you're broke.
Patent Pending
