Canoe Sailing The first Canoe sailors were the Polynesians, using outrigger hulls and sails of matting to explore and populate the Pacifics over 500 years ago. In the 2nd half of the 19th century canoeing got a sailing development in North America when an effective small sailing vessel with center board (drop keel), yawl rig and outboard rudder was created, and used in competition. Canoe Sailing spread through Europe in the early 1900's, and in 1933 an International Class was agreed upon by Britains and Americans, the 10 m2 Canoe. In 1946 the 10m2 Canoe was adopted by the International Canoe Federation. World Championships Defunct Event: European Championships