Established in 1986, the Maine Canoe Symposium is a volunteer-run, nonprofit weekend event held annually at Camp Winona on Moose Pond in Bridgton, Maine. The Symposium allows participants of all ages to develop an understanding and appreciation of the diversity of North American canoeing heritage and to develop canoeing and related skills through educational workshops, presentations, and hands-on instruction.

While there are a lot of great events, here's one we sailors can't miss. Presented by Contributing Editor Benson Gray, it's the:

Canoe Sailing Workshop

Before there were any "one-designed" sailboats such as the Sunfish, Sailfish, Butterfly, Laser, etc., the canoe was a boat hull that was easily converted into a sailboat. Back in 1880 the American Canoe Association was founded and its first competitive event was a sailing canoe regatta held at Lake George, NY. This activity has been going on ever since. At the Maine Canoe Symposium I will demonstrate three canoes that have been converted for sailing using a 55 sq. ft. and 75sq. ft. sail, steered either with or without a rudder and in some cases without drilling any holes through the canoe. Weather permitting you will have a chance to sail them, even if you have never sailed before. Be sure to bring your Life Preserver.

http://www.mainecanoesymposium.org/

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