The USCA Nationals are going to be at Bristol, IN in August 2008.

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Some in the USCA, VP Ken Gerg & myself, are trying to promote a new "Stock Canoe" class. I'd like to see it be successful, cause I think these are nice boats to paddle and useful for more than racing. The USCA adopted their stock specs from a race in New York, The Adirondack Canoe Classic 90 Miler. Look in the "Classes" for spec details and info on this race on this link.

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C-2 STOCK: Included in this class are hulls similar to the Jensen 18. There are minimal concave lines in the hull and no concave lines in the gunwales. Maximum length is 18' 6'', no minimum weight. Minimum width at 4'' waterline is 15 percent of length (33 5/16'' for 18'6''). Tumblehome max is 1'' per side. All NYMCRA specifications apply. The current C-2 Stock list includes: Wenonah: Jensen 17, Jensen 18, Sundowner, Minnesota II, Odyssey, Escape, and Escapade; GRB Newman Designs: Traveler 17' 5'', Traveler 18' 6'', Monarch; Mad River Lamoille, Horizon.; Bell Canoe Works Northstar, Northwind, and Northwoods; Savage River Works Susquehanna (read BWJ Winter 2007, pgs 101-106).

C-1 STOCK: Maximum length - 17’ 0”, Tumblehome not to exceed 3.5” per side. No minimum weight. The current C-1 Stock list includes GRB Newman Designs Classic and Classic XL; Wenonah Advantage, Prism, Encounter and Solitude; Sawyer Summer Song, DY Special and Shock Wave; Savage River’s Otegan (modified) Bell’s Magic, and Mad River’s Independence.

If you have questions about your boat or the 2008 USCA Nationals send me a message and I'll try and get an answer for you. The boats listed are what they are familiar with in the NY area. If your boat doesn't look like a race boat it's probably OK. We need numbers entered at the USCA summer Nationals to make it a permanent class.

what about a Wenonah Voyager for the C-1 class? it's 17'6" but is a very common and popular tripping canoe.

I know I have one too, but it doesn't meet the specs. I guess they had to draw the line somewhere. The guys who brought up the Stock Class idea were from the east and just cut/pasted the rules from the Adrondack race. They don't know much about BWCA and less about Q. Anyway we have nice tripping boats. We have plenty of Voyagers that race in the local races in Indiana too, but we won't be able to use them at the nationals.

I don't think they are any faster than an Advantage or Summersong, so much wetted surface. But a much nicer paddling position being that narrow. Try and borrow one that meets specs. It's not a big field racing these. I think it's a good class to get people started, or keep'm going. I can't get excited about Pro-boats, burned out. The idea is to get boats that are good to race and use for tripping/cruising too.

I got a chance to paddle/race the Savage River Susquehanna. It was in the BWJ article resently. It was as good as the article said, fast, but big and stable too.

Give me a PM if you're thinking of trying it. I might be able to track something down.

Course looks great and weather should be cooler for the long races next weekend. Slide by and check it out if you're in the area.