14.1 What are the origins of Sailing Canoes?
Sailing Canoes became a natural extension as an alternative
means of propulsion for many types of canoe across the whole
of Oceania. Sailing canoes were amongst some of the largest
ever constructed throughout the Pacific and were used in
Micronesia, Melanesia and Polynesia in a variety of forms.
Sailing canoes were used not only on Polynesian double hulled
voyaging canoes up to one hundred feet in length, but for
smaller canoe forms designed for solo use by fisherman who
would paddle to their fishing spot in the still of the early
morning and sail home in the afternoon powered by the afternoon
sea breezes and trade winds.
Sailing rigs were used and continue to be used on a variety
of outrigger types, both single, double and double hulled.
Double outrigger sailing canoes are common to Micronesia
and the islands of the Phillipines and Indonesia, whilst
the single outrigger sailing canoes are common to Polynesia
as was the double hulled sailing canoes.
14.2 Are sailing canoes raced and where?
Yes in Hawaii. The Hawaiian sailing canoe is now undergoing
a revival. The canoes as used for outrigger canoe racing,
which are essentially traditional fishing and coastal canoes,
would of had provision for a sailing rig and so, with some
modification, some canoes have been converted in order to
allow a mast to be stepped in the canoe and a sailing rig
attached.
14.3 Are there purpose built racing sailing canoes?
Progressively more and more so. Some have even become very
hi-tech with the inclusion of modern sail clothes of mylar
and aluminium masts in order to reduce the weight and make
rigging somewhat easier. They are constructed somewhat more
robust in order to accommodate the weight of the rig and
to withstand the additional strain created by the stresses
that are created by sail power. Some are built to a shorter
length for only 4 crew rather than 6
14.4 Do sailing canoes have any additional
means of stability?
Yes. They have the inclusion of a safety float (ama) which
makes them more along the lines of a double outrigger canoe
as they have a primary float (ama) and a secondary.The primary
float (ama) is larger than the secondary which is of standard
float (ama) size. The primary float (ama) is rigged out
on the right hand size and there is the inclusion of a trampoline
rigged between the two spars (iako) supporting the float
(ama). Here, up to to three crew members can sit to keep
the canoe stable with sail set out on the left side and
this is also where the sheet person sits, controlling the
sail.
14.5 How is the canoe steered?
A steersperson performs the usual steering techniques from
the back of the canoe. Because of the speed at which sailing
canoes can travel in the heavy trade winds of Hawaii it
can take two to steer such a beast and often number 5 will
steer also.
14.6 Is there much paddling?
Yes as paddle power combined with sail power compliment
one another except when it is really blowing then the forward
paddlers zip up the covers and sit out on the trampoline
to create some stability.
14.7 Do they take a lot to rig up?
Yes. Up to six hours!
14.8 How long are the races?
Up to 90 miles. Races between islands are the most popular.
One of the most popular and well known races is the Steinlarger
Ho'omana'o Sailing Canoe Race between Maui and Oahu, 75
miles, held in May of each year. It is currently in its
9th year.
14.9 How fast can they travel?
Up to 20 knots!
14.10 Is there an official association?
Yes. The Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Association.
Updated January 2005 © Batini Books 2005 |
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