Sailing Rafted Canoes
At a recent Four Star Leader Training course in the North East the group experimented with rafted improvised sailing rigs and were able to test them out for real in winds of Force 4 and gusting Force 5. The group had a lot of fun, and we spent some time discussing the safety implications of rafting boats and sailing.
Before I get onto the specifics of what was discussed, have a look at a video of their achievements-
Some thoughts on safety-
Use a single cross-spar to raft the boats – this allows both hulls to ride the waves independently and less likely to swamp.
Ensure a gap between the hull – a 30cm gap significantly reduces the risk of the bow waves created by each hull converging and washing into the boats.
Use quick release knots where possible. The whole rig can be set up with quick release knots. This might be important if the raft becomes swamped and the boats might need to be seperated for rescue. A knife would serve the same purpose.
Carry a large bailer – a bucket sized bailer is good.
Ensure the sail can be instantly de-powered. On these rigs, a karabiner was suspended just below the apex of the A-frame. A line was passed though this and tied to the sail. This line was used to quickly raise and lower the sail.
Carry a throw bag for rescuing people who fall overboard. Even if the sail is instantly de-powered, the raft may blow away from the person in the water more quickly than the swimmer can swim. If the wind is strong enough the raft crew will take some time to paddle back to the person, and may not make it back at all.
Please contact me for details of similar training or the BCU Four Star Award.
