Years in the Making

JULY 28, 2024
On this day a few of us from the village were lucky enough to help launch a boat; this is the story behind that boat.

I’ve long been intrigued by sailing canoes which were popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. We had a 40 year old 16-foot fiberglass canoe. Being partially retired, I had time to give my old friend a new purpose. 

I worked many years in yards building and repairing large wooden fishing vessels and yachts including refits of the original Bluenose II. But as this venture into such small craft had inherent unknowns, I decided it should be a proof of concept test-bed using “off the shelf” inexpensive materials.

I designed a ketch-inspired rig using hollow wooden masts and the very old, but still effective “balanced lug sail” while incorporating the newer idea of roller boom reefing. 

Instead of the more common centre board for lateral resistance, I used swing-up foil-section leeboards. Also a “kick up” rudder to facilitate beaching.

The initial largely successful test, did reveal the need for f minor changes before the next outing. — Allan Malinen

Allan’s first passenger will be his granddaughter who also has the privilege of naming the boat.