Hey Frank,
saw your post, sorry to hear about getting caught in an off shore like that, and I can honestly say, "I know how you feel", "been there done that"...got caught in one of those about 3-4 years ago out of Oxnard, on my XFactor, that's why I have a Hobie now, I thought I was not gonna make it in, paddling in place for over an hour, didn't dare reach for the water bottle or I would be back 100 yards from where I just paddled, the president of CKF died that day, I know it can happen, so I got a Hobie shortly after that happened, and took it out, on purpose, with a 35 mph off shore to see how it worked...and you know what I ride now...it is a scary and frustrating deal to be caught out in winds like that, but honestly you would have been the last person I would have expected to have that happen to, I have seen your roost out the back of that XFactor..
As far as a sail, and fishing I agree it may be too much hassle, but Gman
Gerard does it, seems to work well in the wind, it just looks like an aweful lot of equipment...nice Hali BTW,
Matt didn't we tell you to wear your floaties when you go out?? lol