History
The traditional Guadeloupe canoe is the result of the development in the twentieth century of races based on the canoes used for fishing and transport in the archipelago. These are also called saintois canoes because they are the result of the adaptation of the Breton hollow canoes by the settlers when they arrived at Les Saintes. A successful blend, synonymous with performance. After the development of motorboats, these canoes had become very rare. Following the example of Martinique's neighbours, where the skiff circuit was very popular, the Guadeloupeans relaunched a canoe championship in the 1990s.
A precise gauge
A box rule was written to allow the different boats to run on equal terms. The main characteristics are as follows:
- Max. length 5.35
- Width 1.80 m
- Local wooden construction
- The crew consists of a maximum of 6 crew members and 7 if they are female.
- The only additional ballast allowed is composed of sand or pebble bags that can be dropped en route.
A powerful boat
Equipped with an extremely powerful mainsail, the boats require a crew that is constantly abseiling. Physical, the boat allows you to reach amazing surfing speeds and leads to beautiful acrobatics!
A tool for protecting a heritage
The traditional sailing circuit is the affirmation of an identity and heritage. The tradition to be preserved is as much the boat as the construction and the local image.
