Myths/FAQ’s

Over the years there have been a few myths & FAQ’s about the IC.

The best way to bust the myths/answer your own questions might be to take one out for a sail & see for yourself! Try an IC

Myth’s

Myth 1- Canoes are very hard to sail…

Actually it is quite the opposite, as you are sitting on the plank (see page picture), progressively moving out as you need righting moment. When you reach the end you can hike off the end, though most of us just put our bum over the end & then de power the rig as needed (about 12-14 knots) to start with.

Myth 2- you have to be very experienced sailor, to sail a Canoe…

We have actually had a previous association member learn how to sail on a Canoe, before retiring from the class due to injury. That being said, having some previous sailing experience would be advantageous.

Myth 3- Canoes are stuck in the 80’s….

The class was a one design for many years (Nethercott, abbreviated to ICOD) before going back to the original development class roots in 2009. Being a development class we are all pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

Myth4- you have to be a boat builder or carbon wizard to get into the class….

3 of the last 4 national championship boats have been home built & 2 of those were built in plywood with minimal carbon! There are plans available & plenty of help within the class.

Myth 5- you have to build it yourself/be a tinkerer….

Most Canoes in Australia (and the world) are self/backyard built recently 3 have been built by Brett Van Munster (who builds the 18’s & most of the 16’s). We also have Tim Wilson who will build a SST hull to various stages of completion

Myth 6- Canoes are very expensive……

The price range of second hand boats is very reasonable ($500-$7000) & for a new all carbon boat you would be on the water expect to pay between $10 000 (self built) to $30 000 (professionally built)

FAQ's

#1- do canoes foil?

While we allow a T foil rudder which does help (amongst other things) with reducing displacement there is no foil permitted on the centre board so we are a non foiling class.

#2- what is the average weight range of Canoe sailors

Canoes have sailors ranging from flyweight (65KG or so) to heavyweights (120KG +)

#3 - How hard is it to recover from a capsize ?

 With the low free board most Canoes are easy to reboard (like a SUP/as seen above) & because they are so narrow the centre board is very close to the water when they lay on there side so it is an easy climb up!

#4 - How expensive are Canoes?

Entry level boats start at around $500 & prices for a complete new boat go up to around $30 000,00 (though there are many ways to bring that down)

#5 How many Canoes are in Australia?

We have a growing fleet & have issuied 41 hull numbers, of which 23 are sailing or for sale & 3 are still under construction

#6 What is my ICAA membership used for

-maintain affiliation with Australian sailing

-cover website hosting & support/organisation costs

-Fund marketing & advertising to attract new members

-provide awards & organise merchandise as required

-insure & upkeep of Bunyip for use by members/class prospects

#7 What are the benefits of joining the ICAA

-being part of the AussieIC team

-free new boat registration

-national & regional championships are run at cost

-design, maintenance & sailing support 

-use of Bunyip at events (conditions apply)