A UK-wide Club for those interested in using a sail on canoes and kayaks

 http://www.ocsg.org.uk/ 

OCSG events are primarily social with the competitive aspect providing a talking point for some and, just as importantly, a testing ground for new ideas and developments.  Sailing abilities and experience have been raised by our light-hearted competition and, while certainly not the sole intent of the OCSG, racing does provide an important disciplined situation helping to improve skills which can often be directly transferred to other occasions. 

During the summer of 1990 the Open Canoe Sailing Group came into being, with the publishing of dates for meets and a regular monthly newsletter. Although it is based in the United Kingdom we have members from beyond these shores, the internet and email making it easier to keep in touch. It is really a "club" for like-minded people and members are keen for it to remain informal, relaxed and friendly; any ‘seriousness’ or over-competitiveness is generally avoided! 

The Group encourages newcomers to the activity and provides a meeting point for canoe-sailors to engage in the activity together and share ideas. It has a website (www.ocsg.org.uk) and email address: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Meets are arranged in different parts of Great Britain and sometimes further afield, to provide variety and a 'local' venue as much as possible. OCSG events are primarily sociable and are usually based at waterside campsites to keep costs down. The group is financed by membership subscriptions (the annual fee for 2008 is £30 for newsletters by post and £20 by email). This monthly newsletter (The Gossip) carries meet reports, cruising news, details of meetings etc and items of general and technical interest to the canoe sailor. 

The Group's activities have been a significant influence on the development of canoe hull shape and rig design, together with appropriate equipment and skills, for extended cruising as well as racing efficiency for those so inclined. Some group members undertake camping expeditions, on coastal as well as more sheltered waters. 

Most events include lots of pottering about, cruising and socialising. The events in bold italics include a little racing (mostly on Sundays). Please note that neither the Coastal Gathering nor the Camping Expedition is for beginners!

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