International 10 Sq.m. Sailing Canoe
For over one hundred years racing sailing canoes has fascinated, exasperated, intrigued and even infuriated some of the world’s great sailors. The voyage includes the earliest known recorded planing boats, the second longest standing international sailing event, and the ability to go upwind like a stiletto through butter.
The key features of the Canoe are its relatively small but highly efficient rig, its long, slim and lightweight hull, and of course the sliding seat.
How do you sum up the appeal of the International 10 Square Metre Sailing Canoe in four short paragraphs? "The dry fly of sailing"? (Uffa Fox) "one of the most interesting things that God let man make"? ( L Francis Herreshof) "Oh [deleted]!"? (nearly everyone who’s ever sailed one)?
For well in excess of one hundred years racing sailing canoes has fascinated, exasperated, intrigued and even infuriated some of the world’s great sailors. Along the way decked canoes have provided the earliest known recorded planing boats, the second longest standing international sailing event, an enormous amount of idiosyncratic fun and the ability to go upwind like a stiletto through butter. Sailors who become smitten with the class’ unique challenge often stay sailing them for decades.
The key features of the Canoe are its relatively small but highly efficient rig, its long, slim and lightweight hull, and of course that sliding seat. The "plank" is key to the experience. There’s something very unique about sailing your boat from your perch some feet from the windward side, and while all is going well its a surprisingly relaxing experience. Physically its generally less demanding than a trapeze or wings, but it does bring some extra handling challenges.
No boat can be all things to all men, and its pointless to pretend that this is a mass market boat. But then Château d’Yquem is not a mass market wine, and a pre war blown Bentley is not a mass market car. Some special things are, well, just special, and, unlike the wine or the car, this one isn’t unreasonably expensive...
Latest Web Updates
New York Canoe Club International Challenge Cup 1886 (28 Apr 2021)
Grindstone Island
In History, September 1886
The following was submitted by Ed Kattle. It was originally published in Harpers Weekly, September 4, 1886. I can only assume that the content is now in the public domain.
The International Challenge Cup (Prior to having over 100 names engraved upon it)
Of all of the camps that dot the surface of habitable America during the summer, perhaps that the canoeist at Grindstone Island is the jolliest. There is just enough of recognized authority to lend a comfortable sense of security. There is an �Officer of the Day� and a bugle to sound reveille and tattoo, and plenty of authentic young fellows in picturesque flannels to pitch overboard any objectionable ... continue reading...
New York Canoe Club International Challenge Cup 1886 (28 Apr 2021)
The Canoe Races
The International Canoe Challenge Cup offered by the New York Canoe Club was finally won on the 8th inst. By the Canoe 'Lassie', owned and sailed by Mr. Calvert Bowyer Vaux, of this city, whose portrait is published in this issue. The first ... continue reading...
New York Canoe Club International Challenge Cup 1890 (28 Apr 2021)
A Foul Loses Ford Jones the Race Sports and Pastimes Section, Toronto Daily Mail, Sep 3 1890
New York, Sep 2 - The International Challenge cup of the ... continue reading...
New York Canoe Club International Challenge Cup 1895 (28 Apr 2021)
Paul Butler's "Wasp" still exists : see Adirondack museum here. ... continue reading...
- New York Canoe Club International Challenge Cup 1913 (28 Apr 2021)
- New York Canoe Club International Challenge Cup 1914 (28 Apr 2021)
- New York Canoe Club International Challenge Cup 1948 (28 Apr 2021)
- New York Canoe Club International Challenge Cup 1952 (28 Apr 2021)
- New York Canoe Club International Challenge Cup 1955 (28 Apr 2021)
- New York Canoe Club International Challenge Cup 1959 (28 Apr 2021)
- International Canoe Worlds 1961 (28 Apr 2021)
- International Canoe European Championships 1971 (28 Apr 2021)
- International Canoe Worlds 1972 (28 Apr 2021)
- New York Canoe Club International Challenge Cup 1974 (28 Apr 2021)
- International Canoe Worlds 1975 (28 Apr 2021)
- International Canoe Worlds 1978 (28 Apr 2021)
- International Canoe Worlds 1981 (28 Apr 2021)
- New York Canoe Club International Challenge Cup 1984 (28 Apr 2021)
- International Canoe Worlds 1984 (28 Apr 2021)
- International Canoe Europa Cup 1986 (28 Apr 2021)
Latest Forum Posts
Chichester Harbour Race Week 2021
From phil r, Thu May 06, 2021 8:48 pm
Entries are now open for Chichester Harbour Race Week (Fed Week) which takes place at Hayling Island Sailing Club from 9 to 13 August. The link to the website is
https://chichesterharbourraceweek.sailevent.net/
ICs will sail in the fast handicap fleet, but if we get 10 entries (we had 8 in 2019), we might get a class start.
The format is one race a day on a triangle- sausage course sailed near high water, so plenty of room within the harbour. 3 races to count out of 5, so worth coming even if you can only do a few days.
There will be an overall entry limit, so don't leave it to the last minute before entering.
