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Touring with a sailing canoe combines the best features of both sailing and canoeing worlds. In experienced hands a seaworthy sailing canoe is delicate and pleasure to sail. Even with one meter keel depth a canoe sailor is not dependant of boating lanes. Retractable keels and rudders give flexibility when navigating shallow waters. With a sailing canoe it is possible to navigate the same wetlands as with a canoe. With a rig that is possible to lower or dismantle you can pass low bridges and road drums.
III B class Vasama about to leave the Seurasaarenselkä bay in Helsinki to open sea on summer 2003. Photo: Ilkka Luukka.
This page concentrates on tiny differences between canoe touring and canoe sailing. There is a lanrge number of books written about canoe touring. That information is applyable to canoe sailing with these slight marginal remarks.
Packing the equipment
The risk of capsizing with a sailing canoe is bigger than with an open canoe, so delicate equipment must definitely be packed watertight. A capsized sailing canoe will be tossed by the waves so the stuff inside must fixed loosely but securily in their places. To gain more speed the heaviest items should be placed near bottom as center as possible, which applies to crew too. With a strong side wind it is necessary to sit on weather side as counterbalance.
It is wise to practise capsizing the canoe with the full camping gear near a safe beach.
Planning day sailings
With a decent beam wind a swift touring sailing canoe is abe to make even 10-12 knots, about 20 km/h. But on average a fit touring paddler is able to make longer daily distances than a canoe sailor. Tacking slows down the actual progress although the saild kilometers accumulate. On a triangle track a kayaker with camping gear is faster than a canoe sailor at least in light or moderate wind conditions. In finnish summer there are often dead calm days when a canoe sailor can be left behind paddlers be several day distances. Or he can make several paddling day distances by sailing in one day.
A canoe sailor's journey plan must be flexible. The family must be notified of changes.The radio weather forecasts should be followed on a regular basis. If there is going to be thunder, heavy weather or gusts it is wise not to launch at all. The camping places should be carefully chosen in advance and use the ones that offer good possibilities for a longer stay.
Selecting routes
Some sailing canoes have adequate paddling possibilities that allow navigating rapids and dead calm normally. Then you can include narrow straits and rivers on your route plan. Canoe sailing is easiest on vast lakes and sea. In proximity of a shore the wind is gustier and waves steeper than on a distance but it is no wise to distance to far either. If there is a dramatic change in the weather there is a hurry to find shelter behind island or on shore. Long crossings should be made with extra carefullness.
The sailor should tie himself to his/her canoe with a line. In news articles dating from 1880's there are mentions about a canoe sailor who fell overboard and the canoe just sailed on faster than swimming speed. The suitable lines could be the other sheet line or the sea anchor line.
The ACA-canoe Itikka on day outing on the Lake Vesijärvi in summer 2002. Photo: Jorma Honkala
Going ashore
A proper landing spot is needed for a sailing canoe. The best option is a protected, gentle slope if no pier is availlable. A sailing canoe is always slightly heavier than an open canoe, so lifting from the water is more difficult.The slope should be sand or level rock.
A canoe can be pulled ashore using special inflatable rolls that double as buoyancy aid while sailing. If you don't want to drag a heavy sailing canoe far to the shore, it is better to moor the craft on a rock or tree. Rising water or waves can cause a nasty surprise and a new Robinson Crusoe episode.
It is possible to sleep in the widest of the sailing canoes. A boom tent or cockpit cover offer protection from the rain. Sleeping in a tight canoe can be a bit claustrophobic.
Summary
A common outing with touring paddlers is possible but it is unlikely that the daily mileages would be the same. Touring alone is not recommended, it is much better to take part on common trips with other canoe sailors. It is much more interesting and you don't have to defend your lousy mileage all the time ;)
Experienced sailors are sharing their touring experiences. Read the report of an ACA-trip of Jukka Vaijärvi and take note of our web pages concerning the clothing and safety of a canoe sailor.
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