Frequently Asked Questions
about Sailing Canoes
Table of Contents
Q:- Aren't canoes too narrow and tippy for sailing?
A:- An understandable concern but
about Sailing Canoes
Table of Contents
Q:- Aren't canoes too narrow and tippy for sailing?
A:- An understandable concern but
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with the right amount of sail (not too much that is! See the wind-scale page) |
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on the right sort of day (just a very light breeze to start with) |
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develop your skills through careful experience or some expert tuition |
and you should have a safe and rewarding new recreation.
A:-You don't have to use a rudder; it is entirely possible to sail a canoe using a paddle to steer. It is a bit trickier though, juggling the paddle and hanging on to a rope to control the sail at the same time - unless you are sailing two-up, when the other person could hold the rope. Also it does get rather tiring stern-ruddering for several hours on any longer trips, especially going downwind in a good breeze when the canoe is always trying to turn up towards the wind.
Q:- Can I use an old dinghy or sailboard sail I already have?
A:-You can use sails from other boats but they are often too big. As long as you think carefully about how to modify it for your canoe and design the rig to be practical and strong enough, second hand sails can be fine as well as inexpensive. However, remember that some old sails may be stretched and a bit baggy which makes them less good for stronger winds, when you could do with a flatter, more controllable shape.
Q:- What happens if you capsize?
You get wet usually! Depending on how much buoyancy is in the canoe (built in to the structure of the boat, or buoyancy bags strapped in) the canoe can be righted and bailed out in a few minutes before scrambling back in to continue sailing. It is quite important to practice this procedure in easy, warm conditions before it is needed for real.
A:- Canoes are really portable with most people carrying them on their car roof. They can be paddled as well as sailed in shallow water. Setting a canoe up for sailing from first principles and making it work is very informative and enjoyable, producing a great way to potter about, go picnicking, racing or expeditioning.
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