OVERVIEW OF CANOE SAILING
American Canoeist, February 1884, by Lrdyard
"I judge, from what I hear and read of canoeing, that all canoeists are not
sailors, and those who are not would scarcely find the same enjoyment in the schooner
as in the canoe, for in the latter they can paddle on the rivers or in any moderately
still water, and until they have learned to sail can enjoy themselves immensely."
Canoes have been used for sailing since before 1870. This traditional style of
sailing appeals to canoe sailors of all kinds who enjoy the simplicity and charm.
Touring by sail canoe with camping gear is popular and you can paddle when necessary.
Performance canoe sailors know that you do not need a separate boat for sailing.
The novelty and challenge of canoe sailing provides a unique challenge!
Any type of canoe can be sailed whether it is a whitewater ABS canoe or even a
birchbark canoe. With its narrow lines, a canoe offers speed, good upwind performance
and maneuverability. You can buy a new sail and rig for less than $1000, however,
most canoeists prefer to make their own rig and save money. Making a rig is a beginner's
project; you need a minimum of tools and experience. Free rig plans are available.
Rigs are also available for purchase from time to time, either used or new.
Who Are We? The National Sailing Committee of the American Canoe Association,
promotes sail canoe instruction, racing and cruising. Both International Decked Canoe and open
canoe sailors form the National Sailing Committee of the American Canoe Association. New sailors
are always welcome. We have sailors ranging in all ages, some with over thirty years of experience.
Where Are We?
To find canoe sailors in your area contact one of these representatives for more information:
New England: Larry Haff, Westborough, MA 01581 LarryHaff@aol.com
Massachussetts: Larry Zuk, 189 Prairie St., Concord, MA 01742 ( 978) 369-6668
New York: Chuck Durgin, Binghamton, NY 13905 e-mail: Durgin@aol.com
metropolitan New York: Mick Raffle, Brooklyn, NY E-mail: mickraffle@yahoo.com
or (718) 399-7412
Mid-Atlantic: Marilyn Vogel, 2210 Finland Rd., Green Lane, PA 18054 E-mail: seashell@entermail.net
(215) 453-9084 and Charles Sutherland
Ohio-Penn: (summer) Bob Halsey, Willoughby, OH 44094 E-mail: RobertGHalsey@aol.com
Ohio-Penn (and winter) Dan Reiber, E-mail: danreiber@adelphia.net
Dayton, Ohio: Don Aughe, Dayton Canoe Club, Dayton, OH 45414
northern Illinois: Steve Liss, 4600 Northshore Av, Lincolnwood, IL 60846
southern Illinois: Bob Clausen, 510 Killarney, Greenville, IL 62246
Iowa: Wally Foster, 1851 Melrose Ave, Iowa City, Iowa 52246
Dixie Division: Florida: Noble Enge, 3348 State Road 13, Switzerland, FL 32259 (904) 287-2820
And Florida winter: Bob Halsey, Naples, FL 34108 (941) 597-5563 (Dec-March)
Texas: Red River Div: Dave Gilliland, 210 James DR., Heath, TX 75087 E:mail lifesave@flashnet
California: Del Olsen, Pt. Richmond, CA 94801 (510) 233-1286 E:mail: DWOlsen@aol.com
Pennsylvania: Lake Nockamixon near Quakertown in southeastern PA
Ohio: Pymatuning Reservoir, border of Pennsylvania, one hour south of Lake Erie
New York: Lake Sebago in Harriman State Park near Sloatsburg
California: San Francisco, San Diego and Santa Cruz
Clubs:
Sebago Canoe Club, Paerdegat Ave North and Ave N, Brooklyn, NY 11236 (718) 241-3683
Dayton Canoe Club, 1020 Riverside Drive, Dayton, OH 45405 (513) 222-9392
Pymatuning Sail Club, northeast corner off routes 6 and 7 near the border of Ohio and PA, 1 hour south of Lake Erie
Sugar Island Canoe Club, Thousand Islands, border of New York and Ontario, Gananoque, Canada
