Hi Sterling:
I wanted to catch up with you now that I've had time to put the GI
through its paces. It had its maiden voyage at the Golden Gate Sea
Kayak Symposium, where it garnered a lot of interest. The first day
featured of 40 to 50 mph squalls and lots of tide race action at
Yellow Bluff. I was a bit nervous since it was the first time with my
butt in the boat, but it handled it all with ease. Since then I've
been out at Trinidad several times in fairly intense conditions, with
swell anywhere from 12 to 18 feet with long periods. My conclusion?
It's a magic boat. Somehow you've managed to build a craft that is
crazy maneuverable, unfazed by wind and so stable in rough conditions
that I have to remind myself not to be stupid. I'm afraid I'll forget
how to brace since I so seldom have to do so. Thanks for a beautiful
boat, Sterling......
The boat amazes me. Talk to you soon.
Damon

Specs

LENGTH 17'3"

BEAM 23.5"

WEIGHS FROM 42 TO 50 LBS

FRONT HATCH 10"

DAY HATCH 8"

REAR HATCH 17"x13"

Click for Color Chart

Brandon takes 1st Place in the Men's Sea Kayak Division in the new Grand Illusion.

Excerpts from Brandon: Sterling asked me if I would field-test the new Grand Illusion design for its "rapid transit" qualities. It's viability as a big boy's rock garden-hopper, surf-lander, gear-hauler and overall expedition survival pod are already accepted by the who's who of the the Pacific Northwest expedition paddlers...and now it's rapid transit quality has indeed been established. Despite it's ability to carve like a surfboard, the boat cruises easily enough to take the win in the Sea Kayak Class and finish 35th overall. With a little more time in the boat to get the outfitting and trim tuned to my weight and inseam, another minute or two could have been shaved. If we could add in a 30-knot wind and head-high wave, I think the Grand Illusion would've been laughably more competitive.... I cruise Grand Illusion @ 5.5 mph

Brandon Nelson, Bellingham, WA 1st place SK-M, 61:27

Sterling "It's invaluable to me to have the world-class kayaker, Brand Nelson, paddle my NEW GRAND ILLUSION in the Deception Pass Dash. It really shows the potential of this kayak. Thank you, Brandon. "

Brandon's Height: 6'6" Weight: 240 lbs.

A new Kayak design takes years of development and testing.

The Grand Illusion was developed at the urging of George Gronseth of Kayak Academy. George had a lot of input in this Kayak.

Reg Lake, explorer, inventor and one of the original developers of the Kayaking Sport in the USA has been helping, testing and inventing through the whole process. There has been much testing by Pacific Northwest Paddlers.

I have worked hard for this project to come to it's final stage--an actual performance kayak for camping, expeditions and for larger paddlers.

We are amazed at the end product, grateful for all the input and help.

Come enjoy a test paddle, Sterling