This may (or may not!) be of interest to the Gull cruising fraternity.
Just finished a blog post about a fascinating book I have found about Sailing Canoe cruising in the 1800s on the Mersey and Dee estuaries (for those who know the area).
I don't know if any of these craft are still about, but they seem to have made some very interesting passages!
They are still about. You can build your own or buy them ready made from makers such as Selway Dory. I had one for a while and it was great. They can be very tipy without outriggers! The association arranges a long cruise on the west coast of Scotland every year, sleeping on beaches as they go. Any portages are made with the use of small trolleys that can be placed under the boats and carried inside the boats when sailing.
I will check that out - sounds like an interesting concept for cruising - although I am guessing there is a reason why dingies took over in popularity?!
Jon, Dinghies probably hold more beer than canoes. A couple of weeks ago there was a sailing canoe for sail on ebay in your neck of the woods. I was tempted, but because of the distance and also a slight concern about no outriggers once the sail was hoisted, I decided not to bid. As Chris said there are loads about. G
Sailing Canoes in the 1800s
Posted - 08/12/2009 : 21:43:55
