The freedom to sail a small craft in a range of environments is at the heart of canoe sailing and adventure afloat. For many OCSG members, day sailing on lakes with friends is their main and valued activity. Others aspire to more adventurous journeys, such as multi-day cruising in coastal waters.
The attraction of Canoe Sailing
Portability
Sailing canoes are small seaworthy craft that are easy to move around on land, making launching and recovery quick and easy. Their light weight makes them easy to transport to new sailing areas on a car roof rack and, unlike heavier dinghies, they don’t need a slipway to be launched.
Adventure Sailing
While days out on inland lakes in gentle winds are enjoyable, the potential for greater challenges is huge. Multi-day cruises in exposed conditions with the challenges of wind and tide can provide excitement, a sense of achievement and genuine adventure afloat. This requires a higher level of training and careful planning.
Expeditions by sailing canoe over the years
Some of the more adventurous and experienced of our members have undertaken multiday expeditons, camping ashore and travelling along the coast.
Early Canoe Sailing
Canoe Sailing as recreation started in the Victorian era and was at the forefront of the expansion in leisure activities.