What is a Scow?

What is a Scow?

The Scow is truly a North American invention in one-design sailing

The Scow’s origins are traced back to broad beamed and vastly over canvassed racing sloops called sandbaggers, which had large crews and movable bags of sand for ballasting.

In 1898 the Canadian Boat, "Dominion", revolutionized Scow design. She won the 1898 Seawanhaka Cup with ease. She was unbeatable in any condition.

"Dominion" was part of the inspiration for the M20 tunneled hull Scow design.

Pigeon Lake Yacht Club was started with one scow over 30 years ago. A wooden, 20’ Class “D” scow was brought to the Kawartha Lakes which later led to interest in

importing other used wooden scows into Ontario. There was soon a slope-rigged “D” scow, a cat-rigged “C” scow and a few M16 scows, which at the present make up our largest

fleet (getting close to 30 M16s!).

The next class of scows to arrive at PLYC was the M20, which now total 7 boats. As shown in the B&W photos above, this design was inspired by the Canadian Champion - Mr. Duggan of the Royal St. Lawrence Yacht Club.

The introduction of the 28’ Class “E” scow added a great deal of excitement as its speed and power captured the enthusiasm of many at the club. There are currently have 4 “E” scows at PLYC.

The history of the scow class spans over 100 years and is still growing, The amazing Class “A” scow, with 38’ of awesome wind power, is a growing class in the Inland Lake Yachting Association,

for the hardcore sailor who wants to experience what some may call “The Ultimate Sailing Experience”. If you would like to experience was a scow has to offer to the experienced sailor and beginner alike,

send us an email or just stop by to say hello!