Building a Sailing Canoe - Part 7

Finally it is time to sail....after months of building. How will things go?
I wanted a portable sailing dinghy that would be quick to rig, and would double as a kayak (in fact a double kayak). In this video series I document the build so you can build one too!
The boat was designed for the choppy conditions on Port Phillip bay, and is a hybrid of the Sabre and the Viola sailing canoe (by Michael Storer), but is built in the style of the Huntington Harbour Kayak (by Spira boats). I also took some advice from the helpful experts at The Wooden Boat Forum.
Music:
Beautiful Piano by LesFM | lesfm.net/pian....
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[@brucefrye2292]

I did this with my kayak, fell over a few times, practiced all I could, now I can sail anywhere!

[@leemelbourne3297]

Thanks. I am keen to get in as much practice as i can, even though the water is freezing. But last few weekends have been 40km + winds (20 kts +).

[@GrenvilleMelonseedSkiff496]

Practice, practice, a little tweaking and then more practice! I like it! Well done.

[@jonathantoseski9702]

Absolutely awesome Lee!

[@julielancaster162]

She takes to the water well, what a unique project.

[@geoffburrill9850]

Would like to build something similar, bit of Viola 14, bit duck punt, bit 50/50 sailing canoe.

[@leemelbourne3297]

Get stuck in and do it! I need to post an update video. I have since made lots of alterations, including removing the side flotation tanks (for more internal pace) and adding rowing arms, stabilizers, and a keel for tracking when rowing.

[@pakde8002]

Now you know why outriggers are so important on a sailing canoe. I bought a pair of pneumatic wheelbarrow tires and positioned them in the middle of the boat so it's very easy to move around even on rocky beaches.

[@leemelbourne3297]

Do you use the tyres as both outrigger support and transport? That is a great idea. I have actually made many improvements since and need to make a new video to cover them all. I added a set of "arms" to allow rowlocks to be outside the canoe (much like an Angus Row Sailor) and these can also be used to hold some small outriggers I created.

[@rmpaine]

Thanks for sharing the capsize. People need to know this reality about dinghies (i.e., that pony can throw you off).

[@leemelbourne3297]

I still have not had a chance to test a deep water capsize since I added rear floatation and removed the side flotation. Getting back into a canoe will no doubt be tricky.

[@fishmut]

I built a sailing canoe about 15 years ago with a lug sail setup , totally enjoyed sailing the rivers but my mast was not good enough after a couple of sails snapped it in 2 , sailing teaches you things you just don’t expect lol as you found out falling into the drink haha give me a good laugh , sailing so much fun , nice sailer you built and you enjoy it , well done .👍

[@leemelbourne3297]

In retrospect I think I overengineered everything, as it was much too heavy. I am making some changes to improve the weight and usability and will post another video when done.

[@RedDesertPhoenix]

Thanks, I'm looking to build something pretty similar, and this is an inspiration

[@leemelbourne3297]

You are welcome. Currently I am thinking of a way to build a cheap furling sail setup. Once you lower the lug rig, it takes up too much space in the boat to paddle easily. I will post a video of the improvements I have made once complete.

[@backwoodbasics9383]

What an ambitious, fun project! As I found with my sailing canoe, winds under 10mph are most enjoyable. As I watched, I envisioned oar locks. I bet she would really scoot as a rowing boat. Thanks for sharing!

[@leemelbourne3297]

Thanks for the feedback. Yes, I find that anything above 20km (about 12mph) is uncomfortable as the bay here gets quite choppy. Waves really toss these small boats around. If I had a furling sail I could easily depower or eliminate the sail and paddle. You are right, row locks would be great. I like to see where I am going so will stick to the kayak paddle for now. But maybe will add those later on.

[@derrymic]

Fine set of videos, thanks. First sail in very light breeze might have been easier.

[@krzysztofzemski291]

I had same learning path with my little boat:) Had to shorten the tiller to be able to move sides freely also changing the downhaul setup to 4:1 does helps get right shape of lug sail up wind. Well done Lee! Hope to see you on the water.

[@leemelbourne3297]

I had a good sail on the weekend with 20km+ winds. I didnt realise that the chop would throw the boat around so much. When heeling over, the small waves almost capsize you. You really need to concentrate and turn into the worst of them.