Installing a Sailing Rig onto my Cedar Strip Canoe. Solway Dory Expedition 25 Lug Sail.

In this video, I will be installing a sailing rig to my cedar strip canoe.
Canoe sailing gives the paddler an option to extend range on a canoe trip by harnessing the power of the wind to assist with the effort of paddling and increase speed if the conditions are right.
I have chosen to install the Expedition 25 Lugsail from the British sailing canoe manufacturer Solway Dory. This is a well designed and superbly well made sail rig, made by people who understand about sailing - genuine sail-cloth, cut and sewn beautifully and incorporating tell-tails, a mast and spars which hold the sail in shape using adjustable lines to keep the sail in shape, an Ash leeboard to help with stability and to keep the canoe from being pushed sideways by the force of the wind - a proper sailing set-up. As part of the install, I also make up a bracket for the leeboard that will sit over the side of my canoe, clearing the gunwales and allowing the board to pivot up and out of the water for paddling or for shallow water.
I have not sailed for many years, but used to enjoy it as a child, so I am very excited to be able to use my trusty canoe as a sailing vessel - both for the shear fun of it, but also to assist with long hours of paddling on extended canoe trips.
I hope you enjoy the video.
Thanks for watching!
Links
Solway Dory
www.solwaydory.co.uk
West System G-Flex
www.westsystem.com/specialty-...
Contact me at:
[e-mail]
Or by mail at:
Simon, a bloke in the woods
PO Box 384
Diss
Norfolk
IP22 9DB
UK
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Music:
Opening track by Foxy Fox foxyfoxbeat...
Wild Buffalo By Magic in the Other

[@darrellpidgeon6440]

A great build. May the hours and days of fun on the water never end.

[@yaxihighriser]

I’ve recently bought a prospector canoe and have been pondering fitting a sail. You have opened up more options for me. Thanks 👍

[@myvoiceyourstory9338]

I really enjoyed this episode Simon ! I’d watch you do anything

[@MadGingerCat]

I don't have a canoe and know absolutely nothing about sailing. That being said, I found this really entertaining, highly instructional and more than a little inspirational. Another medicinal mind-calming episode with Simon at 4am. Always love your content Simon. Keep em coming.

[@GaryLHedrickJr.-kl3mb]

Great Job Simon.Gary from Ohio U.S.A.

[@kingrafa3938]

Can't wait to see you use your canoe with sailing rig Simon 👍🇵🇭

[@johngray9702]

Thank you for your wonderful video. Can't wait to see it in action.

[@lesthompson7923]

Ahoy, is there anything more satisfying than the sound of crisp new sails?! I’ve been sailing all of my 63 years, and now I’m searching for a suitable kayak rig to take along while I’m out camping with my travel trailer (caravan). Your handcrafted canoe is even more enviable Simon! Fair winds and following seas.... ⛵️

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Les!

[@maryblaylock6545]

There is a family that builds rigs for kayaks in Minnesota . Having trouble with Google on that one!

[@robarcia2328]

Hey Les, check out Hobie Kayak’s Island adventure kayaks. Sail and pedal drive. Wife and I own two of them. We’ve sailed lakes and offshore (Atlantic and Gulf waters) and simply love them. In Simon’s words, ( Just Lovely! ) 🤣👍

[@ianadamson1241]

Have a look at "www. Kayaksailor.com" for sailing kayaks Might be just what you're looking for. I've got one of their rigs on my touring kayak and I love it.

[@kristoferyoung1511]

So happy to have found your video! I've dreamed of sailing since I was a child, and this year Im going to get a canoe to make the same kind of rig! I'm BEYOND excited to finally live the dream!!! And even better, a sailboat I can transport on the roof of my car!

[@tphvictims5101]

BUSHCRAFTERS RULE. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 PERIOD. ONCE AGAIN, that’s one sweet Canoe 🛶 I paddled my Canoe around for two weeks before I figured out it was upside down. Boy was I embarrassed. 😉🤣👍🏻

[@rlands5134fd]

A nice addition, can't wait to see you try it.

[@stuartwebster829]

Simon,there is something very comforting watching someone who knows exactly what they are doing,doing it extremely well. Looking forward already to the big trip planned for August. Best wishes Stuart

[@cooperswayadventures]

Ragnar, Floki has built a beautiful boat... Lagathar you are right... Amazing job Simon🍻👌👍

[@annebeginn2034]

😆😆😆

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Hahaha! 😁

[@cooperswayadventures]

@@simonablokeinthewoods 👍👍🍻🍻

[@ivanroulson931]

So lovely to see this. You'll love it! We've got a FyneBoatKits MillCreek 16.5 with the sail kit and it's great fun. With two in the kayak it balances well but I've found that I needed to move my seat and the lee board in order to balance it when sailing solo. I did have a rather "interesting" trip once where my seat was too far back and it would only go downwind at quite a rate. If it's any encouragement, I've never capsized, but then maybe I'm a bit chicken with the sheet. I've never cleated it, so I can let go of the "bravery string" anytime I get nervous. Happy Sailing!

[@chriscjjones8182]

Looking good. Can't wait to see you out in it

[@1967AJB]

Utterly magical, I’m not canoe person, but that really fires my imagination, Three Men in a Boat meets Swallows and Amazons with a sprinkling of the stories my dad made up for me when I was a child. Have a wonderful time pal.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks matey!!

[@thedogsbollox1]

Hi Simon. Been watching your sailing rig build. I have a tip for your wing nuts. Use a hole cutter to make 2 discs from some 20mm stock. Before you cut right through, use a table saw to cut a 5mm deep slot across the discs through the centre. Continue with the hole cutter. Put these discs on your bolts and put the wing nuts on upside down so the wings get stuck in the slot. You now have a knob to tighten the nut which is less painful than tightening the wing nuts. More importantly, your wing nuts will now float.

[@sibaldi2922]

I love the fact that after a rubbish day of work, meetings etc a video from Simon pops up. Make a brew, settle down and be transported away from the daily grind for half an hour. Great to see a sail going on and I’ll be looking forward to more adventures. You’re certainly going to have your work cut out going upwind on some of the Norfolk waterways.😀

[@janwaller3585]

You do such amazing work,as it seems, on all that you touch. Beautiful job on that canoe and rigging. I see many hours of pleasure ahead of you .

[@cbb1362]

Absolutely bloody fascinating. Thank you.

[@armaghannematullah561]

Wonderful! Thanks for all the info and hard work. I will be following closely for seeing it in action!

[@robertgoodbody2936]

That looks great can’t wait to see it in action 🛶

[@jonahtwhale1779]

Simon, a bloke in the Wood(an boat)s! Another thoroughly enjoyable video.

[@stumpymacgabhann]

What a beautiful thing, she's a work of art.

[@wesleybard6539]

The end product is spectacular. Can't wait to see it in action.

[@annebeginn2034]

Wow Simon how exciting 😬😬😬😬. Like many many others can’t wait to see you play with this set up. Loved your last video canoe camp with Andy. Always look forward to your next instalment. Stay cool catch you next time 😊

[@karenputt3383]

Fantastic. Looks like a ton of fun.

[@charlesmedley9611]

Thank you for sharing. Always a pleasure.

[@jamesellsworth9673]

THANKS FOR SHARING THIS PROJECT!

[@kengarland2181]

Totally awesome Simon. You just gave me some great ideas .

[@dougdoebbert7873]

Great video. Awesome woodwoorking skills. You are living the life!!

[@mphigham1963]

Really impressed with that Simon, can`t wait to see it in action Pal

[@Shivaziv]

Great video Simon, I love your DIY projects... they're interesting to watch and so relaxing to see you work on them. Can't wait to see the trip!

[@darrenspeed6854]

Soooo envious. What a great rig.

[@theninjaman]

Now that's some lovely bit of kit there buddy like it can't wait to see you on the water 💧👍🏼🖤

[@tomasmalmros6091]

What a cool project Simon

[@steveroberts1422]

Super video👍 can't wait to see you test it out.

[@thomascraig7230]

Great stuff. I do enjoy watching a craftsman applying his craft. Looks like it's going to be loads of fun.

[@steveqhanson6835]

Very exciting! Have fun and stay safe.

[@geoffminter2927]

Great job Simon, can't wait to see you out in the water with the new sailing set up

[@Ravelinn]

thank you Simon for this video.... just amazing

[@garylhedrickjr6863]

Great job Simon, thanks

[@amilzekria6635]

That looks amazing Simon. I can not wait to see it action. Have fun. Atb🤓

[@leegosling]

Solway Dory… True craftsmanship. Amazing quality.

[@greetb9330]

Lovely job, great aesthetics as well as practicality. Thoroughly enjoyed that one Simon.

[@sarkybugger5009]

Great bit of kit, Simon. Can't beat free energy. Have fun.

[@runvidr]

I love how excited you are about this project! I can't wait to see the sailing canoe out on the water! That's just what this channel was missing!

[@jasonreid611]

Great episode...really looking forward to seeing that work

[@Smokeywolf64]

Nice job almost cant wait to see you sailing her 😎👍

[@LoisDavidsonArt]

Wow! How exciting, can't wait to see how it performs in the water, really enjoyable to watch, thanks!

[@mickreid7153]

Looks great! Nice job too.

[@gabijones2445]

you look so excited. nice video, thanks.

[@anneli1735]

❣️ Love your canoe ❣️ especially now sailing ❣️

[@pm1104]

Brilliant idea!

[@claramullen]

This is an amazing conversion Simon.

[@Tentcl]

Awesome! Small boat sailing is a lot of fun! Really looking forward for a test-run video!

[@tonystrange7224]

Cracking video Simon. Really love your build videos as much as your outdoor camping videos. This one was especially interesting.

[@dantheman_youtube]

Love canoe sailing!

[@javiercorreapr9977]

Simon thanks a lot ! You just got me started in leeboard construction for my kayak!

[@ArielleViking]

Interesting project, I look forward to seeing you test this sail out. 💯❤👍

[@deborahhoch2662]

Can’t wait to watch the August trip!

[@43963]

Nice job Simon. Wishing you fair winds and following seas!

[@bradlafferty]

I really enjoy watching you work your crafts, by which I mean your carpentry skills and your videography skills. The different angles you use and your editing really brings the process to cinematic life! Thanks, Simon!

[@BrianthatiscalledBrian]

Looks like a great setup, Simon. Just remember when you do try it out, you always have a place to stay here in Canada. 😉😜👍🙂🚣‍♂️

[@brixham20]

Do you know what, I wasn't so sure about watching this but I'm glad I did. Another great video. Extremely interesting. 👍

[@hamzataha6656]

Thanks for showing this video, it is a good demonstration of how to convert. I hope you have success when sailing, that future video will be interesting to see. I will wait for that upload. Cheers

[@magicdrshoon]

Nice one Simon! Interesting. Can't wait to see it in action!

[@paulaboyland2946]

Hi Simon, what a greative video, enjoyed watching....thankyou 😊💝🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 Xxxx

[@KevinOutdoors]

Very elaborate video and interesting to watch. Lots of planning in this one, well done!

[@northernembersoutdoors1045]

Wow, what else to say, I had no idea a canoe could take a sail, all your skills on show here with great quality work, must be very satisfying. Look forward to seeing it in action, nice one cheers.

[@affalaffaa]

What a handsome vessel that is now. Can't wait to see the rudder.

[@tcanwell]

Superb work!!

[@daveedwards6567]

Nice one Simon looking forward to seeing the sailing video thanks

[@Curlew-Corner]

Thanks. I know absolutely nothing about canoeing or sailing but I found you video absolutely fascinating.

[@trakyboy5128]

Of course I will be waiting for that sailing video to appear. But as someone who has been in carpentry since I was 16,, owned my own handyman business for 25 to 30 years somewhere in there,,, and I've been around a lot of people that do and don't know what they're doing and everything in between. and I can honestly say you have a unique skill set Simon !! And although I have no doubt you're happy in your little world,,, over here in the US there's a big need to fill a niche with people with your skill set especially when it comes to this generation of Van dwellers. I've heard multiple times on the internet of people saying that there's long waits,,, & very hard to find someone who can take what they envision and make it become a reality !!! because not everybody can do that !! some people can only follow drawings some people can only follow what someone else is done,,, but to take something from someone's mind and make them see it that's a whole another level altogether. U would do well here my friend 👍🏽👍🏽. Anyway, ☮️ And keep on rocking the free world ☺️ Simon. Ps.. I appreciate the fact that you're also good in the kitchen but I really enjoy watching you do things or what you made or creations or something simply because that's where I'm at that's where my head is. 😊

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you for your kind words!

[@chrishewitt4220]

Arrghhh me hearty! Craking video again Simon... can't wait to see you out with a fair wind behind you and your sail full!

[@davidvirgo5023]

Quality stuff, looks epic👍

[@PrimevalAO]

Awesome work! Feels like an old school Japanese fishing boat with modern day materials.

[@johndifrancisco3642]

Best of luck with the set-up, Simon. Looking forward to seeing it in action.

[@ellon118]

That is a really beautiful canoe. It must be a labour of love to keep it in that condition. Great video.

[@DaveHines1]

Looking forward to her maiden voyage 😃🍾🍻

[@craigpalmer347]

Looking forward to see you use that Simon👍👍👍

[@The_Stoic_PhilosopherSH]

Cool, Uncle Simon!

[@garytherrien1675]

masterful....beautiful job thank you

[@donaldrohrbach502]

AWESOMENESS!!! You have me thinking..

[@rachelmarvellous-marmoset706]

Thank you for your video 💖 looking forward to this 😊

[@victorchetcutimusic8665]

Thank you for sharing 👍👍🙂 well made and well done

[@lindaridenour2032]

Great rig.!! Watching u from Ohio USA.

[@eddiekeylon323]

This is going to be interesting..... Great video as always. Cant wait to see how well it works. As my trusted canoeing source, I really appreciate your opinion and honest evaluation. I adore that canoe you built.

[@dianejacklin4338]

What a great video. I think the adventure in August will be fantastic.

[@tonysmith5924]

Super nice job! Looks professional, like it’s was completed at a factory!👍👍👍

[@WIZ-IN-PA]

Another great video Simon!

[@Kozu604]

That is an extremely fine looking canoe and I am quite intensely jealous of every part of it. I hope to have a canoe someday, learning to sail too has long been a dream.

[@BulldogBadger]

Fantastic video Simon! I have no interest in boats or carpentry and you kept me informed and entertained for almost 26 minutes.. really enjoyed the video and was in awe of your skills 👏

[@wayfarerchris.4116]

Nice one Simon, you'll have lots of fun with that 👍🙂.

[@paulclarkson5494]

Brilliant craftsmanship and lovely to see you at work superb explanation of every part of the fitting. Be great to see you in action with the sail. Paul and jilly ❤

[@tonygoring4704]

another job well done! BOSH!!

[@mentalneil]

Definitely should have had that installed for the windy River Medway trip, and it should be interesting watching you fly across the waves now

[@twoflower8264]

I used to have a rough sail rigged to my old Grummand canoe years ago on derwant water. Nothing as flash as yours but it worked. Looks great

[@swjfc1554]

Can’t wait to see it in use pal 👍

[@Sirrehpotsirch]

Thanks, Simon. Always a pleasure to see a new video. Your adventures inspired me to take my canoe down to the delta where the winds can be strong and contrary. The winds on the return trip slowed me down so much that I missed my window to get back before low tides forced me to drag my canoe through several yards of thick delta mud. I'll look into a sailing rig. Thanks, again!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Ah!! That’s no fun wading through mud! Glad you got through it okay!