I just got back from the DVD (Delaware Valley Division of the American Canoe Association) Annual meeting. The attendance was good and the program excellent. Al Bratton showed his handcrafted canoes and kayaks and discussed building techniques. Al builds boats professionally. He was joined by Wes Tanaka, who builds kayaks as a hobby. It was a lot of fun watching them play off of each other as Noel Rickert interviewed them both.
The meeting reminded me of some of the wonderful parts of the sport. At one time, building your own boat was common because there was no large canoe industry to support the sport. Today, people build boats to explore design ideas and to express themselves in a work of art. And believe me, some of these boats are works of art.
Another rare part of the sport on display was a canoe sail boat. Canoe sailing used to be the most popular part of canoing. But now it's getting harder to find participants.
If you are interested, the Sailing National Championships 5 meter class wil be held on Sept 22, 23 2007 on Lake Nockamixon in Quakertown, PA. The practice sail will happen at 3pm on Friday. There will be three races Saturday and three races Sunday. Late registration will be at 9am Sat and Sun. The skippers' meeting will be at 9:30 and races at 11am approximately.
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