Sailing River

[Hawk4661]

I am kicking around the idea of sailing a part of Missouri River this fall...has anyone here have any experience or links to share.......txs guys and fair winds to all .
Hunter 23.5 w/6hp Tohatso Mtr

 

[Mark Major]

I "sailed" the St. Johns in Florida some years ago downstream (northward) from Sanford to Jacksonville. I found I had to motor most of it, for often regardless wind direction the trees along the river influenced it so that most of the time I was heading into it. That, and the fact my direction was constantly changing with the river made putting up sails almost useless. It was better when crossing many of the lakes along the way, and when almost to Jacksonville it opened up enough to do some sailing. It was a wonderful trip though for beforehand I had studied the history of it, and unlike offshore sailing there was always a shoreline with the flora and fauna, along with oxbows, islands, and gunkholes to explore.
Have fun!

 

[cephius (Dave)]

That's been my experience on the upper Mississippi too. The wind gets channeled by the banks and trees. Its either on your bow, or your stern, regardless of the twists and turns of the river, or of the wind direction.

If you get lucky and the wind is behind you, it's great.

I had a 45 min trip to where I could sail from my first marina. I rarely put the sails up until I left the river channel. I also used a high thrust outboard because of the current and wakes in the channel.

 

[esterhazyinoz]

I sail on the Swan river in Western Australia whose 15 mile 'sailable' length runs between the Indian Ocean/Port of Fremantle and the City of Perth. I haven't experienced the problems mentioned above. There is a lot of yacht racing on the river in the wider bays. You usually experience all points of sailing on any given day. I've attached a photo of the place were I launch from (5 minutes from my home). Now a days I just sail for enjoyment in a little Hunter 15 and consider myself very fortunate to live and sail here. It is not something I would have expected to do where I was born (New York City).
If you do decide to sail the river please let us all know how it went.
Good Luck!

 

[Hawk4661]

Thank you guys for your input. I believe the Missouri maybe a little to wild and hazardious for my altn power. The Arkansas River looks much more do able so plans are in the works.