For Todd Bradshaw

[hoz]

I have been sailing my open canoes for a couple of years now. I guess
I just got lucky setting them up as they are "balanced" with slight
weather helm. I didn't do much mathematics with them, but then the
leeboards are adjustable fore and aft.

I am drawing sample sailplans for my current project, a decked sail
canoe. The leeboard will be fixed and I would like to have a plan on
paper before getting down to building.

I have your book (Canoe Rig)and have been pulling my hair trying to understand the geometries.

Does this sound correct to you?

1. Find CLR (including rudder)
2. mark 10% lead
3. draw sailplan so that total CE centers over #2.
4.Install leeboard at #2, under total CE.

I am thinking about maybe using main and mizzen on this one and want to get it right before I start building.

[Todd Bradshaw]

That should get you in the ballpark. It's difficult to nail it down exactly since canoes are so subject to changes in their lateral plane (among other things) due to small changes in trim, but that also often allows you to "tune" the hull in use by just moving slightly or shifting your weight. Sometimes just varying the way you trim the sails can make a big difference in the helm balance. The twin-sailed rigs in particular can offer dramatic adjustments in helm balance with just slight changes in sail trim, even to the point of not really needing a rudder. I've had several customers take their twin-sailed boats out for sea trials before ever building their rudders and manage quite well. Most eventually do build one, but they are usually pleasantly surprised that they can sail so well just using sail trim for steering. Sounds like you're on the right track.

[hoz]

Thanks Todd. After drawing a couple of plans I noticed my CE usually came out too far ahead of the CLR. Then I decided to find the CLR first and plan the sails around that. Guess I need to make some cut outs of the sails so I can slide them around to fit!

My current canoe (Souris River Quetico 16, single mast) handles quite well. Close hauled she will almost sail herself with only small corrections with the paddle (no rudder).

After 3 years of canoe sailing I am starting to get the hang of trim, adjusting sail, leeboard placement and weight transfer to steer the canoe. Now I want to complicate it with a new canoe and adding a mizzen!