In case of failure, trust LibertyKite® to take over!
Engine failure, dismasting… Breakdowns at sea are unpredictable. Any sailor, whether professional or amateur, can find themselves in a difficult situation. Dismasting, in particular, has been experienced by renowned skippers such as Yves Parlier and Arnaud Boissière, who emphasize the importance of a backup solution to maintain control and ensure safety on board. This is why, after facing the challenges of dismasting during the 2000 Vendée Globe, Yves Parlier conceived and designed the LibertyKite®, a self-stable traction kite.
Where safety and fun come together
Whatever type of vessel you own, you’ll find a LibertyKite® suited to your needs. Known for ensuring boat safety, our traction kites are also a great way to experience a different kind of sailing.
Our kites can turn any boat into a “kite boat”! Sailing that means relaxation, enjoyment, and a deeper connection with the environment.
Easy to deploy and requiring minimal rigging, the LibertyKite® can be set up solo or with a partner. Available in multiple sizes (10, 20, 40, and 80 m²), it adapts to various types of vessels.
For motorboats and sailboats over 4 meters.
The smallest surface in our range, making it easy to deploy on small boats (from 4m). It allows you to easily discover the basics of kite traction, even in the lightest breeze!
For motorboats and sailboats over 6 meters.
The most versatile size in our range, our best-seller. It can tow any type of boat from 6m and is easy to handle. It will quickly become an essential part of your gear in favorable winds.
For motorboats and sailboats over 9 meters.
Essential for increasing your autonomy in the lightest breeze during long crossings and deliveries. Its LAUNCH CONTROL system allows you to easily launch the kite into the air.
For motorboats starting at 12 meters.
Your ideal ally for long crossings and transoceanic or Pacific voyages to enhance your autonomy. Discover LAUNCH CONTROL for an optimized launch.
How to set up and navigate with your traction kite?
Discover how to easily set up the LibertyKite® on your boat. Have a question? Don’t be left wondering — contact us for free!
Contact us for more information
Our qualified team is available to discuss with you.
Frequently asked questions
What size kite should I choose for my boat?
We recommend choosing the size of LibertyKite® according to the size of your boat:
- 4 to 8 m => LibertyKite® 10m²
- 6 to 12 m=> LibertyKite® 20m²
- 9 to 18 m => LibertyKite® 40m²
- 15 to 40m => LibertyKite® 80m²
This choice should be refined according to the weight of the boat, its intended use (safety, pleasure, autonomy) and the deck characteristics of each boat.
If in doubt, don’t hesitate to contact us for advice by clicking here.
How fast can you sail a LibertyKite®?
The LibertyKite® is designed to tow, it is powerful and designed to be self-stabilising.
It will take the boat at variable speeds depending on a number of factors: wind strength, chosen course, sea state, hull shape, cleanliness of the hull, etc.
To sail a kite is to sail ‘slow’, to enjoy the calm, to reconnect with your environment. On average, cruising speeds vary from 3 to 6 knots.
What course can I take while sailing with the LibertyKite®?
- On a sailboat (mono/cata/tri), the LibertyKite® will allow sailing from 55° to 165° from the wind.
- On a monohull motorboat, the LibertyKite® will allow sailing from 100° to 165° from the wind.
- On a catamaran or motor trimaran, the LibertyKite® will allow sailing from 80° to 165° from the wind.
These figures are indicative, as each hull is different, some with more or less anti-drift, others with more or less glide. For motorboats, it is advisable to keep the engine engaged as close as possible to the wind (on the beam) to steer the boat and stay on course.
Does the LibertyKite® come with lines?
Each LibertyKite® comes complete with lines. Line type, diameter and length have been carefully selected to suit every size of kite.
You’ll find more information in the product sheets.
Can LibertyKite® be used on all types of boats?
The LibertyKite® has been designed to be adaptable to all types of boat. With just 2 anchor points on the deck, the kite will be operational.
Whether you have a single-hull or multi-hull sailboat, a single-hull or multi-hull powerboat, you can use the LibertyKite®.
Do I need to know how to kite to use the LibertyKite®?
The LibertyKite® has been designed to be easy to use. You don’t have to be a kitesurfer or sailor to use it.
There’s no need to steer it, because it’s self-stabilising in the air.
You’ll quickly get the hang of the LibertyKite® with the help of the video tutorials and instructions provided. Kite flying is child’s play!
Can you steer with the LibertyKite®?
The LibertyKite® is designed to pull the boat along, like a traditional sail. Steering is done using the rudder, the base, or even clutched motors on planing hulls fitted with small rudders.
Can the LibertyKite® be detached on its own?
The LibertyKite® can be launched independently, with a launch aid for large kites (40 and 80 m²) thanks to the Launch Control system.
However, it is preferable to have two people on board so that you can remain at the controls during the launch phase and line adjustment. It’s just a question of getting used to it!
Can I sail a LibertyKite® in strong winds?
We recommend using the LibertyKite® (sending/receiving) between 10 and 25 knots for safety reasons.
A kite will develop very great power in proportion to the strength of the wind. Above 25 knots, the LibertyKite® will hold its own (within reason), but won’t the deck attachment appendages rip off?
Tip: avoid using the LibertyKite® in stormy or very gusty winds.
Can I use the LibertyKite® as an additional sail on my sailboat?
The LibertyKite® can be used vertically on a traditional rig. It can be used as a headsail in addition to the mainsail, or on its own.
You can watch a video of this type of rig on our youtube channel.
What happens if the kite falls overboard?
It is possible for the LibertyKite® to fall overboard (wind drops below 8/10 knots, change of course too abruptly, handling error, etc.). Don’t panic, it happens and the LibertyKite® is designed for it.
The LibertyKite® is fitted with flaps on its air-filled leading edge. When the LibertyKite® falls into the water, it floats. Release one line to avoid ‘trawling’, then bring the kite back to the boat for the second line, always hit the cleat.
Can I ride upwind with my LibertyKite®?
As with traditional sailing, you need to compensate for the lateral pull of the sail by using an anti-daggerboard. Without a daggerboard or keel, it’s impossible to go upwind!
As you can see, the LibertyKite® will allow you to go upwind on some hulls and not others! Some owners decide to install one or more removable daggerboards on board to increase their kiting performance.
What length of line should I use when sailing with the LibertyKite®?
We recommend leaving at least 5m of line so that the LibertyKite® can catch the wind well and avoid turbulence from the deck.
The longer the lines, the more dynamically the LibertyKite® will move through the air, creating its own additional energy (apparent wind).
The shorter the lines, the more static the LibertyKite® will be, and the less efficient it will be in terms of traction force.
The lines supplied with each LibertyKite® allow you to sail in optimal conditions.