why a
sailing canoe?
Sailing canoes are the ideal small boat, providing exhilarating sailing performance, yet still easy to paddle when the wind dies. Unlike most sailing dinghies they can be carried on your car's roof rack and are easily launched and recovered without any need for a slipway. If you want expeditions, camping, exploration and adventure with a concept well-tried since the 1860s, look no further! To read more click here
Sailing canoes are also highly economical with low outlay and low maintenance and running costs when compared to other types of sailing boat. There are two ways of doing it, so read on!
Interested in canoe sailing? Your options for getting started..
buy a ready built
sailing canoe
Solway Dory Sailing Canoes have a hull design and layout that are optimised for sailing and expeditions. Ready built sailing canoes are faster, more seaworthy, more comfortable, safer and better looking.
Click here to see our full range or alternatively select a model below.
fit out your own
open canoe
If you already have an open canoe this is an economical way to get into canoe sailing and it can be surprisingly effective.
For the serious paddler wishing to extend their range on trips we offer the Expedition Rig. It is a small, efficient sailing rig that is quick to put up and will allow you to sail downwind and with the wind on the beam. With the addition of a leeboard this rig will sail upwind. When stowed in its own small bag it takes up little room in the canoe and will not compromise your paddling.
For the person wishing to create a truly multifunctional craft we offer the Bermudan Rig and the Lugsail Rig. These allow the canoeist to sail upwind as efficiently as many small sailing dinghies. It is true that when stowed there is some interference with paddling but the sailing performance is much greater than that of the Expedition rig. Click here to see our full range.
About Solway Dory
Solway Dory was started in 1981 by John Bull at Kirkbride on the Solway Firth. Originally he designed dories but he soon became interested in sailing canoes and went on to become the main instigator behind the current revival in canoe sailing. He was the founder member of the Open Canoe Sailing Group and did much to promote canoe sailing in the 1990s.
John retired from Solway Dory in 1998 and now it is a partnership of the three of us; Dave Poskitt, Dave Stubbs and Jan Poskitt.
We have been passionate about sailing canoes since the early 90s, sailing in the Lake District throughout the year. We regularly attend meets of the Open Canoe Sailing Group taking part in racing, cruising and training events. We particularly enjoy setting out for camping trips on the West Coast of Scotland where we are able to experience a real sense of adventure and freedom by exploring the beautiful islands, lochs and remote beaches of the Hebrides.