I was thinking the same thing about the two guys who went out unprepared in an off-shore gale on a Nacra 5.5 only to crash and burn and require coast-guard rescue (see previous thread).

Kite sailing is actually a lot of fun. Once you master control of the kite, which is best done on land with a smaller model, it adds a whole new dimension to wind-powered sports. Harder, to be sure, but really exciting. It also translates to winter use with skis or a snowboard. Of course you need to be proficient with this gear, too, so you don't end up crashing into stationary objects, but the potential is there to keep you into wind-powered activities year 'round with a minimum of extra gear.