Can a Skua be fitted with a sailing rig?
Answer. Yes, but it shouldn’t be done. Some people can’t resist the temptation to convert a pretty rowing boat into a sailboat. The design requirements for rowing and sailing differ enough that any hull which has been optimized for rowing will not be a sterling sailer, and any boat that sails like “a real sailboat” will not row like the best rowing craft. Putting a set of oarlocks on a nice sailing dinghy probably won’t negatively affect its sailing qualities but, almost any alteration or addition you make to a high performance rowing craft in order to make it sail will adversely effect its comfort, efficiency and perhaps its safety. Under oars Skua can go faster on all points than most dinghies ever sail. Cutting up or cluttering up a hull like Skua’s in an attempt to make it sail will only compromise this design’s extraordinary rowing performance. There are very few rowing craft that can prepare you for the remarkable efficiency and civility of a hull like Skua.
Answer. Yes, but it shouldn’t be done. Some people can’t resist the temptation to convert a pretty rowing boat into a sailboat. The design requirements for rowing and sailing differ enough that any hull which has been optimized for rowing will not be a sterling sailer, and any boat that sails like “a real sailboat” will not row like the best rowing craft. Putting a set of oarlocks on a nice sailing dinghy probably won’t negatively affect its sailing qualities but, almost any alteration or addition you make to a high performance rowing craft in order to make it sail will adversely effect its comfort, efficiency and perhaps its safety. Under oars Skua can go faster on all points than most dinghies ever sail. Cutting up or cluttering up a hull like Skua’s in an attempt to make it sail will only compromise this design’s extraordinary rowing performance. There are very few rowing craft that can prepare you for the remarkable efficiency and civility of a hull like Skua. We strongly urge Skua
