Raid (boating)
Raid – A sail and oar adventure This is a leisure pursuit combining sailing and rowing. It involves a fleet of small boats capable of being rowed and sailed, exploring a coastline or inland waterway over several days, often with some competitive element.
In describing raiding, the organiser of the 2010 & 2011 English Raids[1] states; "The idea of making coastal voyages in company, in open boats powered by sail and oar, was given currency by the French group Albacore, led by Charles-Henri le Moing during the 1990s, starting in Portugal and Scotland... The word raid has slipped into English and lost its usual associations of pillage and destruction – to those who participate at least."[2]
Raiding has become increasingly popular amongst small-boat sailors, and this has fostered the development of raid-worthy boats. An example of the type is American whaleboat "Molly" crewed by The Henley Whalers.
Raiding is not only an enjoyable outdoor activity, it has been noted to promote family participation.
Examples
Other extant examples of this type of raid include:
- Dorestad Raid[3][4]
- Raid Finland Established 2002
- Sail Caledonia[5]
- The Vela Raid in Venice[6]
- Shipyard Raid
- Raid Poland (active)
- Croisiere Loire
- Small Reach Regatta
Further reading
• “Hooked on Raiding”[7]
• and in “Raid Boats International”[8]
The concept of sail and oar raiding is not new; The Vikings were infamous for it[9]