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Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Quetico Forum :: Sail in the Q?
 
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mapsguy1955
01/04/2018 11:33AM
 
I just really LOVE paddling so the sail thing won't come up on my trips.
 
joewildlife
11/22/2017 07:06PM
 
Never dumped my solos (Clipper Sea 1 and Kruger Sea Wind) with the sail...I know my limits and know how to self rescue if necessary. It was just getting fun in the Clipper on Tampa Bay, during the 2016 EC in the first pic. BUT I would be flying the sail only when catted up with another Kruger Sea Wind (pic shows a Monarch catted up with a Sea Wind...have two Sea Winds now and would fly a sail on one of 'em). It would take a waterspout to flip that rig.

 
DancesWithTrees
11/24/2017 01:06PM
 
Out of curiosity, what is the argument against using a sail? Why would it not be allowed? It's not like a motor that causes pollution and noise.

 
rdricker
11/25/2017 03:40AM
 
Here is a photo of us in Quetico. We hooked three canoes together and used the dining fly tied to paddles. Sailed about 6 or 7 miles along the southern leg of Quetico Lake.

 
cowdoc
11/24/2017 02:33PM
 
The rules state "no mechanized travel". Crude tarp sails seem to be allowed but anything with a mast, ropes and pulleys falls into the "mechanized" category.
 
Savage Voyageur
11/25/2017 07:41AM
 
Joe, that sail looks very nice, custom setup. I’m not sure about it’s use in the Q.
Even a oars on a canoe is not legal in the BWCA. Makes no sense to me the rules they come up with.
 
mastertangler
11/25/2017 01:34PM
 
I was speaking with a ranger at Isle Royale (Lake Superior) and related a tale of some woe concerning 2 Kruger Sea Winds which were linked together and sailing around the island. They unfortunately hit a reef and actually flipped.......no small feat! The boats were damaged (another difficult achievement) but the paddlers were not hurt badly. Of course their trip was over.
 
bobbernumber3
11/21/2017 02:43PM
 
Pretty sure mechanical sails are not allowed. Not sure where to find the reg.


When concerned about regulations, our group always asks ourselves "Would _____ be fun?" If the answer is yes, it is likely not allowed.

 
joewildlife
11/24/2017 05:22PM
 
"Mechanized travel" means travel using...a boat...propelled by a machine or by means of machinery".


This grom the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act.


I can't see how a super simple sail rig could be interpreted as machinery or a machine.


I can't find any prohibition of a sail in the Q. There is specific language for the Bwca.


I will ask at the Ranger station next time in, or plead ignorance.


Joe

 
billconner
11/24/2017 05:39PM
 
quote DancesWithTrees: "Out of curiosity, what is the argument against using a sail? Why would it not be allowed? It's not like a motor that causes pollution and noise.
"



20' catamaran with sails crossing Basswood? Not for me. Any modern sail boat would seem very out of place in the wildernees to me.
 
Jackfish
11/22/2017 12:09PM
 
Look at it this way - if you're sailing down a lake and the rangers see you and want to write you a ticket, they'll never catch you (unless, of course, they have a 25 hp paddle on the back of their boat).


Seriously, this question has been asked on a number of occasions and I don't remember if we've ever gotten a definitive answer, i.e. something official from both the BW and Q.
 
bwcadan
11/22/2017 04:39PM
 
I guess ignorance is a blessing along with not getting caught using a triangle home made sail rigged with hand drawn mechanical system. You are right about about down wind speed and fun. Caution. Have mature travelers and use all safety precautions, as the downside could be severe if a problem came up.
 
AdamXChicago
01/02/2018 07:18PM
 

Tried this on a few trips. Typically, when I brought it along, the wind was either in our face or generally calm. On trips where I didn't bring it, we had strong winds at our back. Go figure...

 
joewildlife
11/21/2017 09:54AM
 
Does anybody know for sure if there is a regulation against using a small sail on your canoe in the Q? I cant seem to find any info either way.

I know you can't in the Boundary Waters.

I have a 1 and 1.4M Falcon sail on a couple of my solo canoes. It only weighs a couple pounds and stows away very compactly so it would be no problem to leave on a canoe, even if it is only used occasionally. But when you get any kind of wind, it would make covering a lot of miles a blast and very fast!!

Joe

 
QueticoMike
11/21/2017 12:32PM
 
I think you can use a tarp and rig a primitive sail for canoe, but I don't think you can use a mechanical sail in the Quetico. Maybe others can chime in and help you out? I will try to see if I can find something to help you out.
 
QueticoMike
11/21/2017 12:46PM
 
I couldn't find anything that would help you out on this site. You can always call the Park and just ask them - 807-597-2735. If you do call, let us know what they tell you.
 
Coy1084
12/31/2017 11:48AM
 
My take is that it is very little use. Into the wind, things are unstable attempting to tac and with the wind you don't need it. Yes, I have tried one.