So my father just got back from a trip to lake Chelan in Washington. From what he said this like is 55 miles long, has no roads on the upper two thirds and is in some of the most beautiful mountain country in the nation. I think I want to go and sail that lake.

I want to ask you experienced canoe sailors what I should expect to get out of my little fleet of sail canoes. I have three now, all Grumman boats, two with the 55 squire foot lateen sail and one with a 65 Gunther. I still have not really learned to sail them yet but the plan is to learn next spring then by mid summer load up all three boats my brothers maybe a nephew or two and go camping and sailing on the big lake.
For planning should I not plan on covering any more distance then we can paddle? Should I expect to make 10 miles a day on the water? Is that too much? I do not know and I will need to have some idea when it comes time to put food and other supplies in the boats and push off.
Any ideas?
Dann

Hi Danndav1

First I suggest you learn about sailing, by reading books and practicing. Then you might be ready to go sailing on Lake Chelan next summer.

Hopefully you know about camping and have good gear. Do not forget to bring enough food, water, juices and maybe some beer!!!

My experience: Last august 2009, I went with my relative on a big lake (lake Taureau - Toro) in Quebec. We used a 7 x 7 ft tent, good sleeping bags, self-inflating mattress and everything needed for cooking. My canoe is rigged as a two masted lugger sails and has one outrigger (for more safety and stability) on each side, giving a trimaran aspect. We sailed a total distance of 85 miles in seven days. So for you, all depend of how much time you have for that trip.

Distance in sailing is always depending of wind - DIRECTION and FORCE. Force is given in F factor from F0 to F12 while F0 is calm no wind and F12 is hurricane (Note: Canoe Sailing Magazine have already published the wind chart for canoe sailors). For an experienced canoe sailor, and to all of them, the rule is never go more than F5 (EXPERIENCE SAILOR ONLY). F3 is the best wind condition. Going DOWNWIND mean going smooth and more in a straight line. But there are time when you will have to sail UPWIND, meaning going zig-zag at 45 degres from wind. That is it, doing so mean much effort to reach your daily destination. Sometime, when in rush, it is good to have a motor (electric 30 pounds or outboard - I have a 3.6 HP motor and a 34 pounds electric motor - using the outboard for longer distances, because electric becomes useless when battery is dead. Gas is more available and you bring few cans).

So when you are ready, or you think you are, I recommend you to learn about wheather conditions. It is wise before going sailing to see what is going on, as far as you can see on the lake. You may decide to go or not to go that day, or wait sometime later on for better conditions. Bring a small portable radio receiver to monitor wheather.

And last but not the least, never, never, never go sailing without your LIFEBELT on, that is mandatory, and for all crew.

For more details, read my article as: <<A Sailing Canoe Story>> on the CSM homepage.
A short video clip is being edited now and to be released later on YOU TUBE.

Have a good sailing!!!!

Pic of my Sailing Canoe rigged for camping.