First Sail in my Sailing Canoe

I managed to get out for a try out sail on my sailing canoe last week. It was a little windier than I had hoped and I started off with a reef in the sail. I was very pleased with how things went and I now have a list of little changes I want to make to Caleb before I go to one of the Open Canoe Sailing Group meets this Autumn.

Things to do:

• Setup appropriate buoyancy to assist with self rescue
• Improve the rigging of the lug sail, focusing on easy reefing and the ability to stow the sail rapidly
• Work on capsize recovery procedure /system
• Remove part of the coaming to allow for sitting out on the gunwale
• Reinforce gunwales.

Happy Days!
RxSailor

Rigging the lug Sail on Caleb

I measured the lug sail the other day and it came out to 44 square feet. I am pleased with that size. I have attached some insulation pipe to the yard in the hope that in the event of a capsize it will prevent the boat from completely inverting. The yard is quite light in itself being made from bamboo............ Ignore the twisted halyard in the photo!

I have also worked out the best way to completely strike the sail and store it on deck with the minimum of fuss.

Work and family commitments are preventing me from getting out for a first sail but I am hoping it won't be too long before I get the chance for my first adventure.

Picking up my 50/50 Sailing Canoe

I have just come back from meeting two wonderful people, Geoff and Jo who sold me Caleb, a 50/50 sailing canoe designed by Paul Fisher. They live in a beautiful part of the country just South West of Shrewsbury, so it was quite a drive from Somerset to get there but worth it.

Jo kindly provided lunch for me and we enjoyed a nice afternoon talking boaty things. As an aside Geoff and Jo used to own a Skipper 17 and Geoff ran this web site for Skipper enthusiasts.

This picture was taken today, as soon as I got home I couldn't resist doing a quick garden shuffle and rigging her up with one of the two sails that came with Caleb. I believe the lug sail shown has never been used on Caleb (I might be wrong)  I need to spend a little time sorting out the rigging for this sail but hopefully it won't be too onerous. I can't wait to get on the water!

Caleb 50/50 Sailing Canoe - a Paul Fisher Design

I am nearly the proud owner of a sailing canoe that I have always followed with interest. Caleb was designed by Paul Fisher for Bill Serjeant back in 2003 and Bill did a fantastic job building her. I couldn't believe my luck when Caleb came up for auction on Ebay for the second time and I won the bidding :)

I am due to pick her up on Wednesday from her current owner who I am really looking forward to meeting as we have had a couple of interesting chats on the phone.


Here is a picture of Caleb being sailed by Bill in her original colour, I guess this was back in 2003-2004.

I hope I will do Caleb justice and have many happy adventures paddle sailing in my local waters of Lyme Bay!