IC Myths

Myth’s

Myth 1- Canoes are very hard to sail…

Actually it is quite the opposite, as you are sitting on the plank, progressively moving  (See picture) 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)

Myth 7- Canoes are so unstable.......

They are actually quite easy to balance (as per the page picture) & being narrow the centreline or balance point is never far away